Fearless Oakley Causes Major Upset in Devoy Squash PSA Tournament

Pictured Right – Kashif Shuja (Light Blue) vs Jamie Oakley (Dark Blue) in Round 1 of Pak’N’Save PSA and Open Squash Event - photo credit Ashley Linn

Round 1 of the Champion Draw of the Pak’n’Save Tauranga PSA & Open Tournament commenced today. 

Jamie Oakley of the Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre was the wildcard entry into the PSA draw and he was pitted against the highly experienced and national High Performance Programme Manager Kashif Shuja (seeded 6). This was a much anticipated match drawing a full grandstand to see Oakley compete. Oakley struck first in the match taking the early lead and he looked in total control causing Shuja all sorts of trouble with Oakley defying backhand drops and having excellent shot selection. In Oakleys first ever PSA tournament he looked a picture of calm and focus as if he had been doing this for years.

Oakley claimed the first game 11/6 stunning the higher seeded Shuja. Oakley came out in game two and again took control to win 11/7. In a high intensity third game encounter, Oakley denied Shuja the opportunity to play his renowned shots as Oakley continued to put the pressure on and force Shuja’s errors. Oakley challenged his coach in all aspects of the match. Oakley took the ball early to gain points at the front of the court and eventually he sealed the match in three. Oakley was all class in this match causing the biggest upset in the opening round.

In other games, Adam Murrills (England) played Vivian Rhamanan (Singapore). Both players were keen to stamp their dominance on the game early, however, it was Murrills who stormed ahead in a confident start to his PSA tournament.  With Murrills quick racket speed, Rhamanan was left scrambling in the first game losing 11/6.  The second game saw Rhamanan find his rhythm with some exceptional squash on display with perfect placement of drop shops, lobs and tight tram line play.  Murrills clinched the second game in a tight 11/9.  In the third, Murrills kicked into a higher gear, denying Rhamanan any chance of getting back into the match taking the game in a comfortable 11/4.

The only Korean player to qualify for the championship draw, Han Seung Cheol was up against Joe Green of England.   Green had his game face on and in a powerful start took a commanding 6-0 lead before taking out the first game 11/3.  It was a squash masterclass from Green as Cheol appeared to struggle with the pace of the game.  In the second game, Cheol found his form and continued with good front court drop shots but he was unable to draw level with Green extending his lead. A lapse of concentration from Green saw Cheol take the third game 11/8 before Green stormed home to take the fourth game and the match in a convincing display 11/2.

Zac Millar, a qualifier into the championship draw pushed Australian Rhys Dowling (seed 7) in their match. Millar took the first game comprehensively 11/6 with Millar forcing Dowling into his errors. Both players showed incredible agility and speed throughout the match and whilst they went back and forth between games and some excellent diving from both players Dowling proved too strong. This match was tough for both players but showed the level of calibre in this PSA tournament.

Ben Grindrod, Evan Williams, Lance Beddoes and Dylan Cunningham never looked phased in their matches and they all took their games in three to proceed to the quarter finals.

Full results from round 1 can be found on the PSA website here or below 

Games kick off on the Caruss Glass Court being housed in the Tauranga Boys College at 11:30am Saturday 30th April. All games are being livestreamed and can be viewed here 

Round 1

[2] Lance Beddoes (NZL) bt Luke Jones (NZL) – 11-6, 11-8, 11-8

[3] Adam Murrills (ENG) bt [Q] Vivian Rhamanan (SIN) - 11-6, 11-9, 11-4

[5] Joe Green (ENG) bt [Q] Han Seung Cheol (KOR) - 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2

[1] Evan Williams (NZL) bt [Q] Scott Galloway (NZL) - 11-5, 11-5, 11-7

[7] Rhys Dowling (AUS) bt [Q] Zac Millar (NZL) – 6-11, 11-8, 12-10, 8-11, 11-3

[WC] Jamie Oakley (NZL) bt [6] Kashif Shuja (NZL) – 11-6, 11-7, 11-9

[4] Ben Grindrod (NZL) bt Courtney West (AUS) – 11-4, 11-6, 11-8

[8] Dylan Cunningham (USA) bt Joel Luca (AUS) – 11-3, 11-5, 11-6

Quarter Finals

30 Apr 2016, 11:30am - [3] Adam Murrills (ENG) v [7] Rhys Dowling (AUS)

30 Apr 2016, 12:15pm - [WC] Jamie Oakley (NZL) v [2] Lance Beddoes (NZL)

30 Apr 2016, 13:00pm - [5] Joe Green (ENG) v [4] Ben Grindrod (NZL)

30 Apr 2016, 13:45pm - [1] Evan Williams (NZL) v [8] Dylan Cunningham (USA)

For further information:

Char Niles

Media Liaison

Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre

021-105-1107021-105-1107

charniles11@gmail.com