|
Tournament News 07... |
Hong Kong - Nov 07, Bad Luck strikes again...
Tania has had to pull out of this years Hong Kong open due to an adductor injury picked up in Qatar.
Speaking from Hong Kong Tania said...
"...I have pulled out of the tournament due to an adductor tear. I was going to try and play with it as I thought it was just stiff from the last tournament. But it slowly became apparent that it was worse than that. I saw the physio today and he said it is almost guaranteed to tear more if I play on it.
This would mean 8 weeks out rather than 3 as it is now and I really don’t want to make it worse. He said it is the adductor muscle that is torn and the tear is in the middle. I will have a bit of rest then start rehab on it.
I have had problems with it before and have played with it. That is why I thought it would be fine. However it has only been pulled before rather than torn.
It hurt when I played Natalie Grainger in Qatar a bit and I was really stiff the next day. But I thought it was just stiff and didn’t think any more of it. I hit for the first few days and it was ok but when I hit yesterday morning the pain was a bit sharper. It is really bruised as well.
It will hopefully be fine though and I just need to get it sorted. I would have played today with the pain as I don’t mind doing that, but it is just the damage it would cause that I am worried about…”
Qatar Classic - Oct 07, Tania maintains semi's run in Qatar...
Doha - Oct 07 Semi Tania (4) lost to N Grainger (5) 2/3 (60m) Quarters Tania (4) bt V Atkinson (8) 3/1 (52m) 2nd Round Tania (4) bt E Kheirallah (14) 3/0 (37m) 1st Round Tania (4) bt L Hansen 3/0 (25m)
|
Tournament Report After the extreme physical exhaustion of Madrid, Tania had all of 3 days to fly back to Luton, drive home, unpack, wash, repack, drive to Heathrow, Fly to Qatar (8+ hours), unpack and prepare for the Qatar Classic. All this with the back end of a sinus infection that had given her such trouble in Madrid. Despite the lack of sleep, rest, preparation etc she started the tournament with a clinical win over Denmarks No.1 Line Hansen and followed that with another strong performance to beat Eygptian No.2 Engy Kheirallah. In the quarter final she once again faced a resurgant World No.8 Vanessa Atkinson and it was not looking good when Vanessa took the first game 9-7 and with Tania struggling for breath once again she had game ball in the second. Had Vanessa gone 2-0 up it may have been curtains for Tania. However Tania battled hard, saved the game points, took the game and didn't look back. Following the win she emailed to say: "...I am really pleased to have got through to the semis again. I really didnt expext to. Vanessa played really well in the first and the second and made it really hard for me. The rallies were tough and my breathing was bad in the second but I managed to win it I then played really well in the third and fourth. I played tight with good length and took the ball in short well..." In the Semi Final she met the back on form Natalie Grainger who had dispensed with World No.2 Natalie Grinham 3-0 in the previous round. Natalie has always been one of Tania's bogey players, but you wouldn't have thought this was the case as Tania raced to a 2-0 lead against the American No1. Unfortunately Tania began to tire in the middle of the third game and Grainger came through to win 3-2. Grainger represents a strong force in the Worlds Top 5 once again. In a quick text before she headed off to the airport Tania said... "...I am pretty gutted. Even though I'm pleased to have reached this stage I was in a winning position in that match and was playing really well. I am going to have a few welcome days rest now before Hong Kong..." (Further Tania quotes from squashsite can be found using links below) Despite the loss Tania is still pleased to have made the Semi's considering her lingering sinus infection and will be hoping to be totally free of the infection when she kicks off in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Quotes from the press: "...Tania played very well, keeping the
ball away from Natalie’s racket and making her move into all corners of
the court. Then she put some very well weighted drop shots into the front (Laura Lengthorn-Massaro) "...How Tania managed to push through what seemed incredible breathing discomfort is amazing. Yet she continued to battle and with an outstanding pick up on a forehand drop she took an 8-7 lead..." (from Vanessa Match) "...At the start of the second Tania came out focussed, mixing the pace and shots, stretching Engy to every corner. Tania was onto all loose balls, putting them away at the first opportunity..." (Lauren Briggs) Facts/Media For other quotes from Tan see the following reports from the squashsite: Next up is the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday! |
Worlds - Oct 07, Tania's titanic efforts in Madrid...
