This Is Guernsey

Try as he might, Ross Kneller, left, was unable to prevent Martin Watts from making it three island titles in a row. (Picture by Brian Green, 0541194)

MARTIN WATTS made it a hat-trick of Ogier Men’s Island Championship titles with a 3-0 final win over Ross Kneller.

But the assistant director of island squash did not have things all his own way in a 9-6, 9-7, 9-3 victory.

Kneller had shown good form all week and hoped to destroy Watts’s dream of three title wins in a row.

Having got off to a good start, he raced to a 6-0 lead and was playing with a lot of pace and control, which caught a slightly cold Watts off guard.

Unfortunately for Kneller, the champion began to steady the ship, playing better line and length and taking the ball short at every opportunity.

Soon the scores were level, which only heightened Kneller’s problems, and the frustration of squandering a good lead was clear to see on his face as Watts made it nine unanswered points in a row to take the first game.

The second took on a similar pattern, with Kneller taking an early lead and Watts fighting his way back.

Kneller was becoming very annoyed with himself, which only played into his opponent’s hands as the errors began to flow from his racket.

The third game was tough, but there was little Kneller could do to stop Watts, who had finally broken his spirit.

‘This match was played at a furious pace as both players liked the fast tempo, which allows you very little time for shot selection,’ said director of island squash Peter Bridgeman.

‘Watts’s tactics on the day were spot on and his patience in the first two games was crucial.’

In the other matches, Jack Tacon, who is only 13, beat veteran player Neville Johnson 3-2 in the men’s B final.

‘Jack had taken quite a few scalps this week and is beginning to emerge as a solid junior player whom all adults need to be aware of,’ Bridgeman said.

The women’s B was also won by a junior, 12-year-old Katherine Jensen.

Despite losing to 13-year-old Amy Stenner 3-1, Jensen secured the title on countback.

‘The two girls played a terrific match and the quality of the squash on display was excellent. For all those watching it was a taste of things to come as the juniors are just getting better and better at a much younger age,’ said coach Bridgeman.

Henry Birch fought off a brave effort by Laurence Graham to take third place in the men’s A 3-2 and Zak Parsons overcame Harry Martel 3-1 in the men’s B event to take third slot.