New York Hails New Champions

Squash's two world champions experienced mixed fortunes in the finals of the Bear Stearns Tournament of Champions at Grand Central Terminal in New York - Dutch star Vanessa Atkinson extending her unbeaten run since lifting the women's world crown in December by beating England's Linda Elriani in straight games, but Frenchman Thierry Lincou, the world champion and world No1, going down in a five-game thriller to Australia's tenth seed Anthony Ricketts.

Ricketts (pictured) ushered in a new era for the Bear Stearns Tournament of Champions on the glass court at Grand Central Terminal, one of the sport's most spectacular event settings. The Australian displayed the same controlled aggression and attacking game in the final as he had displayed all week in knocking off three higher-seeded players to get to the climax. It was a seesaw battle, in which the players moved each other to the four corners of the court throughout the match - but it was Ricketts who had the physical stamina to stay on the attack in the fifth game.

"I am excited and relieved," said Ricketts after his 11-10 7-11 11-9 6-11 11-7 triumph in 89 minutes. "I've been waiting for this for a long time." It was the first major championship of the 25-year-old Australian's career and it also marked the first time in seven years that the men's title was not taken by Peter Nicol of England or Jonathon Power of Canada, each of whom was eliminated in quarter-final play.

After losing the first game in a tie-break, Lincou came on strong on the second game, jumping to a 5-1 lead that he never relinquished. The third was another seesaw battle back and forth with Ricketts ending up on top. In the fourth, the lead changed hands on almost every point. At 5-3, with Lincou ahead, the players moved the ball to every corner of the court, each scrambling to make seemingly irretrievable shots until Lincou was able to attack a short ball in the right front corner. Ricketts made a flying leap in a desperate attempt to get his racquet on the crosscourt forehand and ended up face down on the floor as the standing room only crowd jumped to its feet roaring with appreciation. The world champion gave up only two more points, winning the game 11-6.

In the fifth, Ricketts immediately tinned two balls and it looked as though Lincou, known for his consistency and stamina, might have the upper hand. But, just as he had all week, Ricketts pumped himself up and reeled off six straight points to take a commanding 8-2 lead. Lincou was now scrambling to stay in the match and, down 5-9, moved the ball again to every corner of the court. Finally an opening on the forehand was driven past Ricketts and it looked as though the game might again go down to the wire.

It was not to be as Ricketts played patient squash, waiting for his openings, of which he was able to take full advantage - first with a volley nick winner at 10-6 and then a forehand nick to take the game, and the title, at 11-7.

"He was really hungry tonight," said Lincou. "I had to play two or three more attacks than usual on every point because he is in such great physical shape." For Ricketts, the victory was especially satisfying, coming just six months after his return to the tour after an eighth month hiatus due to knee surgery - and more than two years after his last PSA Tour title success, also in the USA!

Tournament of Champions trophy in hand, Ricketts said: "This is a big moment for me."

Vanessa Atkinson of the Netherlands defeated Linda Elriani of England 9-6 9-5 9-5 in 40 minutes to take the women's championship. Elriani, who had played great tactical squash in her earlier round victories, was kept deep in the court by the Dutchwoman's length. Atkinson took an early lead in each game, and although Elriani was able to close the gap in the middle of each game, the world champion was able to step up and close out each game.

"It was nerve-wracking to come here and play as world champion," said Atkinson, playing in her first WISPA World Tour tournament since winning in her first world title in December. "I am more relieved than anything else," added the 28-year-old from The Hague who picked her eighth Dutch National title on the eve of her departure for New York.

Men's final:
[10] Anthony Ricketts (AUS) bt [1] Thierry Lincou (FRA) 11-10 (2-0), 7-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7 (89m)

Women's final:
[2] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) bt [5] Linda Elriani (ENG) 9-6, 9-5, 9-5 (40m)