Rosner in seventh heaven

By Alan Thatcher

February 14, 2013 - 7:36am

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Simon Rosner goes on the attack

Rosner In Seventh Heaven

Simon Rosner became the German National Squash Champion for the seventh year in a row when beat Raphael Kandra 8-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-2 in the 2013 championship final in Boblingen, Stuttgart, on Sunday.

But the 25-year-old from Paderborn, who was firm favourite for the men’s title after celebrating a career-high world No15 ranking in December, was fully stretched by surprise opponent Kandra.

Third seed Kandra made his breakthrough in the semi-finals when he upset Jens Schoor, the No2 seed who was runner-up to Rosner for the past three years.

“I knew that Raphael would go off like a rocket and I had to be on the spot,” said a delighted Rosner after the match.  “After losing the first game, I was able to take control from the second onwards.

“The fact that Raphael played so well made the title worth much more to me,” added the seven-time German champion.

The final was widely believed to be the best match in the history of the championships.

German squash legend Sabine Schöne, the former women’s world No6 and a 17-time German Champion, said:  “The men’s final was the best match between two German players I have seen in my life – and I have seen a lot!”

A new name will be etched onto the women’s trophy after Franziska Hennes clinched the other title against expectations.

Seeded three, the 20-year-old from Homburg ousted second seed Annika Wiese in the semis before stunning favourite Pamela Hathway 11-4, 11-8, 11-6 in her maiden appearance in the final.

“I had less pressure than her, as she was the favourite from the start,” said happy Hennes afterwards.  “I just tried to follow my game plan which worked well apart from some section in the second game.”