This year saw a bumper entry at the squash tournament as it hosted some of the best young professional squash players in England and abroad.
The top Grade (PSA Satellite) was made up of world-ranked players including No.1 seed Simon Herbert, who is ranked number 54 in the world. Grades A-D were made up of Winchester members and players from all over England vying to win through.
Play was from Friday night right through until Sunday evening which concluded with the Final of the Professional tournament.
In the A Grade two top ranked players on the junior circuit in England put on a great match full of dynamic movement and great shots, with George Grifftiths coming in victorious over Matthew Hartley 3-0.
B Grade was won by Oscar Fry after a hard fought win over Winchesters Ross Flanigan 3-1. C Grade final was contested by 2 Winchester members as Andrew Flett overcame Steve Besant 3-1.
D Grade saw Gary Hutson beat Nathan Cummings 3-1 in a tight match.
For the PSA tournament, World ranked number 54 Simon Herbert had powered his way through to the final and was up against a surprise opponent in the shape of Bailey Malik who had had a great run of matches to reach the final defeating the 2 and 3 seed en route.
The first game went the distance, and the power and speed of both players astounded the watching crowd. Herbert winning 15-13, Malik hit back in the 2nd game to win 11-7 to level things up. Herbert then showed his quality as he controlled the game and kept his nerve to clinch the title and the mighty sword of Excalibur!
A great weekend at Winchester Racquets and Fitness with the youngsters and members keen to get on court to emulate the squash they witnessed from Simon Herbert and the other squash Professionals.
For full results go to Sport Manager and find tournament- Excalibur Cup.
