Prediction Corner – with Adam Bews

Tavern Club Open

The SDA Pro Tour heads to Cleveland next for the historic Tavern Club Open, an event that consistently attracts both rising talents and established stars. Top seeds Jim Bamber/Ashley Davies—who already reached a final this season in St. Louis, falling to Bews/Henderson in a five-set battle—are seeded to meet defending champions Russell/Henderson in the final. One team to watch is Todd/Osborne, who are coming off a stunning upset over world #1 pair Stout/Arnold in Denver. They face Bamber/Davies in the first round, setting up a tricky opening test for the top seeds. With scoring up to 11 points, anything can happen.

Predictions

Semifinals:

Bamber/Davies defeat Muran/Culhane (3-0)
Russell/Henderson defeat Leeuw/Haycocks (3-2)

Final:

Russell/Henderson defeat Bamber/Davies (3-2)

R&T Club Open

After increasing its prize purse last season, the R&T Club Open remains one of the premier events on the SDA Tour. Held in the heart of doubles squash, it consistently attracts a deep and competitive field.

The favorites are James Stout & Scott Arnold, with Stout being a dominant force at R&T. A highly anticipated showdown with club members Chris Callis & Sam Khalifa is likely on the horizon.

Rounding out the top four seeds are Zac Alexander & Jim Bamber, a consistent threat, and the in-form duo of Mikey Ferreira & Cam Pilley.

Several dangerous teams could shake up the draw, including the newly formed pairing of home club pro Josh Hughes & member Kyle Martino, US National Champions Leeuw/Haycocks, and Elroy Leong/Chris Sachvie, who have pushed Stout/Arnold to five sets in their last two meetings.

Prediction:

Alexander/Bamber to claim the title, avenging their loss at the Johnson.

The Maryland Club Open

The SDA Pro Tour is making its long-awaited return to The Maryland Club for the first time since the pandemic. This year, alongside the Men’s event, a Women’s SDA event will be featured, drawing in all the top players from the tour!

Maryland Women’s Draw

Fresh off their victory at The Philadelphia Open, top seeds Kayley Leonard and Maria Elena Ubina aim to maintain their winning momentum. Among the other three seeded teams, only Jana Shiha and Line Hansen have played together before. Suzie Pierrepont is teaming up with Katie Tutrone, while Georgina Stoker and Niki Todd enter together as the second seeds.

This promises to be an exhilarating tournament. The Women’s tour has been particularly exciting in recent years, with any team having the potential to claim the title on any given day.

Keep an eye on veterans Narelle Krizek and Steph Hewitt, who will face off against Jana Shiha and Line Hansen, as well as Tina Rix and Fernanda Rocha Maturi, who could pose a significant challenge to any opponent.

Here are my predictions for the event:

Semi Finals:

Kayley Leonard/Maria Elena Ubina defeat Suzie Pierrepont/Katie Tutrone 3-1

Georgina Stoker/Niki Todd defeat Jana Shiha/Line Hansen 3-1

Finals:

Georgina Stoker/Niki Todd defeat Kayley Leonard/Maria Elena Ubina 3-2

Maryland Men’s Draw

Each season, one of the most anticipated events is the Maryland Club Open. With its excellent facilities and membership, it promises a great experience for players.

This year’s tournament features a $15,000 prize pool and has attracted a good field of competitors.

Top seeds are Ashley Davies and Lockie Munro, known for their shot-making and creative angles. Second seeds are Dave Letourneau and John White, who is stepping in for the injured Josh Hughes. This duo has the best hands in the event and will be challenging to overcome! The third and fourth seeds comprise the youthful team of Carter Robitaille and Henry Parkhurst and the more seasoned pair of Sam Fenwick and Chris Longman.

A standout matchup in the quarter-finals could be the creative and experienced team of Matt Jenson and Thomas Brinkman, who have the potential to upset the second seeds.

Here are my predictions for this event, including a few anticipated upsets:

Semi Finals:

Ashley Davies/Lockie Munro defeat Carter Robitaille/Henry Parkhurst 3-0

Sam Fenwick/Chris Longman defeat Matt Jenson/Thomas Brinkman 3-1

Finals:

Ashley Davies/Lockie Munro defeat Sam Fenwick/Chris Longman 3-1

SDA Pro Tour