Paris Squash 2023 Final: Farag Fights Back To Take Paris Crown

Ali Farag overturned a one game deficit to defeat Diego Elias 3-1 in the final of the Paris Squash 2023.

The World No.1 remains at the top of the Men’s game after seeing off Elias, taking the first Platinum title on offer this season in the process.

Farag, who got the better of Paul Coll yesterday in a titanic 96-minute battle, didn’t make the ideal start to the opening game as Elias came flying out of the blocks to take a comfortable 9-2 lead, before clinching the first 11-2.

Falling behind gave Farag the much-needed spark to get a foothold back in the match, looking lively in the opening exchanges, but Elias looked as though he may edge it to give himself a two-game lead. However Farag got back in control with game ball, only to be saved by Elias. The Egyptian had another saved but he made it third time lucky to restore parity.

Farag was starting to find his feet, and that showed in the third with a quick fire 5-0 lead before he had a staggering ten game balls. One was saved, but Farag was in the driving seat when he closed the game out 11-1.

Elias regrouped going in the fourth as he bid to keep himself within touching distance of Farag, as he opened up a 5-2 lead only for the World No.1 to peg it back to five-all. Fatigue didn’t appear to be an issue for Farag despite a lengthy battle yesterday, as he had three match balls to seal the title. Two found the tin, but he converted at the third time of asking to seal the victory.

“Diego [Elias] played well more than me being sluggish [in the first game]. My timing was completely off and I tried to go for the volley too soon and my length wasn’t accurate enough to hunt the next ball,” said Farag.

“My timing was off and Karim [Darwish] told me to take a step back but to go back in again. I usually like to play at a higher pace than that against Diego, but because of that I had to slow it down a little bit.

“He likes to play at a controlled pace as well and then at 9-6 I was drawing inspiration from Karim and if I was on my own the sluggishness wouldn’t have run away like it did in the second.

“I’m proud of the way I backed up yesterday and kudos to those who take care of my body and my mental state because I couldn’t have done it on my own.”

Result
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [2] Diego Elias (PER) 3-1: 2-11, 13-11, 11-1, 11-9 (61m)