Madrid - 27 Sept Semi Tania (4) lost to N Grinham (2) 2/9 5/9 7/9 (41m) Quarters Tania bt V Atkinson (8) 9/0 10/9 7/9 9/4 (49m) 2nd Round Tania bt L Lengthorn 8/10 9/5 10/9 9/3 (75m) 1st Round Tania bt J Hawkes 9/4 9/1 6/9 10/9 (69m) Photos from squashsite... My Photos (I need a new camera)..
|
Mark Bailey reporting from Madrid Overview When Tania came off court after losing the third game against Jaclyn Hawkes in the first round (On Tuesday) she had her head in her hands, she was shaking all over, was struggling to get air in and looked like she was on the verge of physical exhaustion. I told her not to kill herself and thought that she should give up and retire from the game. She wasn't well and should have been lying on a couch resting and not putting herself through the physical punishment that is professional squash. I was very worried about her. However despite my concerns she didn't give up. She wearily walked back on court. So what happened next? Well obviously she went on to reach the last 4 of the biggest womens squash tournament ever... Tania's performance in Madrid left me searching for superlatives. Her efforts were astounding... phenomonal... staggering even. She was brave, gutsy, and heroic. The full story... Tania was diagnosed with a sinus infection on the Thursday before the championships were due to start. She was put on antibiotics by her local Doctor. The course wouldn't finish until Quarter Finals day and she was told to rest. She decided to play because sometimes the infections are not too bad and can clear up in a few days. She doesn't feel bad in everyday life with these infections, its just when she has to take her body to the limits that it sets her back. She went on against Jacklyn Hawkes on Tuesday knowing that she needed a quick win this early in her recovery. The courts were hot and a quick win did not materialize as the New Zealander started retreiving everything in the third and took the game. Tania really didn't want to lose that game and it was at this point that I thought was time to pull the plug. The problem was that with her sinuses blocked she could not get enough air to her muscles. She says that the first match back after an infection is always the worst. But she would have none of it. She went back on court and battled couragously. She dug deep into reserves that hitherto had not been needed and somehow used every bit of energy to hang in there and win the game 10-9 in a nail biting thriller. Had Jackie took any of her 3 game points I doubt tania would have made it through in five games! After the game Tania half collapsed in a room near the court and was sat there gasping for air. There was no joy just yet. Just relief that she was off the court and was still in the tournament. We all wondered if she should actually be playing. But she insisted that it is just a breathing problem and that she has played with it before but it was on different (less bouncy) courts where your fitness isn't tested as much. This win was a real bonus for Tania and would mean precious ranking points in her battle to stay in the top 4. No one in the club expected her to go any further. She turned up to play Laura (who has taken Tania to 5 games in previous matches) again knowing that she needed to get off court with a quick win. The first game was a real battle and Tania lost it. She looked at me after having come off court and with a very anxious look said "I needed that game". Everyone thought the same thing. Especially as it was so close. Still, considering her illness she had done well to get to this stage and had nothing to lose. She may as well go back on there and give it a go. She went back on and battled hard gave it her all, struggled for breath, used every ounce of her guile and experience and somehow made it through in 4 games. Don't ask how. She was once again totally exhausted. Next up was the former World Champion and Dutch No.1 Vanessa Atkinson. A change of location, a change of court, more recovery and some fantastic squash saw Tania score a brilliant win. Against all odds she had reached the Semi Finals. The crowd and the press were full of admiration for Tania. The Semi against Natalie Grinham was a game too far for Tania's weary body though. Natalie was on fine form and Tania would needed to have been fresh and playing at 110% to beat her on this form. But the loss wll not detract from what will possibly be the hardest week of Tania's squashing life. She proved what a fighter she is and with two big tournaments in the next two weeks she will need those fighting spirits to get through them as well! Very Well Done Tan. Quotes from the press: "...What to do but bow to the spirit, guts and determination (Framboise Gommendy) "...During the intermission she looked very distraught, her head in her hands as she told the England coaches what her problem was. Things looked black but she came back, her toughness once more put to use..." (Martin Bronstein) After the Semi, speaking to the squashsite Tania said... "...I played well in patches, I pushed myself really hard all week, I I'm really pleased that I made the semis - I didn't win, but I was For other quotes from Tan see the following reports from the squashsite: Facts/Media Click here for Reports from Squashtalk Next up is the Qatar Classic on Tuesday! |
British Open - September 07, Tania carries British Flag into Semi's...
