Kiwi Paul Coll has won his second squash title of 2021, taking the Canary Wharf Classic in London.
Already having secured the prestigious British Open back in August, 29-year-old Coll reaffirmed his love of England - defeating world No.1 Ali Farag of Egypt in the final on Saturday morning (NZ time).
Despite dropping the first set 11-7, Coll rallied from behind to win the next three 13-11, 11-5 and 11-6, wrapping up his victory in 70 minutes.
"I'm very happy. I have so much respect for Ali, he's such a great champion, he's a top player," Coll says of his title victory.
"For me to beat him in the final is extra special, he's such a top and fair player and everyone should look up to as a quality champion. I'm so happy to take two titles off him, no offence Ali.
"I'm very proud of that, it's so tough to beat him. You've got to put so many things together, get a game plan and then execute a game plan from start to finish, I'm very proud of this win."
Aside from his two tournament victories in 2021, Coll has also finished as runner-up a further three times.
The victory will also see Coll advance to No.2 in squash's updated world rankings, leapfrogging Egyptian Mohammed ElShorbagy, who drops to third. Even in defeat, Farag keeps hold of the world's top spot - albeit with Coll now hot on his heels.
