Metropolitan Squash Racquets Association

Heather claims the 2004 Hyder title.

With the eight amateur draws complete, it was onto the pro final between Mark Heather, number one seed, against Daniel Sharplin, number three seed.

The match started with the scoreline staying even for the first few points as the players settled down into match playing mode. Sharplin's mix of hard cracking shots along with deep lengths gave him the early lead 6-4, as Heather played a loose ball allowing Sharplin to play a winning drop. But the tables soon reversed as Sharplin's killer forehand faltered and three of his hard low forehand kill shots hit the tin to give Heather a 9-6 lead. And from that point on, Heather maintained his lead, looking confident and playing smart he pushed Sharplin around the court. The final point of the game saw Sharplin in a desperate effort throw himself at a dying backhand length from Heather. Game one to Heather 15-11.

Sharplin started the second game strongly and took an early 5-0 lead. Sharplin was in control of the points, making Heather run around the court this time, pushing him deep and then being ready for the short drop as Heather's only option was a boast. But the tide slowly turned as Sharplin let out an “Oh Dear!” as he hit two tins in a row and Heather's confidence took center stage. Heather equaled the scoreline to 7-7, and then took a 12-10 lead as both players twisted and turned around the court. Heather got to game ball 14-11 on a stroke call following a loose return from Sharplin down the middle of the court. But, as Sharplin had shown in his semi-final match against Walker, he wasn't going to make things too easy for Heather. As Sharplin fought back to 13-14, the crowd wondered whether he could pull off another comeback. Alas, it wasn't to be as Sharplin attempted a cross-court nick the ball hit the tin, and the game went to Heather 15-13.

With the effects of his semi-final match slowly taking their toll, Sharplin made a tired start to the third game and Heather jumped to a 6-1 lead. Sharplin started to take control of the rallies with Heather scrambling around the court retrieving every thing that Sharplin threw at him. But Sharplin couldn't find the winning touch and Heather romped away to reach match ball 14-6. Sharplin managed to save one match ball, but it was another Sharplin tin that gave Heather the third and final game 15-7.

Heather's confidence grew in each match he played, and in the final he was strong over the ball and took things early keeping the pressure on Sharplin, who commented that he always felt “one step behind”. “Everything just fell into place and I had a lot of fun out there today,” said Heather as he received the trophy from Dr. Hyder.