Kashif ensures Kiwi interest in Christchurch

Top seeded Czech Jan Koukal made it two wins from two at the 2014 Doubledot Media Christchurch International Open, beating South African qualifier Tristan Eysele in four sets.  Spectators who hadn’t seen Koukal play before his first round match last night were once again treated to a stunning display of lobs and volley drops, Koukal using his considerable touch to leave the ball in the absolute extremities of the court.  This made life very difficult for Eysele, who could often get to the ball, but not do anything productive with it. 

Over on court two Adeen Idrakie overcame a very slow start to post a four set win over fourth seeded Fin Matias Tuomi.  Malaysian Idrakie looked to be feeling the effects of a cold Christchurch morning and struggling to warm up, as he looked disinterested in a quick first set.  In the second his movement began to serve him better, and he was able to dominate the ‘tee’ and deliver the double-spotted Dunlop to the far corners of the court with greater accuracy.  By the fourth game, Idrakie had completely turned the tables and gained the ascendancy in the match.  A frustrated Tuomi tried to change his game to claw his way back, but could make no impact on the scoreline as Idrakie booked a semi-final against Koukal.

Kashif Shuja ensured local interest in the semi-finals by beating second seeded Australian Mike Corren.  In a match-up of two veterans of the tour, the result was more comprehensive than many might have expected.  Corren seemed to be hampered in the second and third games by a leg injury, and struggled at times to move fluidly towards Shuja’s expertly held and flicked strokes.

Shuja will play third seed Aqeel Rehman of Austria in the semi-finals, after Rehman dismantled the threat of England’s Adam Murrills.  Rehman and Murrills were very familiar with each other’s games, which made for a furiously fast-paced match.  Both players seemed able to read what the other planned to do ahead of time, and move lithely to counter the shot.  While the scoreline probably doesn’t do Murrills justice, Rehman was able to find winners on the big points, ensuring the result went his way.

Semi-finals will be played at Burnside Squash Club from 5.30pm.  Entry is free for all spectators.

Quarter-final Results

(1) Jan Koukal (CZE) bt (Q) Tristan Eysele (RSA) 11-7 5-11 11-9 11-8 (32 minutes)
(5)  Adeen Idrakie (MAS) bt (4) Matias Tuomi (FIN) 2-11 11-6 11-6 11-2 (37 minutes)
(3) Aqeel Rehman (AUT) bt (6) Adam Murrills (ENG) 11-4 11-4 11-7 (27 minutes)
(Q) Kashif Shuja (NZL) bt (2) Mike Corren (AUS) 11-6 11-5 11-7 (29 minutes)

Semi-finals:

5.30pm: (1) Jan Koukal vs. (5) Adeen Idrakie
6.30pm: (3) Aqeel Rehman vs. (Q) Kashif Shuja