Simon Herbert reaches quarter-finals of Carey Olsen Tortola Squash Classic
June 24 2022
Simon Herbert extended 2nd seed David Baillargeon in the quarter-finals of the Carey Olsen Tortola Squash Classic before eventually bowing-out to the 2-time Canadian Champion 13-11 11-6 11-7 at the Tortola Sports Club in the British Virgin Islands.
Although ranked 50 places below his opponent, Simon came on court with great belief & took the game to the Canadian, playing at a blistering pace & hitting the ball with great severity to reach 10-8 with a succession of awesome winners. Baillargeon fought hard to extend the rallies & played some solid points to win an important first game 13-11 which proved decisive in allowing him to gain the initiative & close-out a three-game victory.
The young Englishman reached the quarter-finals following a 42-minute 11-6 12-10 11-4 victory over compatriot Jonah Bryant in the 2nd round of the Professional Squash Association (PSA World Tour event.
The Carey Olsen Tortola Squash Classic was staged at Tortola Sports Club in the British Virgin Islands from the 21st to 25th June. On the eve of the championships, 20-year-old Simon Herbert, who is close to breaking into the world’s top 100 for the first time in his career, explained that he believed that good performances over the next few months can help him achieve that goal.
“I currently feel that I’m certainly playing some of the best squash I have ever played. I still have some things to focus on, but I feel fitter & stronger,” said Simon Herbert.
“Having had a good few weeks off between tournaments after the Manchester Open, I have really been able to focus on key things in my game & adjust & improve my performance.
“After putting my focus & time into my weaker areas & improving myself; I expect my game play to have improved & hopefully it will show. I’m confident I can push the top seeds, if not beat them. If I’m not able to perform to my full potential, I would be quite disappointed.
“This is a great opportunity to get good results in one or more of these tournaments. I’m confident I will perform well in BVI, & this will give me a boost in the right direction for the following tournaments. I can see myself breaking top 100 after these events.
“Consistency is really important to break these ranking barriers. Top 100 takes one good season. I have come up the rankings from being in the 330’s in August last year, to now being at 113. I feel these big jumps coming. I’ve set myself targets & goals & aspire to reach them soon.”