England’s Jasmine Hutton saw off the threat of compatriot Torrie Malik in a tough four-game encounter to book her spot in the DAC Pro Squash Classic second round.
World No.25 Hutton, who sits 36 spots above Malik in the current world rankings, didn’t have it all her own way despite a lightning start at the Detroit Athletic Club that saw her capture the first two games in just six minutes a piece.
Malik, 19, grew into the match the longer it progressed, claiming five points on the spin when 5-2 down in the third to seize control of the game and reduce the deficit to 2-1. Malik, who was dangerous in the front two corners throughout the match, progressed to 5-5 in the fourth, however, it was Hutton who eventually proved too strong.
The two-time British Nationals winner claimed the fourth game by an 11-9 scoreline to seal victory after 37 minutes of fast-paced action.
After the match, Hutton said: “I was really pleased with my performance in the first two games and then my concentration slipped a bit and Torrie actually got better as the match went on.
“I got a little edgy at the back end of those last two games and it didn’t feel like there was much rhythm there. It was very stop-start and lots of three-shot rallies, and I don’t really like to play that type of game.
On her upcoming tie against fellow Englishwoman and No.8 seed Lucy Beecroft, she added: “I’m excited. I came all this way and I’ve played two English players! I’m looking forward to it because we are both clean players and good friends and teammates, so it should be a good game.”
The 24-year-old will be joined by compatriot Alicia Mead in the second round of the PSA World Tour Silver event after she claimed a straight-game victory over Ineta Hopton, while Switzerland’s Cindy Merlo scored an impressive win over Millie Tomlinson.
Day two of action from the DAC Pro Squash Classic commences at 16:45 (GMT-5) on Wednesday, 7th February, with every second of play available to watch live on SQUASHTV.
Results: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 RD1
Aira Azman (MAS) bt Jessica Turnbull (AUS) 3-1: 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-4 (32m)
Hana Moataz (EGY) bt Marta Dominguez (ESP) 3-1: 11-8, 11-9, 2-11, 11-8 (38m)
Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt Torrie Malik (ENG) 3-1: 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9 (37m)
Cindy Merlo (SUI) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-1: 11-4, 11-8, 4-11, 12-10 (38m)
Kenzy Ayman (EGY) bt Haya Ali (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4 (31m)
Menna Hamed (EGY) bt Anna Serme (CZE) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-5 (23m)
Alicia Mead (ENG) bt Ineta Hopton (LAT) 3-0: 14-12, 12-10, 11-7 (27m)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt Saskia Beinhard (GER) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (23m)
Draw: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 RD2
[7] Melissa Alves (FRA) v Cindy Merlo (SUI)
[4] Nada Abbas (EGY) v Kenzy Ayman (EGY)
Nadine Shahin (EGY) v [2] Olivia Weaver (USA)
[5] Farida Mohamed (EGY) v Hana Moataz (EGY)
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Menna Hamed (EGY)
Aira Azman (MAS) v [3] Rowan Elaraby (EGY)
Jasmine Hutton (ENG) v [8] Lucy Beecroft (ENG)
Alicia Mead (ENG) v [6] Hollie Naughton (CAN)
