Former World No 2 Parke lifts the BSPA Ilkley Open Squash Tournament title

From the archive, first published Thursday 9th Feb 2006.

AT the BSPA Ilkley Squash Open the current World No 23 Peter Barker and the former World No 2 Simon Parke contested the final with Parke taking the ultimate glory.

With both players itching to go, the scene was set for a spectacular event. The first game however was a case of man and boy, as the No 1 seed from Essex was by far outclassed by Parke, who took the first game 11-0.

It was a similar story in the second game, as the No 2 seed played at a standard that had the crowd in awe.

Barker managed to secure himself his first point midway through the second game and with a roar of appreciation from the spectators started to assert himself and gained another three.

However, it was to no avail as Parke's touch and control was far superior, winning him the second game. The third game was more contested as Barker started to feel more comfortable in the rallies and play shots of his own choosing.

Both players took the opportunity to show off their skills as the game became closer and closer. However, at the end of the day, Parke was always in control and his victory in the third game secured him his first trophy since 2003.

Ilkley Squash Club coach Robbie Burnett said: "It was a spectacular tournament to watch and be involved in, one can only hope that future events live up to this exceptional standard."

The first semi-final had seen No 1 seed Barker and No 3/4 seed Joey Barrington, both in the top 30 in the world, provide a great sense of anticipation. After going down in the first game Barker moved his game up a gear to take the first 11-8. He continued to dominate as he went on to win the second as well. A heated third game showed Peter was anything but afraid to let the referees know his opinion. He looked set to win in three when a magnificent display of determination on the part of the 3/4 seed won Barrington the game.

A heavily contested fourth game once again went to Barrington after Barker's frequent displays of emotion caused him to lose focus. With everything to play for, both players gave the fifth set their all. Barker demonstrated flashes of brilliance that reflected his ranking of world 23, taking the fifth and thus the match.

The second semi-final, between Parke and 3/4 seed, Steve Meads was a much more light-hearted affair, with the No 2 seed controlling action despite the determined effort of Meads to keep up. With an incredibly high standard of shot-making Parke claimed the match in three quick games.

Local favourite Ben Rickaby, back from a coaching stint in the Middle East, lost out to Richard Birks 5-11, 9-11,11-5,11-1,11-6 in the first round.

In its third year the Ilkley Open again brought some of the UK's top players to the Yorkshire Dales. Peter Barker was returning to action after a lay-off with an ankle injury while top seed Simon Parke popped over from Heaton, Bradford, where he is head coach.

Ben Rickaby organised the first Ilkley Open in 2004 and the task of organising this year's event fell to Robbie Burnett who secured eight sponsors for the event.

A new champion was guaranteed as twice Ilkley winner Marcus Berrett has now taken up a coaching position in Italy.

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