Tesni Murphy and Greg Lobban claim victory at the Cannon Kirk GillenMarkets Irish Squash Open

Karakal Duo Tesni Murphy and Greg Lobban Triumph at Cannon Kirk GillenMarkets Irish Squash Open

Top seeds Tesni Murphy and Greg Lobban claimed the titles at the PSA Squash Tour Cannon Kirk GillenMarkets Irish Squash Open, securing hard-fought victories over Georgia Adderley and Melvil Scianimanico, respectively, on finals day in Dublin.

Both players entered the tournament as favorites and delivered commanding performances throughout the week to reach yesterday’s finals.

Tesni Murphy Seals Third PSA Title

Wales’ Tesni Murphy dropped just one game on her route to the final, in a second-round clash against local hope Hannah Craig, and made a blistering start in the final against second seed Georgia Adderley, storming through the opening game with nine consecutive points and sealed it 11-3.

The Welsh No.1 continued her momentum into the second game, showcasing clinical shot selection and control to take it 11-5 in just over 11 minutes.

Georgia, who had also lost only one game leading up to the final, mounted a strong comeback in the third. Playing more aggressively, she edged the game 11-7 to cut Tesni’s lead in half.

However, Tesni regained control in the fourth, racing to a 5-1 lead and never looking back. A perfectly placed cross-court backhand sealed the match at 11-5, earning her her third career PSA title, and second of the season.

“I’ve played 14 seasons on Tour and this season I’ve won two titles, which is two out of the three in my whole career, so it’s been really good,” said Tesni.

“It’s been a great event and I’m really happy with how I played this week. Georgia unsettled me a bit in the third, so I’m proud of how I regrouped and came out strong in the fourth.”

She also shared how meaningful it was to have her husband, Ben, supporting her in Dublin:

“It’s the best. He understands the routine, and having him here makes it more relaxing. Plus, we’re close to home, so it’s great to actually go celebrate tonight!”

Greg Lobban Clinches Second Irish Open Crown

While Karakal stablemate Tesni denied Scotland a women’s title, Greg Lobban ensured Scottish success in the men’s final, claiming his second Irish Open trophy with a 3-0 win over France’s Melvil Scianimanico.

Melvil, just 20 years old and unseeded, had captured the crowd’s imagination with three consecutive five-game victories, including a dramatic comeback against defending champion Jonah Bryant in round two.

But Greg, fresh off his Scottish Nationals title last week, was in top form, dropping just four points in the opening game and held off a late surge from Melvil to take the it 11-4.

The Frenchman had come back from 0-2 down twice already in the tournament and looked ready to challenge again, starting the third game with a flurry of winners. But Greg responded with six straight points and kept the pressure with a 11-9 score.

The third game went to a tense tiebreak, with both players battling for every point. In the end, it was a refereeing decision that brought the match to a close as Greg was awarded a stroke on his third match ball, with Melvil unable to clear a forehand drop in the front right corner.

“It’s a new court since I last played here three years ago, but I love it here and it’s been good to me,” said Greg.

“We’ve been on the road for seven or eight weeks now, with back-to-back tournaments. I played the World Champs in Chicago, then Scottish Nationals, and now here, so it feels great to back up that disappointment in Chicago with two titles. Hopefully I can keep the momentum going into the British Open.”

Final Results

Women’s Final [1] Tesni Murphy (WAL) def. [2] Georgia Adderley (SCO) 3-1: 11-3, 11-5, 7-11, 11-5 (52m)

Men’s Final [1] Greg Lobban (SCO) def. Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) 3-0: 11-4, 11-9, 13-11 (50m)

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