Louisville Open: Khan into Second Straight Final

The USA’s Faraz Khan booked his spot in a second straight final, ending Timothy Brownell’s Louisville Open title defence. 

Khan was runner-up to David Baillargeon in last week’s Nash Cup, but has the chance to go one better this time around, after coming through five lung-busting games to knock his compatriot out. 

Following Leonel Cardenas’ quarter-final exit, 2022 champion Brownell was the highest-remaining seed and started the match with intent, taking the first game 11-7. 

Khan roared back into the contest, though, using the front of the court well to take the next two games, before Brownell levelled in the fourth. 

The fifth was a story of offence versus defence, as Khan showcased some remarkable displays of athleticism to keep the rallies alive, eventually taking it 11-8 to book his spot in the final. 

He will face No.3 seed Leandro Romiglio for the title, with the Argentine having beaten Juan Camilo Vargas in four games. 

Vargas had staged an impressive fightback to beat Cardenas in the last eight, but was unable to repeat the trick in the final four. 

He took the first 11-6, but from there the Argentine took control, using plenty of width to keep Vargas twisting and turning, racing into a 2-1 lead. 

The fourth was another tight affair, but patience proved key for Romiglio, who ran out a 3-1 winner to reach his sixth tour final of 2023. 

Results: Men’s Semi-Finals 

[3] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) bt [6] Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) 6-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-8 (67m) 
[4] Faraz Khan (USA) bt [2] Timothy Brownell (USA) bt 7-11, 11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-8 (79m)

Draw: Men’s Final

[3] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) v [4] Faraz Khan (USA)