Manchester - 23 Sept Semi Tania (4) lost to N David (1) 1/9, 8/10, 3/9 (41m) Quarters Tania bt Vicky Botwright (6) 6/9, 10/8, 9/4, 2/9, 9/0 (80m) 1st Round Tania bt Annelize Naude 9/4, 3/9, 9/1, 9/2 (50m)
|
Mark Bailey reporting from Manchester Tania survived saturdays day of quarter final battles to make it through to the semi finals of the British Open in Manchester (she was the only British player to reach this stage). This beat her performance from last year and ensured that it is now 6 months since she failed to reach the last 4 of a WISPA tournament. Unfortunately in the semi final she once again met the "undisputed" champion of the World Nicol David and lost it 3-0. The 80 minute quarter final victory over compatriot and World No.6 Vicky Botwright had taken a lot out of her and she started the Semi Final slowly as Nicol took the first game 9/1. Nicol then raced to a 7/0 lead in the second game and it was looking as if Tania was heading for a very quick loss. However she dug deep at this point and managed to match the World No.1 shot for shot. She made it back to 8-8 with some brilliant winning shots and retrieving. Against Nicol you need to hit 3 brilliant winning shots in order to win the rally as she retreives shots that no other girl on the circuit would. Therefore Tania was having to hit closer and closer to the tin in order to win the rallies. Unfortunately this meant that at 8-8 she was forced to hit 2 shots into the tin which gave Nicol the game. Tania continued to play well in the third and it took a while to get to 3-3. Unfortunately with Nicol having a 2 game cushion she was able to relax and hit some excellent winning shots of her own to pull away from Tania and take the match with a 9/3 last game score. After the final speaking to the squashsite Tania said... "...Before I went on I felt ok, and in the knockup too, but as soon as I had to push in the first my legs wouldn't go as fast as I wanted them to. It took me a game and a half to get going, and at 8-all in the second I needed to push on but made a few errors. You have to hit a bit lower against Nicol, and when you're playing I'm working on a few things technically and I'll never stop training and pushing myself. There's still improvements I can make, but Nicol's a great player and at the moment she's the best..." Click here for Report on the Squashsite Facts/Media Next up is World Open on the 23rd October in Madrid |
Singapore Masters - August 07, Tania makes Semi's once again...
Singapore (1st June) Semi Tania (4) lost to N Grinham (2) 6/9, 6/9, 1/9 (46m) Quarters Tania (4) beats J Duncalf (8) 8/10, 9/3, 3/9, 9/1, 9/1 (84m) First Round Tania (4) bt Shelley Kitchen 9/5, 9/0, 9/0 (47m)
|
Tournament Report After an extremely eventful Malaysian Open Tania made the short trip from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore to take part in yet another WISPA Gold tournament. Having played Nicol David in the final in Malaysia on Saturday Tania was back in Action again on the Wednesday! And she may have wished for a relatively easy opponent but unfortunately that wish was unfulfilled as she came up against World No.10 Shelley Kitchen from New Zealand. Shelley has shown good form of late and has beaten the likes of Rachel Grinham and Madeline Perry in recent tournaments. Despite this, Tania managed to score an impressive 9-5, 9-0, 9-0 victory over her in 46 minutes. Next up was British Champion Jenny Duncalf. Jenny had stopped Tania from retaining her British Champion Crown in February and had also beaten Tania to gain the European Championship Title in June. This time however it was Tania's turn to take the win and she did so to make it through to the Semi's. However Tania's win came at a cost. It was a gruelling 84 minute match and she was incredibly tired after it. The thought of playing World No.2 Natalie Grinham, well known for her speed and endurance on a hot and bouncy court (ideal for endurance players) would probably not seemed such a great idea at this stage. The game against Natalie proved to be tough and after 46 minutes the Australian had the 3-0 win and was heading for the final. Despite the loss Tania was very pleased to have made a Final and a Semi-Final in the first 2 WISPA Gold tournaments of the Year. Tania said... "...I lost 6, 6 and 2. I got to 6-6 in the first two games but then made a few errors. I was tired in the third and unable to get into the game. The court so was so bouncy and the ball kept sitting up. I needed to be more precise with my short game. Despite the loss I am really pleased to have reached a Semi Final and a Final of the first two Gold events of the season. I have also learnt a lot from my last few matches. I have some things in my game to work on and that is what I will be doing for the next 6 weeks before 2 tournaments in England in September (Wolverhampton Open and the British Open)..." Click here for Report on the Squashsite Tania's update after beating Jenny... "...I was really pleased to win. I was a bit edgy at the start of the match and felt like I was reacting to Jennys game rather than playing my own. She played really well in the first and the third. Whenever my length and width weren't good she put the ball away. The rallies were hard, she was holding and moving me around a lot. I tightened up in the fourth and started to move the ball around better. I varied the pace a bit more, volleyed more and my short game was better. I was pleased to push through to the end..." Report from Singapore SRA ... "Quarter-finals at the inaugural CIMB Singapore Women's Squash Masters got off to a rousing start with 4th seed Tania Bailey taken the distance by 8th seed Jenny Duncalf in an 84min encounter that threw the evening's schedule playing times out of kilter. Bailey had to come from 2-1 down to beat Duncalf 3-2 in match that ebbed and flowed, keeping the capacity 400 fans spellbound. The scene was set from the first game when Duncalf paid little heed to Bailey's higher ranking, matching her opponent stroke for stroke. Although playing catch-up for most of the game, including facing game-point, it was Duncalf who pushed on from 7-8 behind to win 10-8. The pair then traded 9-3 games before Bailey found her groove to take the next two games to seal victory. Tania's update after beating Shelley... "...I am back in the hotel now. It was so hot on court, our first game was really hard and long, the ball just kept bouncing up. Shelley hits the ball really well, it was flying and she was moving well. In the second and third I felt like I started to control the ball better and was going short well. I was holding the ball better too and taking it earlier. I felt like my movement was good, especially considering the ball was so hot and the court was so bouncy. I hope you are ok, I will let you know how I get on tomorrow..." Facts/Media Next up is Wolverhampton Open on the 13th September |
Malaysian Open, July - Tania repeats last years Final Appearance...
