Paul Coll reaches semifinals in New York
- editor59343
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
World No.2 Paul Coll took one step closer to winning his first Tournament of Champions title after beating Frenchman Victor Crouin 3-1.
Coll, who advances into the semi-finals for the third-time, arrived into the contest in good form. He came into the tournament after winning Squash in the Land in Cleveland, and looked to impress in the quarterfinal as he was yet to drop a game in Grand Central Terminal.
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However, Coll’s chances of clinching his first Tournament of Champions title were threatened in the opening game. Crouin, who beat Coll in the 2024 Tournament of Champions quarter-finals was able to make a strong start, winning the opener 11-5.
With a potential exit on the cards Coll was able to claw his way back into the tie, winning 11-7, despite the best efforts from the Frenchman in a brutal 18-minute game.
Coming back after the break, Coll was able to continue his winning momentum, edging out his opponent to win the third 11-7.
With 49 minutes already played between them, the fourth game was set to be a battle of wills to confirm their place in the final four. However, it was Coll who was able to overcome the worries of a potential exit, with the length of match seeming to benefit the Kiwi, as he began to take control of the contest.
Coll, 33 then won the final game 11-7.
“He [Crouin] came out playing really well, so it was a battle against myself, my squash, I was just trying to find my groove today so I am happy to get through it.
“I did find my range, I started moving my feet and getting the ball a bit better, so I felt more comfortable as it went on.
“I had to work on my length and it was just about finding my way through that one and it got better and better as the game went on, so I am happy with how it finished.
Coll will face Peru's Diego Elias in the semifinals with both players knowing each and their games very well.
“I have never made the final here so I am looking forward to tomorrow. I am playing my good mate Diego [Elias], he is coming back from injury and it is awesome to see him back playing, I think he is getting better and better with each match, so it is going to be a good one tomorrow.”
