Women’s S/F: Top Seeds Ousted Yet Again

The No.3 seed and World Ranked #87, Caroline Fouts, set the early tone against the #141 underdog, Habiba Hani. The USA player secured a 4-11 lead in the first game as Hani lost some valuable points by hitting the ball out. The intensity heightened as the players exchanged aggressive boast shots from the back of the court, playing the next two games neck-and-neck. Fouts appeared fatigued in the final game, with her shots losing their initial power. In contrast, Hani accelerated, sealing her match-point with a powerful drive in response to Fouts’ serve.

The SACC audience witnessed another thrilling match in the Women’s division as the No.4 seed, Alex Haydon from Australia, and Hannah Craig from Ireland displayed their great shape, as well as incredible resilience and skill on the court. The score remained tight throughout the 70-minute match, with Craig taking an early lead at 11-8, and Haydon evening out the score in the next game at 11-13. The neck-and-neck battle persisted for another three games, during which Haydon clearly demonstrated her superior strength and skill, earning her the title of Finalist.

Habiba Hani vs Caroline Fouts (4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8)
Hannah Craig vs Alex Haydon (11-8, 11-13, 8 -11, 11-8, 12-10)