06/09/2026
Sunday update (and the last) from Perth WA.
We had a final to attend. Pauline Douglas vs the Australian Gaye Mitchell, #2 seed. Gaye warmed up on court for 15 mins waiting to start, cracking the ball. Pauline chatted to us outside the court!
Onto the match itself. Gaye was too nervous and did not play her best, while Pauline started out a completely different animal to her semi-final. Relaxed and playing perfect shots. 11-5, 11-8 to Pauline.
But then the game turned in the 3rd. Gaye found her length and settled. And won it 11-7. It was going to be a mighty battle, but coach Adrian was on hand to steer.
The 4th was a crazy game. Both playing at their best, the shots just kept coming. Pauline ended up having 5 match balls in the 4th, every one of them won off the serve by Gaye with high-risk but deadly winners. It ended 18-16 to Gaye. 2-2 in games.
The 5th kept the same quality. It went 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, 7-7. Pauline then got ahead and was serving at 10-8. The adrenaline kicked in - served OUT! Oh no, 9-10. Can you guess what Pauline did on the next point?
A reverse angle boast off the serve that was so good Gaye questioned it and the ref paused… it was UP and we had a winner. 🏆 on the 7th match ball. 4 times world champion.
Pauline’s game today was like chalk and cheese from yesterday. And it had to be to beat a formidable opponent. She said straight after: “I’m crying like a child I’m so happy. For me, my family and my squash family. “ She immediately then was messaging her family (photo). Well done Pauline 💪👍❤️
A quick update on the three boys opponents: Mark Woodliffe who beat Neil in the last 16 won the over 65s. John MacRury who beat Bryan in the last 8 got a silver medal; and Richard Chin who beat Adrian in the last 8 is in his final this afternoon. So we all feel a wee bit vindicated and all proud to be this competitive.
End of the reporting from Perth WA, hope I’ve not bored you with too much detail! Neil.