EvenSquash: RESULTS - Jan 27 Squash SMASH Tourney

Randy J. (3.5)

WINNER

11 players in Saturday's Squash SMASH Tourney skill levels 2.5 to 5.5. Randy, kept his cool, and beat them all.... but that wasn't easy. He played 15 intense games, spanning 7 matches in roughly 2 hours... and who knows how many shirt changes... He played players like Tom R. (3.0), who is just coming off a wrist injury and is known for a surprising server return that can take out even advanced players; Roland D., who has the experience of playing in many SMASH tourneys and is a solid 3.0; like Donovan M. (2.5) first time player and a junior who kept up the pressure; Jeff D. (3.0), who Randy would face twice because Jeff beat Randy early on but Randy fought back through the losers bracket where he'd eventually get revenge on Jeff; Paul D. (3.5) who has played in a few SMASH events before and has won one in November 2017... but in this one Randy gave him a 4th place finish; Finally there was Rehan S. (4.5). Rehan is a stout 4.5, played many times, but never won a SMASH Tourney... well sadly for Rehan, this would be his 5th 2nd place finish. Congratulations to Randy J. (3.5)!
1. Randy J. (3.5) - $122
2. Rehan S. (4.5) - $68
3. Jeff D. (3.0) - $20
4. Paul D. (3.5) - $10

Sponsored Consolation Prizes:

Tom R. (3.0) - Free Blue Moon Pizza

Roland D. (3.0) - $10 Six Feet Under Gift Card

Mario de M. (4.5) - $25 Marlow's Tavern Gift Card

Full Tourney Bracket

We had a great turnout with 11 players, play started at 11:15 and ended at 1:35. We went to sudden death matches at 1:15 to help accelerate the pace and reduce the chance of injury by playing to much squash. Paul M. (5.5) was the highest skilled player but he didn't have to play all beginner and intermediate players, he got a chance to go up against Mario de M. (4.5) and Rameez A. (4.5) with those match outcomes determined by just a few points. Speaking of Rameez A. (4.5), this was his first time playing as a 4.5 and he felt the extra weight going up against Paul D. (3.5) and Roland D. (3.0). This is the second SMASH tourney for Michael F. (2.5) and even though he went home in the first round, had a lot of fun, and I think is now officially hooked on squash. Jeff D. (3.0) came out of the gate strong and played to finish 3rd in a tense sudden death match.

All in all - there was a lot of fun. If you missed this one because of other commitments or just decided not to play, well... the squash gods don't look well on that. I hope to see you at the next one!

Check below for all the pics and vids.

Also - before the next tourney, I'll write up a post about the EvenSquash Handicap System, theory behind it, how it was developed, and what it can be used for.

The next SMASH Tourney will be held 11am Saturday March 3 at Lifetime Fitness - Sandy Springs. Registration is open! MARCH 3 Squash SMASH Tourney Registration Form. You can see all upcoming SMASH events on the SMASH Tourney Schedule.

Check the side bar for the latest Squash SMASH Tourney's Winner's Circle and other info about the EvenSquash handicap system and tournaments.

Until the next event, you can always follow along with live updates and latest info on Twitter @EvenSquash, Facebook @EvenSquash, Instagram @EvenSquash. And you can always add your email address (see the left side bar) to get emails about the latest posts.

- Bob -
Pro tip: Don't touch the walls of a squash court.... players wipe their sweaty hands on them. Eewww.