Johns Creek Open SF: Salazar and Avila Set For Another Final Battle

The final of the Life Time Optimus BT Johns Creek Open is set, with Mexico’s Arturo Salazar and Alfredo Avila ready to do battle for a Challenger Tour title for the second time in three weeks.

The pair met in the final of the HSC Open – presented by Cotidie at the start of the month, with Salazar winning to claim the 12th title of his career. He will be aiming to beat his compatriot once again this weekend in Johns Creek.

To make the final, the tournament’s top seed came up against Japan’s Ryunosuke Tsukue, the unseeded man who had already caused several upsets en route to the last four. He took the second game to level the contest, but the Mexican used all his experience to come through in four, to advance to yet another final on Tour.

He will now face compatriot Alfredo Avila in that final on Sunday afternoon after his fellow Mexican downed No.2 sed Sam Todd in straight games to book his spot. The young Englishman sits five places above Avila in the World Rankings, but the former World No.35 showed his class throughout to win 11-9, 11-6, 11-6 in 45 minutes, to book his spot in the final.

The final of the Life Time Optimus BT Johns Creek Open will see Mexico’s Alfredo Avila and Arturo Salazar do battle for the Challenger 10 level title. They will meet on Sunday, July 17 for the crown.

*Semi-Final Results: Life Time Optimus BT Johns Creek Open*
[1] Arturo Salazar (MEX) bt Ryunosuke Tsukue (JPN) 3-1: 11-9, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6 (54m)
[3] Alfredo Avila (MEX) bt [2] Sam Todd (ENG) 3-0: 11-9, 11-6, 11-6 (35m)

*Final Draw: To Be Played Sunday, July 17*
[1] Arturo Salazar (MEX) v [3] Alfredo Avila (MEX)