Canadian Men’s Open Quarter Finals: Cardenas Gatecrashes Semi-Finals With Second Successive Win Over Mueller

Mexican No.1 Leonel Cardenas produced the only upset in the Oxford Properties Canadian Men’s Open quarter finals as he overcame Switzerland’s No.3 seed Nicolas Mueller for the second time this year to reach the Bronze event semi-finals in Calgary.

Cardenas trailed for most of the first game in the final encounter of the night, but managed to stay within touch by squeezing errors from the Swiss No.1 in the back corners. The World No.31 earned the first game ball at 10-9 and capitalised on the first time of asking to lead 1-0.

It was clear that Mueller wasn’t physically at his best as the second game got underway at Bow Valley Square. The Swiss was struggling to move into the front corners and retrieve the attacks of Cardenas, of which there were many. The resistance faded quickly from Mueller as he lost both the last two games 11-3, sending Cardenas through to his biggest semi-final to date.

“It feels great. I’m playing good squash and I’m feeling really good on the court this week,” said Cardenas.

“I’ll sleep well tonight and maybe use an ice bath to prepare for tomorrow. I’ll prepare some tactical stuff with my coach back in Mexico. Cesar [Salazar] is helping me, he has so much experience and it’s great to have him with me. But, I know tomorrow will be hard, he’s a top player. I know I have to be at my best.”

Result:

Leonel Cardenas (MEX) bt [3] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 3-0: 11-9, 11-3, 11-3 (27m)