Iker Pajares Bernabeu, Rory Stewart & Todd Harrity compete in Optasia Squash Championships 2024

The third day of the PSA Optasia Squash Championships saw Rory Stewart denied a quarter-final place by England No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy who claimed an impressive 11-6 11-4 11-8 victory on the all-glass show court at The Wimbledon Club.

[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [9/16] Rory Stewart (SCO) 11-6, 11-4, 11-8 (24m)
Despite some outrageous skills throughout the entertaining match, Rory Stewart was unable to overcome a determined performance from the 2017 champion.

Competing well for long spells in the match, Rory Stewart came up against a succession of aggressive of Mohamed ElShorbagy winners whenever the Scot threatened to take hold of the match, most notably in the third game when a promising run of points by Rory Stewart was cut short as the World No.7 who eventually closed-out the match in 24 minutes.

2024 Optasia Squash Championships 2nd Round Results, visit: www.internationalsquashmagazine.com

UNSQUASHABLE players Iker Pajares Bernabeu and Todd Harrity were in action on the second day of the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships in Wimbledon.

[6] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Iker Pajares (ESP) 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 (43m)
Spanish No.1 Iker Pajares Bernabeu showed skill and determination in equal measure against Welsh No.1 Joel Makin in his 2nd round evening match on the all-glass show court at the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships in Wimbledon.

However the Spaniard, who displayed increased authority as the match progressed, was unable to deny his sixth seeded opponent who closed-out an 11-4 11-5 11-3 win following 43 minutes of long and attritional rallies.

[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Todd Harrity (USA) 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 (30m)
In the afternoon session, Todd Harrity was up against the in-form No.2 seed Paul Coll of New Zealand who progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships with an 11-6 11-2 11-6 win.

Todd Harrity, who came back from two games down to beat Swiss No.1 Nicolas Mueller to cause the biggest 1st round upset, made a solid and impressive start to the match, sharing the opening eight points with his opponent and former champion. However, as the match progressed Paul Coll was able to find a consistent rhythm which proved decisive in claiming his 30-minute victory.

Todd Harrity saved the first match ball as he got the better of a long, entertaining rally, and although he took the next point as well, Paul Coll was not to be denied from completing his win on the half hour mark.

The opening day of the PSA Optasia Squash Championships 2024 staged at the prestigious The Wimbledon Club in London saw UNSQUASHABLE players Iker Pajares Bernabeu, Todd Harrity and Rory Stewart all produce impressive wins to progress to the 2nd round of the PSA World Tour event.

Todd Harrity (USA) bt Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 4-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-4 (47m)
Todd Harrity of the USA produced the biggest shock on the opening day of the PSA Optasia Squash Championships, coming back from 2-0 down to defeat World No.22 Nicolas Mueller 4-11 9-11 11-8 11-4 11-4 in 47 minutes.

Nicolas Mueller, the Swiss No.1, boasting a 100 per cent record over Todd Harrity on the PSA World Tour coming into their match, made a strong start to establish a 2-0 lead in just 16 minutes played.

However Tood Harrity fought bravely and skilfully to reduce the arrears, clinching the third game 11-8 before closing-out an impressive comeback to take both the fourth and fifth games 11-4.

Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt George Parker (ENG) 11-8, 1-11, 11-9, 11-8 (64m)
Spanish No.1 Iker Pajares Bernabeu overcame England’s George Parker 11-8 1-11 11-9 11-8 in a thrilling four-game battle lasting 64 minutes on the all-glass show court his opening match of the 2024 Optasia Championships.

The Spaniard claimed the first game 11-8, before George Parker swiftly countered in the second game, delivering a commanding 11-1 response.

As the match progressed, the third game witnessed an intense tussle with little to separate the two players. As the third game progressed, a lack of discipline proved costly for the Englishman as a conduct stroke against him during a crucial moment saw his opponent regain the upper hand, claiming the game 11-9.

The fourth game proved to be another closely contested affair, with Iker Pajares Bernabeu managing to stave off a late and spirited George Parker challenge. The Englishman saved two match balls, but the 4-time Spanish Champion remained composed, ultimately clinching victory on his third attempt.

Iker Pajares Bernabeu will face Joel Makin of Wales in the next round.

Rory Stewart (SCO) bt Faraz Khan (USA) 11-7, 4-11, 11-5, 11-8 (40m)
Rory Stewart of Scotland defeated Faraz Khan of the USA 11-7 4-11 11-5 11-8 on the all-glass show court at the PSA Optasia Championships to progress to the 2nd round where he will please England No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy.

The Scottish No.1, currently being coached by UNSQUASHABLE player and ambassador James Willstrop, produced an impressive performance with his shot selection and execution proving problematic for Faraz Khan, who battled hard throughout to the match.

The American got back on level terms by winning the second game 11-4, after a momentary lapse from the Scot, however Rory Stewart regained his focus in the third and fourth games to close-out the match and secure his place in the second round.

2024 Optasia Squash Championships 1st Round Results, visit: www.internationalsquashmagazine.com