Coll closes in on another NZ Squash Open title
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Paul Coll is one win away from back-to-back New Zealand Squash Open titles at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch after a 11-4, 11-5, 11-1 win over unseeded Spaniard Iker Pajares.
After a lengthy wait owing to a marathon first men's semi-final, Coll from Greymouth showed little sign of weariness rattling off seven straight points en route to clinching the opening game.
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Pajares looked to lift in the second game, mixing his lengths and angles, but Coll never seemed to be troubled. Much like his quarter final win, it was the precision of the backhand and a calmness in long rallies that saw him continue his charge.
The 11-5 second game proved a dagger to the confidence of Pajares, who appeared defeated early in the third. Coll duly pounced with a convincing final game to wrap up the match in 37 minutes.
"Teeing off at 10.00pm two hours late, I really had to make sure I was switched on mentally for that one,” said the world No 2 Coll.
“I knew how I wanted to play, but it was still about constructing my rallies, playing proper squash and not just trying to get off [quickly] or switching off.
“I’m very happy overall. My squash felt good, but I'm more happy with the mental focus.”
A difference in court time tonight could be a significant factor in tomorrow’s final.
Coll will face Egyptian Mohamad Zakaria after the two-time junior world champion outlasted second seed and world number six Joel Makin in a two hour five minute five game thriller 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 13-11.
Coll won the only previous meeting on the PSA Tour last year in straight games.
The women's final features Coll's wife, Nele Gilis against her sister Tinne Gilis.
