Coll falls at final hurdle
New Zealand’s Paul Coll was no match for Egypt’s Tarek Momen in the world squash championships men’s singles final.
Coll lost to the world No 3 in straight games – 11-8 11-3 11-4 – in 39 minutes in Doha, Qatar, yesterday morning as he fell short in his attempt to become just the second Kiwi to win the men’s title after Ross Norman in 1986.
‘‘It was tough right from the word go,’’ Coll said.
‘‘Tarek wasn’t missing, and making me do a lot of work. It was taking its toll right from the first rally because he was playing so accurate right from the start.
‘‘I’m a little bit disappointed, but credit to Tarek he really delivered on the big stage . . . I’m very proud of reaching my first championship final.’’
Coll took to the court in the third game with strapping on his right quad as a brutal week, which saw him spend almost an hour more on court than Momen, took its toll.
Momen was appearing in backto-back world championship finals after falling to world No 1 Ali Farag last year. His wife, Raneem El Welily, was runner-up in the women’s world championship final a fortnight ago.
‘‘I want to congratulate Paul on such an event and an amazing achievement,’’ Momen said.
‘‘He’s done so well making it this far. He had the better of our last finals appearances, I’m just glad I managed to get this one.
‘‘It was such a strong match, I know he pushed himself hard during the event. Towards the end, I could see he was struggling a bit, but he kept pushing.’’
Coll, the world No 5, was still thrilled by the support he had received in his trip to the final.
‘‘Massive support from back home waking up in the early hours of the morning. I really felt it all week and love all you guys . . . thank you very much. Very proud of my country and if I can put them on the map in any way I’m very proud of it.’’