Cuskelly and Ranieri Celebrate at St. Lukes
May 26, 2009
FASSP St Luke’s Squash Open, New Canaan, CT, USA
Cuskelly & Ranieri Celebrate at St Luke’s
Australia’s Ryan Cuskelly and Canadian Miranda Ranieri emerged triumphant in the inaugural FASSP St Luke’s Squash Open in New Canaan in the US state of Connecticut.
New York-based Cuskelly was second seed in the $8,000 men’s PSA World Tour event. In the final, the 21-year-old world No64 from New South Wales faced Shahid Zaman – after the experienced third seed from Pakistan beat Scotsman Alan Clyne in the previous round. Unseeded Clyne reached the last four after crushing event favourite Stephane Galifi in straight games in the opening round.
Zaman, in his 12th Tour final, prevailed in a long and close-fought first game – but it was left-hander Cuskelly who took control from then on, winning 15-17, 11-9, 11-3, 11-9 to clinch his third Tour title of the year.
Fourth seed Ranieri made her breakthrough in the semi-finals of the $6,000 women’s WISPA World Tour event when she beat North American rival Latasha Khan, the top seed from the USA, in a five-game marathon. The 23-year-old from Toronto twice had to come from behind to claim her first victory over Khan in three Tour meetings.
In the final, Ranieri face Victoria Lust, the 20-year-old second seed from England now in her fifth Tour final – but looking for her first win.
But it was the older Canadian who ultimately prevailed, winning 11-6, 7-11, 13-11, 11-1 to secure the second WISPA title of her career.
Follow the action from the PSA and WISPA World Tours live on WWW.PSALIVE.TV – the webstreaming service of both the Professional Squash Association and Women’s International Squash Players’ Association. Enjoy live action, replays, download archive matches and exclusive Live & Uncut DVDs