Coll beats world No 1 in London final
Paul Coll pulled off a phenomenal fightback from two games down to beat world No 1 Ali Farag and win the Optasia Championships in London yesterday.
“It was a massive battle out there,” Coll said. “I’ve got the utmost respect for Ali, not just for the athlete he is, but the person he is. That’s why he’s so dominant this season.
“I put lot of work in the off-season to get back to my fighting best. I didn’t feel like I had that last season. I was doing all my breathing techniques, all my mental things because it was a real battle.
“I had to come back several times. I had my coach come down, which really helped me. Seeing my childhood friends in the front row was something special, and hearing my girlfriend, who had a tough loss, come and support me — all these people around me really got me up [for the final].
“I’m proud of the fight I put in; another really enjoyable battle with Ali out there. I’ve enjoyed every match this season and I’m happy to get another win.”
Coll started strongly to lead the first game 7-3 before Farag struck back, delighting the crowd with wonderful recoveries and winning shots as he levelled at 7-7 before taking the game 11-8.
The second game was all Farag, continuing his form from the first to take a 5-2 lead before reeling off the next six points and the game 11-2.
Coll looked in trouble in the third as the world champion moved ahead. However, a few errors from the Egyptian allowed Coll back into the match and the world No 2 levelled at 9-9, earning and losing a game ball before hitting a deep crosscourt to eventually take the third 12-10 after 20 minutes.
Farag, who is observing the Ramadan fast, took an early lead in the fourth before errors again let Coll back into the match. Farag had one match ball at 10-9 but Coll saved that with a crunching drive before winning the next two points to take the match to a decider.
The fifth game mirrored the seesawing first four. Farag was up 9-5 before Coll came from behind for the third game in a row to level at 9-9 as Farag looked to be cramping up. The West Coaster then hit two winners to take the match and title after an epic 91-minute contest.