BUDDING Bolton squash professional Julian Tomlinson secured a magnificent third place finish at the Anchor Insurance North Wales Open.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a tremendous weekend edging out world number 288 Will John in a thrilling play-off for third place.
The David Lloyd based professional produced some stunning squash to overcome his experienced rival, securing the bronze medal finish with a 3-1 victory.
On another day he could have gone one step further but having faced two strength sapping five setters the power he could not find an answer to World number 188 David Haley in the Semi-Finals.
He said: “I”m really pleased with the finish, Will John is a quality opponent and he forced me to produce some of my very best squash.
“He started strongly and I had to dig deep to turn the match around but I managed to do it and it’s great experience for me.”
Tomlinson secured his third place finish the hard way, coming through two thrilling five setters to book his place in the Semi-Finals.
Stunning Squash
His first round clash with Joel Makin produced some stunning squash including this incredible point – with a rally that lasted more than three minutes – but Tomlinson eventually came out on top, winning three-two.
Julian said: “It was a great weekend for me in terms of experience though obviously I am disappointed to not come away with the title.
“Even though I have to be realistic and understand I am coming up against experienced and incredibly talented players I have to set out with the mindset that I can win.
“This was a really tough tournament. I came up against some terrific opponents and I will learn from that and grow and become a better player for it.
“It’s all part of my journey and it’s very satisfying to feel that I am making progressing and improving all the time.”
David Lloyd Bolton professional Tomlinson had already endured a gruelling five setter against Adam Curry in his qualifying road.
Curry was forced to retired injured in the fifth with the match balanced on a knife edge.
Things didn’t get easier for Tomlinson as he was forced up against Makin in the first round proper. The pair produced some stunning squash and Tomlinson had to dig incredibly deep.
His match started with a real shock, going down 11-2 in the first but the Bolton pro dug deep to level the match winning the second 12-10 and despite losing the third 5-11 came back to level the fourth with a 13-11 victory and the fifth 11-9.
The two five setters had taken a lot out of the 19-year-old and unfortunately he could not Haley in the Semi-Final, going down three-love, losing 11-2, 11-8, 11-5.
Julian added: “It was tough. David played really well and he is a quality opponent. It didn’t help that I’d played a 90 minute match three hours earlier but he was the better player on the day.
“That experience will be invaluable for me and now I have to try and add that final element and attempt to close out tournaments.”
Tomlinson represents East Lancs in the North West Counties Squash League competing all over the North West as well as Heaton in the Yorkshire League. He is also coaches around the North West region.
If your business would like to help Tomlinson’s bid for squash glory email: Tomlinson@onsidepr.com