Malaysian Open (25 July) Final Tania (4) lost to Nicol David (1) 4/9, 3/9, 2/9 (36m) Semi Final Tania (4) bt Natalie Grinham (2) 9/2, 9/4, 9/0 (28m) Quarter Final Tania (4) bt Kasey Brown 9/4, 9/7, 9/5 (50m) First Round Tania (4) bt Rebecca Chiu 9/2, 9/1, 9/7 (28m)
Some of the pictures above have been kindly supplied by Alex Wan. See more quality pictures by clicking here
|
Tournament Report The up's and down's of Professional squash... DOWN... Tania was delayed for four hours at Heathrow and missed her connection in Dubai. In Dubai her airliner told her she would have to wait 30 hours for the next flight. This would have left her with very little time to acclimatise before her first match. After heated discussions with the airlines staff they agreed to pay for a flight on another airline and eventually she got to Kuala Lumpur via Singapore several hours later than expected. DOWN... When she arrived at Malaysia on Saturday she was greeted by the fact the her bags had gone missing. All her rackets, kit, shoes, contact lenses etc etc. A complete nightmare! The misery was compounded by the fact that she was in Asia for 2 tournaments (Malaysian Open and Singapore Masters) and had packed a lot of extras. UP Her luck changed a little with the withdrawal of Vanessa Atkinson which meant she would have a lower ranked player in the first round. She borrowed kit and rackets from Vicky Botwright and got some shoes from a local sports shop. UP It improved even more when eventually on Tuesday her bags turned up just in time for her to play Rebecca Chui. She then beat Rebecca and then Kasey Brown to reach the semi final (which is where she was seeded to get to). UP In the Semi Final she defeated World No.2 Natalie Grinham 3-0. Natalie was unable to play at her usual level due to an achilles injury sustained in her previous match, but Tania still had to concentrate hard as Grinham never gave up. DOWN In a repeat of last years final, which was watched by a big home crowd and was broadcast live on Malaysian TV, Tania lost 3-0 to the immovable object that is Nicol David. Despite the loss Tania has further cemented her place as one of the top 4 women players in the world. Tania's update after the final "...I lost 3.0. I played well. I tried everything but she just kept getting the ball back. I made some errors when going for winning shots. In some rallies I did everything right but still didn't win!..." Tania's update after beating Grinham... "...I am really pleased to be playing in the final tomorrow. I felt like I played a lot better today than in the last 2 matches. It felt like I was moving a lot better and controlled the ball better, my length was good and I volleyed well. Natalie wasn't moving as well as usual but she was still tough to play. I had to really concentrate as I didn't really know how she was going to be..." Tania's update after beating Brown... "...I won 3.0. 4, 7 and 6. I didn't play too well. I felt I lacked concentration. My mind was all over the place. I needed to go short more often. I thought she played well. Her length was very good..." Tania's update after beating Chui... "...I won 3.0. 2, 1 and 7. She played well. I was lucky to get the third as I was 7.4 down. I relaxed a bit after the second game and she came out fast. I played too many cross courts in that game..." Facts/Media Next up is the Singapore Masters |
European Individual Champs , 16th June - Tania makes final...
