U.S. SQUASH National Teams: USA def.Netherlands 2-1

U.S. Men's Team #3, Christopher Gordon, last two points in the Netherland match.

USA secured its spot in recent history with a win today over Netherlands 2-1. Today's match order went right down the line with #1 Julian Illingworth taking on LJ Anjema. Jullian, still reeling from four tough matches in a row, was unable to get the body moving the way he would like. LJ came out strong and took the first giving up only one point. Julian was able to settle in more in the second, but was not enough to stop LJ. He prevailed in three straight games. The number two's then took the court, with both players based in Amsterdam and training together several times a week. Gilly was able to take the first long game and appeared to be in control in the second, when he went down with a rolled ankle. He was able to walk it off and somehow recover to take the game 12-10. With his mind now off the injured ankle, Gilly was able to finish off Piedro and level the overall match at one a piece.

For the second consecutive day, Chris Gordon was called upon to play the deciding match against a talented Sebastiaen Weenink. Chris played a great first game and was able to take a lot out of Sebastiaen, winning the game 15-13 after several strange calls. Sebastiaen came out with more purpose (and energy) in the second game and was too much for Chris, leveling the match. The third game started much like the second with Sebastiaen controlling the points. But Chris was able to weather the storm and work his way back into the game while punishing Sebastiaen with several long grueling points. Chris was able to take the third 11-8 and keep the momentum going into the fourth game. Chris took an early lead and was able to hold on for another 11-8 game and the overall match! With this win the US team moved forward and will be conpeting for 9-12th place. New Zealand or Kuwait is up next as the team looks for a top 10 finish.