Canadian Thomson has Another Go
2005-03-15
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Richard Thomson, the Canadian who, last year, in his first(!) Racketlon event came very close to beat the World no.1 (see report from last year's Canadian Open) gave it another try this year. Derek Tilley reports:
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Building on last year's inaugural event, the 2005 Canadian Open was held March 11-13 in Toronto, Canada. World #1 Magnus Eliason held off determined Canadian Richard Thomson +30 (tt:21-6, ba:21-14, sq:19-21, te:21-11. Thomsons excellent play throughout the tournament garnered the support of the local fans, but in the final the worlds #1 displayed why he is consistently the best player in the world.
Magnus Eliasson. Again.
Thomson reached the final by winning his pool 3-0, most notably
including a victory over world #7, Englishman John ODonnell
+17 (tt:10-21, ba:21-13, sq:21-15, te:21-7). Eliason also went
undefeated in his pool, defeating fellow Swede Hans Mullamaa and
Canadians Stephane Cadieux and Horatio Pintea (Pintea, originally
from Romania, is a former world #80 in table tennis). This set up
a classic match between Eliason and Thomson, a repeat of the 2004
Canadian semifinal where the Swede first experienced the skill of
the elite Canadian player.
The 2005 Canadian Open was a resounding success for organizers
and participants. The Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto
were exceptional hosts, and tournament chair Stephane Cadieux did
a remarkable job of sponsorship, organization, and running the
event. All involved are looking forward to the 2006 Canadian
Open- extending a warm invitation to all European Racketlon
players to come to Toronto and participate in the only North
American stop on the tour.
Other Results-
2005 Canadian Open:
Shona Kerr won the ladies event over Sonja Vojnov in the final.
Mens Class 1 was
won by Canadian Jason Christie over compatriot Ben Hatcher +15
(21-13, 21-6, 3-21, 16-6)
Womens Amateur saw Catherine Farquier go undefeated in her
round robin to win her division, with scores of +36 and +17.
Mens Amateur Final was another all Canadian duel, with Paul
Morrison outlasting Steven Mikovich +4 (16-21, 17-21, 21-3,
16-21).
Mens Over 45 Final- Gary Hemkay won with a +14 (7-21, 21-7,
21-7, Retired (INJ)) over Frank Sabetti.
For full results, see the Canadian Open homepage (www.racketlon.ca)
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