5 days ago
Coll looks to retake British Open title
Paul Coll. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Two-time champion Paul Coll is through to the quarterfinals of the British Open after defeating the University of Birmingham's Moustafa Elsirty 3-0.
Egyptian Elsirty has had a tournament to remember in his adopted hometown.
The world No 67 came through the qualifiers to reach the main draw, making this his sixth match of the tournament.
However, world No 3 Coll, looking to capture the British Open title for the first time since 2022, dominated the first game with his accurate play coming out on top of Elsirty's power-based approach to win 11-4.
Elsirty was more patient in game two, alternating between power and soft touches as he kept pace with Coll.
The Kiwi, though, had just enough in the tank to clinch a 2-0 lead, the 33-year-old scrambling well to come through a tie-break 12-10.
Game three was a far more simple affair with Coll in complete control as the West Coaster cruised through with an 11-3 win.
"He's a talented player with the racket," Coll said.
"I've trained with him a few times so I knew the danger. He's come through qualifying which is very impressive, to make it through to round of 16. Congratulations to him on a great tournament." — APL
