The first men’s event of the 2024/25 season kicked off in style at the Racquet Club of St. Louis, marking a much-anticipated return to the calendar with a $30,000 prize fund up for grabs. Players and fans alike were treated to an action-packed weekend of top-level competition and gripping matches.
Quarterfinal Highlights
The quarterfinals didn’t disappoint, with plenty of drama on court. The #4 seeds, Matt Jenson and Lucas Rousselet, were edged out in a controversial four-game match against Canadian duo Justin Todd and Cole Osborne. The match was marked by two injury breaks due to head injuries, adding to the tension as Todd and Osborne battled through to the semis.
In a local fan-favorite match, Racquet Club Head Pro Eddie Charlton and Missouri Athletic Club Head Pro Alex Ingham pulled off a thrilling upset over #3 seeds Chris Walker and Clinton Leeuw. The closely contested five-game showdown had the crowd on the edge of their seats, as they cheered their pros to victory in what was one of the highlights of the tournament.
Semifinals
Charlton and Ingham’s dream run came to an end in the semifinals, where they faced the #1 seeds, Adam Bews and Matt Henderson, who dispatched the local favorites in straight games. On the other side of the draw, the #2 seeds, Ashley Davies and Jim Bamber, found themselves down 2-1 but mounted a strong comeback to take down the Canadian duo Todd and Osborne in five games, setting the stage for a nail-biting final.
Epic Final
The final was nothing short of spectacular. Bews and Henderson found themselves in a tough spot, down 2-0 to Davies and Bamber. But the #1 seeds fought back, pushing the match to a tense fifth game. The atmosphere was electric as the match culminated in a thrilling 15-12 victory in the fifth game, with numerous lets at 13-11 before Bews and Henderson finally secured three match balls, taking the win on the second.
A Great Weekend of Squash
The Racquet Club of St. Louis provided the perfect backdrop for this intense tournament, with a fantastic crowd and an electric atmosphere on one of the best stadium courts in North America. The event was a massive success, and fans are already looking forward to more incredible action in the 2024/25 season!