Euro Individuals Final Tania lost to Jenny Duncalf 5/9, 9/3, 7/9, 5/9 Semi Final Tania beat Stoehr 9/4, 9/3, 9/7
|
Tania's update... After the final... "...I lost 3-1. I had a 5-0 lead in the first game and let it slip. Jenny was just too good for me. I felt slow and off the pace of a hard game. My touch wasn't too good. Whenever I got an opening I just didn't play it short very well..." After the Semi Final... "...I was 7/3 down in the third game. I went over on my ankle in that game. I lunged forward on my right leg and my ankle hyper flexed. I think it is ok though. I am icing it now and the physio is here to sort me out. I played ok. Didn't feel that sharp though. Wasn't very relaxed in my swing. Isabelle is very strong in the middle of the court and has good touch..." Facts/Media Tania now has about a month's training until the Malaysian Open at the end of July
|
Premier Squash League Final, 16th May - Duffield retain title...
PSL Final Duffield beat Bristol 3 - 2 Tan beat Kasey Brown 9/6, 9/6, 10/8 (43m)
|
Tan defeated the world number 16 Kasey Brown 3-0 in the premier squash league final to help her club Duffield take the title in Nottingham. The score in matches was eventually 3-2 for Duffield and therefore Tania's win was crucial. This year there was even more expectation on Tania's shoulders than last year, with her manager almost assuming she would win. Tania has been undefeated in the competition for the past 2 years and had beaten her opponent 3-0 last month. However Kasey is a fast improving player and with the new point per rally scoring system it was a lot closer than the nervous fans may have liked. In the first game Tania was always a few points ahead and while the rallies were long Tania seemed to be hitting more winners while Kasey was making more errors. The second game started in a similar fashion and Tania took a 6-2 lead. However some determined play from the australian saw her get back to 6-6. The scores were stuck at this for a while as a number a let calls were given bu Tania managed to steady the ship and take the next 3 crucial points and the game. The 3rd game was a tight affair and was neck and neck all the way until once again Tania got to game ball at 8-7. She lost that one and Kasey got back to 8-8. Tania then produced some excellent squash to move her opponent around the court and then hit 2 brilliant winners to take the match and give Duffield a 1-0 lead. At the end Tania learned that her team mate Andy Whipp had scored a 3-1 win to give Duffield a 2-0 lead and despite them being pegged back to 2-1 after 3 matches Jon Kemp won the third game as expected, to crown the team 2007 PSL champions. Speaking to the squashsite website Tania said... ”It
was a struggle motivating myself to train last week, getting home after Facts/Media Tania now has about a month's rest until the European Individual championships (13th June).
|
EURO TEAM CHAMPS - Tania steers England to 30th Euro success...
Final (05/05) ENGLAND bt NETHERLANDS 3-0 3rd String: Alison beat Margriet Huisman 9/0, 9/4, 9/0 (25m) 1st String: Tania bt Vanessa Atkinson 9/2, 9/2, 9/2 (34m) 2nd String: Vicky v Annelize Naude 9/0, 10/8 (19m) (dead rubber)
Tania's Other Results ENGLAND bt GERMANY 3-0 Tania Bailey (England) beat Daniella Schumann (Germany) 9-0, 9-1, 9-1 (18m) ENGLAND bt FRANCE 3-0 Tania Bailey (England) bt Camille Serme (France) 9-1, 9-2, 9-6 (32m) ENGLAND bt DENMARK 3-0 Tania Bailey (England) bt Line U Hansen (Denmark) 9-5, 9-2, 9-1 (30m)
| Tournament Report Tania scored a brilliant and crucial win over former World No.1 and World Champion Vanessa Atkinson in the final of the European Championships to hand England their 30th consecutive win in the event. Despite Vanessa being the highest ranked non english player in the competition Tania managed to score an impressive 9/2, 9/2, 9/2 win that confirmed England as champions without needing to play the 3rd match. Earlier in the Final Alison Waters had put England in charge with a 3-0 over Dutch no.3 Margriet Huisman. Speak to the squashsite Tania said: "That felt very good. I was pretty nervous going into the match, I may be ranked higher than Vanessa now but she's been number one and we've had a lot of battles, I know what she's capable of. With the championships now over Tania can return to England for a well earned rest having been to Kuwait, Qatar, Seoul and Italy during all of April and this first week of May. Tania's next assignment will be the Final of the Premier Squash League in Nottingham on Tuesday 15th of May. Having been unbeaten in the league for the past 2 seasons she will be hoping to remain unbeaten and help Duffield to their second conscutive title. For tickets for this highly entertaining match between Duffield and Bristol click here... Facts/Media |
SEOUL CITY OPEN - Tania and co take centre stage in Seoul......
