Coll one step closer to NZ Squash Open title
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
Paul Coll has eased into the semifinals of the New Zealand Squash Open in Christchurch after a clinical 3-0 win over Malaysian fifth seed Eain Yow Ng.
The world No 2 from the West Coast controlled the tempo from the outset on the Isaac Theatre Royal stage, pulling clear 11-4 in the first game via several inch-perfect backhand shots.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Struggling for answers, Ng mixed up his tactics but it mattered little as Coll grew in confidence in the second game. The precision of his backhand continued, particularly on the volley, as the crowd favourite rattled off the first eight points before taking the game 11-2.
A similar script was followed in the third as Coll methodically picked apart Ng’s game. It was patience personified as the proud West Coaster took his time before punishing anything loose. Coll stormed to a 9-0 advantage before converting his first match ball to wrap up the game 11-2, and the win in 34 minutes.
“The first round definitely sharpened me up,” said Coll, referring to his 3-1 win yesterday over Moustafa El Sirty.
“The rest of the train [of supporters] have been rolling in, I felt the energy and I enjoyed it.”
Coll will play Spaniard Iker Pajares who is ranked 34th for a spot in the final.
The other semifinal features second seed Joel Makin of Wales who is sixth in the world against Egyptian Moahamd Zakaria the third seed and ninth ranked player.
The women's semis featured top seed Tinne Gilies against Marina Stefanoni from the United States with second seed Nele Gilies facing Torrie Malik from England.
