Sobhy Over World No 15 Rachael Grinham to Reach $25K Granite Club Toronto Final by Jessica DiMauro March 6, 2014 -
Before the matches began, several of the ladies volunteered their time
to come out and hit with the juniors during our High Performance
Programs. Special thanks to Heba, Tez, Sarah, Misaki, Hollie and Sam.
The juniors loved it. And we all really appreciate it.
Omneya Abdel Kawy
continued her trip to the final after only playing one match to get
there. Both Line Hansen and Sarah-Jane Perry withdrew from the
tournament due to injury. Lucky for us, Omneya agreed it was the right
thing to do to play a few practice/exhibition games with Granite Pro
Sam Cornett to keep herself sharp for Friday's final. So, in
place of the first semi-final, Omneya and Sam played a 2 out of 3
match. Sam continued her super speedy ways and ran all over the
court, making unbelievable gets, terrific choices and awesome shots.
This tournament has been a bit of a break-through for Sam in my
eyes. We're all so proud of her! After Sam won the first game,
Omneya started to show us why she was World Junior Champion in 2003.
Her shots are the cleanest I have seen. So much accuracy. Omneya won
the second in a close battle and the third in an even closer
game. It was terrific to watch. Thanks to both girls for
playing.
The 7:30 semi-final
was highly anticipated. Two clashing playing styles turned out to be
tons of excitement for the spectators. Rachael Grinham chopped her
drops in, flicked her lobs up and pushed her drives with tons of
deception. Amanda Sobhy volleyed everything she could, kept the
pressure up and had enough patience to wait until Rachael's calculated
drops just hit the top of the tin. Both girls are such
unbelievable athletes. The match was clean, with only two lets called
the entire time. The fans were hoping for a fifth, but Sobhy stayed
strong and finished the match in 4. 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-5.
THE FINALS ARE SET FOR FRIDAY NIGHT.
COME OUT TO SUPPORT THESE LADIES. THEY WORK SOOOOOO HARD!
Let's get a HUGE crowd for them and show them how much the Granite spectators appreciate all their efforts.
6:30pm, Omneya Abdel Kawy WORLD #13 vs Amanda Sobhy WORLD #17
Come out for the
Friday Finals at 6:30pm. All of those in attendance will be
entered in a raffle to win a pair of Raptor's Tickets valued at $400!
(Donated by Slaight Music).
For those who cannot make it out to the matches, we are excited to continue live streaming on UStream
http://m.ustream.tv/channel/wsa-granite-open
Thank you to all of our sponsors, Title Sponsor: Slaight Music; Gold Sponsors: Matt
Akin, The Francis Family, Dave O'Connor & Sabrina Stables, Cushman
& Wakefield, Green for Life, Ironbridge, Quest Participating
Sponsors: Bell Kearns & Associates Ltd., Hans Brenninkmeyer, The
Duboc Family, The Dulmage Family, The Edmison Family, The Elder Family,
Faze Magazine, the Flynn Family, Cory Gill and Family, Grin
Orthodontics, Bill Morneau & Nancy McCain, Richardson GMP, The
Richmond Family Friends: Paul
Barnicke, Body Bijou, The Chadwick Family, Chairman Mills, The
Fitzpatrick Family, ROYNAT, Dylan & Penelope Zeitler
Thanks to all of the
people who have helped with airport pickups, housing players,
logistics, Paul Jamieson for our live-streaming, Jim Paton and Gary
Caron for all your support. The players for working so hard and
playing so great and for everyone for coming out to watch! We could not
be hosting this tournament without all of you.