Semi Final (27/04) Tania (4) lost to N Grinham (2) 4/9 3/9 9/5 5/9 (53m)
| Tournament Report Tania made it through to the Semi's of an incredible squash event in Seoul where she came up against one of the two dominating players of the current times in womens squash and despite putting in a good performance was not able to alter that domination. However that was only a small part of the story in what proved to be a fantastic event... Amid the sky scrapers and hustle and bustle of South Korea's capital city Seoul the worlds best female players introduced hundreds of onlookers to professional squash. The glass court which was erected especially for the Seoul City Open was surrounded for 7 nights on the trot by huge numbers of the South Korean public who enthusiastically cheered the players from start to finish. It was refreshing for Tania and her fellow pro's to get the sort of attention that is usually reserved in the uk for premiership footballers or tv stars. After the semi finals the hundreds of new squash fans queued patientiantly for an autograph and a picture from the girls who they had seen put on a terrific show of their athletic, competitive and technical abilities. During the semi finals Tania battled well and despite a 80 minute marathon match the night before she stretched the world no.2 and commonwealth champion throughtout 60 minutes and to the huge crowds dissapointment didn't manage to extend the competition to 5 games. Natalie went on to defeat 51 match unbeaten Nicol David 3-0 in the final. Tania said... I started slowly but then got into it and began to play well. I felt good on court, my groin didn't bother me at all which was good. I felt like i controlled quite a lot of rallies but she gets back so many balls that you think you have won the rally before you have. You have to play the perfect shot for her not to get them back. I mixed it up really well and felt good in the third. But then I started hitting the ball without any purpose at the start of the fourth and she hit a few winners. I still felt good though through till the end of the match. I will take a lot of good things from the last three tournaments and have got some things i will work on over the next few months. I feel a lot fitter and stronger now than i have for a long time... Tania will no doubt like to thank the Organisers and the public for making the players feel so welcomed and appreciated in womens squashes newest destination... Tania now travels straight to Italy where she will lead England in the European championships. Facts/Media |
Quarter Final (26/04) Tania (4) bt Laura Lengthorn (7) 9/7 3/9 7/9 9/5 9/1
| Tania's update... ...I am really pleased to get through that match. I was 2.1 down and kept my head well and managed to played some good squash in the fifth. The court is quite dead so you need to get good length. Lauras was really good in 2nd and 3rd games. I play at 8 tomorrow night and will give it my best. It is a great setting and a good court. The crowds are really good as well... Facts/Media |
QATAR OPEN - Tania makes Semi's...
Semi Final (16/04) Tania (4) lost to Nicol David (1) 7/9, 4/9, 0/9 (52m)
| Tania's update... ...I lost 3-0. It was nearly an hour. I feel like I played well in the first two games. It is so hard to win a point against Nicol. At least I made her work hard for her win... Media Steve Cubbins from the squashsite who was watching said... "Top seed Nicol took her time to get the measure of Tania Bailey, who stuck to her task well and pretty much matched the Malaysian for two games before the world number one's pressure told." Facts For all the other Results from the tournament click here |
1/4 Final (15/04) Tania (4) bt Vicky Botwright (5) 7/9, 9/3, 9/5, 9/1 (67m)
| Tania's update... ...I won 3.1, she played really well in the first game. Everything she hit was so accurate. It was a hard match throughout. I felt good though and felt like I was playing well. I am really pleased. I am a bit tired now. Going to see if a jacuzzi will stop me from being stiff. I play Nicol at 5.30 tomorrow. (3.30 uk time)... Facts Tania now plays World No.1 Nicol David. The last time Nicol didn't make a WISPA world tour final was November 2005! The last time she was beaten by anyone on the tour was in February 2006. During this time she has defeated Tania in two finals (in Hong Kong and in Malaysia). For all the other Results from the tournament click here |
2nd Round (14/04) Tania (4) bt Shelley Kitchen (14) 9/3, 9/7, 2/9, 9/3 (53m)
| Tania's update... ...I won 3.1, it was a good game. I played really well in the first game and at the start of the second. But then I got a bit edgy and tinned a few shots. She played a bit better, got in front of me, made me work hard and took the third game. I went 3.1 down in the fourth game but kept playing tight and cut out the errors. I then managed to take the game 9.3. I was pleased to win and enjoyed playing on the centre court... Facts For all the other Results from the tournament click here |
1st Round (13/04) Tania (4) bt Orla Noom (Q) 9/1, 9/1, 9/1 (20m)
| Tania's update... ...Hi, I am back in room, going for dinner soon. I played well today, felt good on court and enjoyed the match, she hits the ball really well so I knew I had to play tight. I play on the glass court tomorrow against shelley so am looking forward to that. I have sent a few pics of me after match and of the hotel, I hope your well, I will let you know how I go tomorrow.... Facts For all the other Results from the tournament click here |
Quarter Final Tania (4) lost to Natalie Grainger (6) 1/9, 9/7, 4/9, 0/9 (46m)
| Tania's update... ...I was a bit slow to start the match. However I felt good in the 2nd and third games. It was 4/6 in the third game for ages and I just couldn't win the point. In the fourth game my head was down. I kept pushing and didn't give up but she was too good. I felt I was being too late with my swing again. When Grainger gets an opening she always finishes it well... Facts For all the other Results from the tournament click here For more info on the tournament go to the squashsite...
