Hinds Captures Belfast Open Crown

#PSAWorldTour

Top seed Joel Hinds came through a second five-game-thriller in a row to lift the Belfast Open, PSA M5 title – beating compatriot Angus Gillams in the final.

Hinds overcame the dangerous Edmon Lopez Moller in the semi-final, seeing off the Spaniard in a lengthy five game match while Gillams dispatched teenager Kyle Finch in straight games in their encounter.

The showpiece finale saw a number of physically demanding rallies play out in front of an enthralled crowd at the Belfast Boat Club with Gillams pulling away mid-game. However, he spurned the opportunity to take the lead after a number of unforced errors let Hinds back into it and the number one seed went on to claim the opening game.

With Hinds in the ascendancy, Gillams had to mix things up effectively and that’s exactly what he did with a number of stunning drops enabling him to edge out ahead and take the next two games to put himself 2-1 up.

Hinds battled back to bring the match level and, after a brief blood break brought a momentary halt to proceedings in the fifth game, the 28-year-old continued his upwards momentum to claim an 11-9, 8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-7 victory to lift his seventh PSA World Tour title.

“I was delighted to come through such a tough match,” said Hinds.

“I would like to thank the sponsors and organisers for bringing this new event to Belfast.”

Result – Final: Belfast Open 2015
[1] Joel Hinds (ENG) bt [2] Angus Gillams (ENG) 3-2: 11-9, 8-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-7 (97m)