New Zealand' s Paul Coll is through to the semifinals of the Paris Open platinum tournament after a four game win over Egypt’s Tarek Momen.
Coll’s movement was tested all the way through the 62-minute minute match, having to hold off a barrage of attacks from the Egyptian on his way to an 11-8, 10-12, 11-2, 11-8 victory.
In an even opening game, the Greymouth player came from behind to take a slender lead over the former World Champion at the crucial time.
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Coll countered the attacks of Momen with some accurate straight drops and gritty determination..
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, took the final two games to set up a clash against third seed and arch rival Mostafa Asal.
“I was right up for that match tonight,” said Coll.
“Obviously, I missed out on the semi-finals at the Egyptian Open [earlier this month], it annoyed me 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.”