Source: Radio New Zealand
Paul Coll is through to the final of the Tournament of Champions. PSA
New Zealand squash star Paul Coll will contest the Tournament of Champions final for the first time in his career after beating the World No. 3 in a tight battle in New York.
Coll advanced to the final after he overturned a 1-0 deficit to overcome Diego Elias 3-1.
The last time a Kiwi featured in the final of this tournament was 2003 when Carol Owens lifted the title, and Coll is now the first-ever male finalist from New Zealand, having seen off the Peruvian.
After the ‘Peruvian Puma’ won the opener 11-7, Coll eventually got his rewards for wearing down Elias to win the ensuing games 11-6, 11-2, 11-8 to tee up a third title showdown of the season against Egyptian Mostafa Asal.
A two-time semi-finalist, Coll arrived at the competition off the back of winning the Squash in the Land tournament in Cleveland, and has been able to continue his solid form into the Tournament of Champions.
Elias was looking to book his place in the final for the third consecutive time and started the better of the pair.
However, the lead didn’t last long as Coll showed why he is World No.2, clawing his way back into the contest.
Momentum then stayed in favour of Coll, his fitness on point as he took control of the contest, winning the third game comfortably.
Elias wasn’t prepared to go down without a fight, pushing Coll in the fourth. The scores were level at 7-7, however, Coll found another gear and went on to win 11-8.
“It is awesome, it is my first final here in New York, so I am very happy to be there. I am happy to see Diego [Elias] back on court, but it reminded me how hard it is to play when he is changing pace and holding me and stuff,” Coll said.
“It is good to see him back, and I am sure he will only get better and better. It was just about finding the balance between being patient and not being too passive, and attacking at the right times.”
Coll will face the World No.1 Mostafa Asal in tomorrow’s final.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
