English Winner Beckons In Baltimore

Joey Barrington and Chris Ryder will contest an all-English final of the Baltimore Cup after earning convincing straight games victories in the semi-finals of the PSA Tour event in the largest city in the US state of Maryland.

Barrington, the top seed from Somerset, looked sharp in his quick-fire win over unseeded Australian Wade Johnstone, who looked weary having twice overcome the seedings in five-game battles earlier in the week.

The 26-year-old favourite was getting onto the ball early and kept Johnstone behind him and under constant pressure as he swept to his 11-2, 11-6, 11-5 win in 28 minutes.

The success marks Barrington's 13th appearance in a PSA Tour final - and his fourth this year in North America.

Ryder, a qualifier who is also 26, was equally impressive as he emerged victorious in the battle of the surprise semi-finalists against unseeded Welshman Rob Sutherland. With his confidence high after a recent run of good form, the World University Champion dominated the match with his speed around the court and excellent racket skills.

Ryder's 11-7, 11-3, 11-7 victory in 35 minutes takes him into his eighth Tour final.

Semi-finals:
[1] Joey Barrington (ENG) bt Wade Johnstone (AUS) 11-2, 11-6, 11-5 (28m)
[Q] Chris Ryder (ENG) bt Rob Sutherland (WAL) 11-7, 11-3, 11-7 (35m)