|
1st Round Tania (4) beat Laura Lengthorn 9/6, 7/9, 9/5, 4/9, 9/6 (104m)
| Tania's update... ...I think that is the longest match I have ever had. I’ve had a similar time once with Linda Elriani and once with Rebecca Macree, but I think they were short of 100 minutes, so this match was longer at 104 minutes. The courts are so hot and bouncy so we had really long rallies. There was also quite a few lets which extend the time of the match. My length wasn’t good enough on the backhand so I got into a bit of trouble at times. I also tinned quite a few forehand kills. I felt like my racket was up a bit too late which meant that I wasn’t able to do much with the ball sometimes. Despite these things I felt good though and was moving pretty well. I need to get better length tomorrow though. Laura was hitting the ball well. It was a tough match to come through. I was 7.1 up in fifth though so I possibly should have finished it off earlier. My concentration was a bit up and down and Laura was getting a lot back. It is so draining in this heat. I was really happy to get the win. We’re on the glass court from now on. I will play Natalie Grainger tomorrow. She is a very good player. She reads the game so well and can hit a lot of winners. I hope my body will be feeling good in the morning. We will see. I’ll now have an ice bath. Then will get a massage from our physio. I have also got some sports drinks to replace what was lost during the game as far as possible.... Facts |
Quarters (15/03) Tania (5) lost to Rachel Grinham (3) 6/9, 3/9, 9/1, 8/10
| Tania's update... ...I felt like I played quite well tonight, I got off to a slow start though in the first but then got in to it towards the end of the game. I felt like I played quite well in the second too and tried to vary the pace and mix it up a bit more but I made a few errors and Rachel played well. I straightened up a lot in the fourth especially on the forehand and slowed the ball down when needed and controlled the ball a lot better and felt good. She is so fast though, I was having to aim lower and caught the tin a few times. She picks up so many balls and reads the game so well. I was up 7.6 and 8.7 in the fourth feeling good but she played the important points better and I think I went a bit negative trying not to lose the point at game ball rather than trying to win it. I will go home now and do a few weeks training before Kuwait. ... Facts Rachel Grinham has not been outside the Worlds Top 4 since May 2003 (she's currently number 3). Who's place did she take when entered the Top 4 for the first time that month? Guesses on a postcard to... (Only joking - She replaced Tania. It was the last time Tania was no.4 until she regained that spot this month!). For all the other Results from the tournament click here
|
First Round (14/03) Tania (5) beat Laura Lengthorn 9/6, 9/4, 10/9
| Tania's update... ...Hi, I am back at the hotel now. Pleased to win tonight, It was pretty tough. I started slowly going 5.1 down in the first. She played well and hit a lot of winners. I think the two weeks I had to have off with the sinus infection after the nationals lost me a bit of sharpness. I felt like I was slow to react to her shots and wasn't watching the ball well enough. However, as the game went on I began to feel more comfortable and played well to win the first in the end. I then relaxed a bit, sat back and she played well to go up 3.0 in the second. But I then straightened up and started volleying more which helped me win the game. I felt really in control in the third and was moving well, attacking well and my length and short shots were better. I went 6.0 up before having a lapse in concentration and finding myself 7.6 down. Eventually I managed to dig in and win it 10.9. I play Rachel tomorrow on the glass court in the shopping centre... Facts This is Tania's first WISPA tour win over Laura Lengthorn since March 2005. And also the first time she has finished a match against her on the tour since then (due to illness). Next up is No.3 Rachel Grinham. For all the other Results from the tournament click here
|
On the 1st March WISPA World rankings Tania is number 4, which is her highest ever position. It was four years ago this month (March 2003) that she was last at No.4, a position that she held for only two months before dropping
down to number 19 due to illness.
Despite the disappointment of losing out in the Nationals last month Tania's results over the last year on the World circuit have been really good and she has consistently scored well. Good performances include winning the Vassar Open, reaching the final of the Malaysian Open and Hong Kong Open and more recently reaching the semi final of the Greenwich Open in January.
