Prague Day Two RoundUp: Rapp Continues Run as Both Gaultier and Kandra Progress

Germany’s World No.141 Valentin Rapp continued to upset the seedings at the Expression Networks Nolan and Liam’s Tournament taking place in Prague, Czech Republic.

The PSA Challenger event is the first professional squash event to take place following the six-month suspension of the PSA Tour due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Rapp, who took out higher seeded opposition in Ondrej Uherka in round one, continued to show that form in the quarter finals after he axed No.2 seed Daniel Mekbib in straight-games to advance.

“I’m very happy with my performance,” said Rapp afterwards.

“In both matches I was very nervous because of the long break. Probably like everybody. Luckily it didn’t affect my game. I hope I can play tomorrow like today and play a good match against Greg.”

Rapp will now face former World No.1 and World Champion Greg Gaultier for a place in the final after the French General continued to show his dominance with a straightforward victory over Germany’s Yannick Omlor.

“I’m glad to go through the quarter finals, I played Yannick Omlor who is my team mate in German league in Worms Rowe Motor oil team,” said Gaultier following his win.

“I know him for long time and he has massively improved. We had some tough and long rallies as it was quite bouncy today. I’m happy with my form and to play on the court I practice almost every day. I look forward for my next match tomorrow.”

The other semi-final will see top seed Raphael Kandra take on Czech Republic’s Jakub Solnicky, after the latter received a walkover into the last four following Juan Camilo Vargas’s withdrawal due to an injury.

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It was a convincing victory for the German No.2, who put in a dominant display to overcome Aqeel Rehman by an 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 scoreline.

“So far everything is going according to plan,” said Kandra. “I am happy with my body, and the most important thing my mindset is there.”

Results: Quarter Finals
[1] Raphael Kandra (GER) beats [5] Aqeel Rehman (AUT) 3-0: 11-4, 11-4, 11-6 (26m)
Jakub Solnicky (CZE) beats [3] Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) 3-0: Walkover
[4] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) beats [7] Yannik Omlor (GER) 3-0: 11-2, 11-5, 11-2 (25m)
Valentin Rapp (GER) beats [2] Daniel Mekbib (CZE) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 16-14 (50m)

Draw: Semi-finals
[1] Raphael Kandra (GER) v Jakub Solnicky (CZE)
[4] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Valentin Rapp (GER)