The German Open 3 weeks ago had hit new heights for organisation, information and quality of the centre. The tournament in Uster matched this standard! Everything the many helpers of tournament director Rino Mathis achieved in the 3 days was without a doubt a great success. A large “Thank You” on behalf of the squash community.

The first impression was an absolute highlight for the players, who often “below”, “behind” or “hidden” from the others carry out their games. “I didn’t believe my eyes” or “a squash paradise” were two of the many comments. Not only this but also actively the “Squash Arena” carried out an excellent task. Precise beginning times for the games, complete information on the screens, a working shuttle-service, best catering with pleasant Recreation and Players-Lounge. A huge challenge for the organisation team in the expensive Switzerland, but already here for next year’s tournament there will be a solution to reduce the costs for the participants.

The only small detriment, which should be mentioned, is that the players could neither see nor hear the score. The Displays for the spectators are ok. But it should also be possible that the referee’s decisions be seen or heard by the players and spectators, as this was not always the case.

All who took part witnessed that the Masters is not just simply a tournament, but an EVENT. Good friendship, super Sport, excellent entertainment and dignified prize-giving ceremony.

And one further plus point could (should) the Squash-Family get used to. What good are tribunes if they are littered with sports-bags. In Uster there was large Bag-Room for the sports-bags, which was NOT used.

GOLD                                   SILVER                          BRONZE

Martina Pössl                        Roland Walser               Sergio Orduña

Etienne Kayser                      Marcel Straub                 Evelyne Matzinger

Claudio Hassler                     Roland Reitinger            Andi Fritschi

                                                                                       Lukas Hänni

                                                                                       Felix Fischer

                                                                                       Giorgio Sorio                   

King of the Lions this time was Andi Fritsche! He showed great form fighting through the Qualification-Round and playing system – often fighting back. Bronze was a great reward.

Comet Martina Pößl from 0 to 100! Those who do not know Martina were rubbing their eyes watching her hitting the balls like a volcano and distributing them accurately round the court. With hardly no difficulties Martine got to 2:0 in the final, where Simone Korell in an exciting match almost stole the laurels from Martina’s crown. But only “almost”. Bravissima!

The young wild-ones were dominated by Etienne Kayser in a close Swiss-internal final against Roland Reitinger.

The high-wire act for the bronze medal: Lukas Hänni in an epic fight against the number 1 seed Jaroslaw Terlecki, Sergio Orduña in a Revenge-Duel against Swiss Champion Walti Zemp and grand old Giorgio Sorio cleaned up the Egyptian Tarek Abdel-Aziz from the Pyramids. Great Sport!

Evelyne Matzinger won in her first Masters Bronze for Switzerland and Uster!

The Lightweight-Medal: less is not possible then to win a tournament by just playing one game … sadly. The gold medal for me Claudio Hassler is only of statistical value. Even more strange the bronze medal for Felix Fischer. He did not even need to win a single game, but as a nice reminder of 3 super days and the courage for taking place, who shall begrudge him this.

Closer than before Roland Walser tried to topple the “solid as a rock” Finn Kale Leskinen. The result should be a boost to his self-confidence.

Which only leaves Turbo-Fighter Marcel Straub who cruised into the final overcoming the number 1 seed on the way, where the Croatian Manuel Fistonic after a hard fight at the end had the better finish. 

And actually two further gold medals from Mark Woodliffe and Florian Pössl could almost also be counted for the Swiss.

Conclusion: Best promotion for Squash generally and Masters-Squash in particular.

Claudio Hassler