Gough Topples Top Seed; Grainger On Course For Maiden Title

Gough competing in the 2014 U.S. Masters Championships at the McArthur Squash Center in Charlottesville,  VA.
Gough competing in the 2014 U.S. Masters Championships at the McArthur Squash Center in Charlottesville, VA.

Americans Michael Gough (75+) and Natalie Grainger (35+) advanced to their respective World Masters finals Wednesday at the Hong Kong Squash Center.

Gough, the Atlanta-based [3/4] seed, continued his run of three-game victories against top-seeded Welshman Brian Phillips 11-7, 11-7, 11-7, to reach the final.  Gough’s final opponent is English [5/8] seed Malcolm Gilham who upset second-seeded New Zealander Barry Gardiner in the semifinals.

Former world No. 1 and 2013 U.S. Champion Natalie Grainger is on course for her first World Masters title and, like Gough, has yet to drop a game in the tournament. South African [3/4] seed Farrah Fenner provided top-seeded Grainger with her toughest test yet, however, as Grainger edged past Fenner 11-6, 12-10, 11-9. Second-seeded Australian Melissa Martin will contest the final against Grainger having defeated South African [3/4] seed Samantha Herbert 11-9, 12-10, 11-6 in the semis.

Grainger (L) with opponent Farrah Fenner before their semifinal.
Grainger (L) with opponent Farrah Fenner before their semifinal.

Players in consolation draws include Paul Ansdell (45+), Tom Burns (55+), Will Carlin (50+), Ewan Copeland (65+), Dulio Costa (55+), Jen Gabler (50+), Naveen Garg (45+), Richard Hankinson (75+), Deb Hodes (55+), Julie Kessler (45+), Curt Kohlberg (55+), Andre Maur (45+), Ed Montanye (50+), Tom Rumpler (60+), Thomas Seale (55+) and Ken Stillman (65+).

Follow all results on the World Squash Federation tournament page.

For updates, pictures and more, follow the USA Squashmasters group on Facebook.

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