Tania is also still the highest ranked English women. She now travels to Malaysia on the 9th March where she meets compatriot Laura Lengthorn in the first round. For the full draw for this tournament check out the agenda page.
After this Tania will be playing three tournaments in a row in Qatar, Kuwait and Korea which start at the beginning of April and she is hoping to be selected to play for England in the European Championships at the beginning of May in Italy.
To read Howard Hardings story on Tania's return to number 4 go to the squashsite.
For the full rankings list check out the wispa ranking page.
NATIONAL LEAGUE - 20 FEB 07
Unfortunately I have had to pull out of the national league match tonight. I really wanted to play and I am gutted that I am letting the team down.
I have got a sinus infection again. It is really frustrating as I have only recently had the same infection in January. However, it is something my body is susceptible to (having suffered with it for over ten years now and having had three operations plus numerous other treatments to try and prevent it).
It is really frustrating but I know if i rest that it will be gone in a week. Going on past experience I know that I can't play properly with it and I would only take longer to recover if I do. I was really looking forward to playing Laura too as it isn't very often that we get chance to play a good competitive match against another highly ranked girl.
I look forward to getting back in to training next week and preparing for the Malaysian Open which starts on the 14th March.
For news on the national league matches this week check out the squashsite website...
| Semi 1/4 Final (15/2) Tania (1) lost to Jenny Duncalf (6) 9/2, 3/9, 5/9, 3/9
| Tania's update... ...It just wasn't my day. She played better than me. I didn't feel like I was timing the ball well. I felt like my feet were stuck to the spot... Facts For all the other Results from the tournament click here Tania is next in Action in the Kuala Lumpur Open, 14th to 17th of March. |
| Semi Final (13/1) Tania (3) lost to Natalie Grainger (5) 7/9, 4/9, 3/9
Photos
| Tania's update... ...I just got back from the function. I went straight there after the game. I lost 3.0. Grainger played well. I cross courted too much and my length and width wasn't good enough. Going to have a few days off andthen get back into training to work on a few things... Facts Tania is still on course to win back the World No.4 spot in March that she hasn't held since 2003... For all the other Results from the tournament click here Tania is next in Action in Manchester in February (16th - 18th) where she defends her national title! |
| Quarter Final (12/1) Tania (3) beat Jenny Duncalf (7) 9/4, 9/3, 9/4
Photos
| Tania's update... ...Hi, I won 9.4 9.3 9.4. The match was a lot harder than score makes it look. It was really even for the first part of each game. I played well and felt good on court which was nice. I felt really focused and didnt make many errors. Jen holds the ball really well so I needed to keep it tight and be on my toes. I play Grainger tommorrow at 4 our time. Dom took some pics. I will send them later. Going for dinner now, speak soon... Facts Tania next plays Natalie Grainger in the Semi Finals Her record against Grainger is won 1 lost 5! Her last match against Grainger was in Qatar in April 2005 where she lost 3-1. Tania is on course to win back the World No.4 spot in March that she hasn't held since 2003... For all the other Results click here |
| 1st Round (11/1) Tania (3) beat Sharon Wee 9/3, 9/4, 9/3
Photos Pics will be posted here after Tania sends them...
| Tania's update... ...I was a bit rusty as I haven't played much over last few weeks but I felt ok. There was just a little bit of mucus left over but it has almost gone. I asked Dom to take pics while I played but she forgot so will try and get some tommorrow. I play jen at 7. I'm not expecting anything due to my recent illness and I will just try to enjoy it. At least I am getting back to normal... Facts Tania has never lost to Sharon Wee... Next up is Jenny Duncalf at 7pm on Friday (12am - Saturday - UK time). Tania's last game against Jenny was in the 05/06 National league season where she won 3-2. In her last WISPA game against Jenny in November 2003 in the Dutch Open she lost 3-2. For all the other Results click here |
| Results 1st Round (5/1) Tania (3) lost to Laura Lengthorn At 1-1 she retired due to illness... Game scores were... 9/4, 8/10, 6/7 rtd
| Tania's update... "...Unfortunately i have got an infection in my sinuses and as the game went on it got harder and harder for me to breathe. I was struggling to get any air in to my body so I had to stop. I really wanted to finish the match off but there was no way i could continue, it is extremely frustrating as I had trained really hard since belfast and was feeling really good. I will be ok in a few days and i will now look forward to playing in Greenwich next week..." Facts Tania hadn't lost in a WISPA tournament 1st Round since March 2005 against Natalie Grainger in Kuwait... Her last injury retirement due to an illness was against Laura last January where she retired at 1-1 in Greenwich...! Next up is this years Greenwich Open where she is due to play Sharon Wee on the 11th of Jan... |
