Paris Squash QF: Clinical Coll Holds Off Momen In Four

World No.3 Paul Coll booked his spot in the Paris Squash semi-finals after holding off the Egypt’s Tarek Momen in a tough four-game encounter. 

Coll’s terrific movement was tested all the way through the 62-minute minute encounter, having to hold off a barrage of attacks from ‘The Viper’ on his way to an 11-8, 10-12, 11-2, 11-8 victory. 

In an even opening game, the New Zealand No.1 came from behind to take a slender lead over the former World Champion at the crucial tim, countering the attacks of Momen with some accurate straight drops. 

Despite falling a game behind, Momen continued to attack with regularity in the second, firing the ball in short whenever the opportunity presented itself. Such was the success of this aggressive mindset, that Momen managed to hit 11 winners from the 12 points he won on his way to levelling the match. 

Coll bounced back in terrific fashion over the course of the next two games, pushing Momen deeper and deeper in the court and testing the physicality of the 36-year-old with some tough rallies. Coll, the No.2 seed, took the final two games to set up a semi-final match against one of Egyptian duo Mostafa Asal or Mazen Hesham. 

After the match, Coll said: “I was right up for that match tonight. Obviously, I missed out on the semi-finals at the Egyptian Open, it annoyed me a bit and motivated me to come out here today and play the brand of squash that I played last season. 

“I think there’s still some areas to improve on but I was happy with what I was trying to do.

“My expectations this season are to win. I had a great season last year and a great off-season, and I’m very happy with my intent tonight.”

Result:

[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [7] Tarek Momen (EGY) 3-1: 11-8, 10-12, 11-2, 11-8 (58m)