There was no fairytale finish for Paul Coll to his PSA pro season with a straight game defeat to Mostafa Asal of Egypt in World Tour Finals decider in Cairo on Sunday (Monday NZ time).
In a marathon first game which took just over 40 minutes Coll initially saved a game ball then had one in his favour before eventually falling 11-13 to a fired-up Asal who was hitting the ball with incredible power and limiting the New Zealander’s chances in rallies.
PSA
Paul Coll looks downcast after losing the World Tour final in Cairo.
Anything Coll threw at Asal throughout the match was given back with interest by Asal, who was in fine form.
In the second game Asal was again hitting the ball with control and pace and while there was a little bit more niggle and questions of shots the Egyptian took his game to another level as Coll struggled to find a way through his opponent.
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New Zealand’s Paul Coll has now been beatend in two big finals by Mosafa Asal.
With the second game won 11-8 in 19 minutes Asal then seemingly raised his game again to win the third 11-7 and take the title in 75 minutes.
Coll said he felt he “played pretty well’’ at times, but was disappointed ot lose the first game and also to “lose so quickly’’ in the “back end of the third’’.
He said Asal was extremely good at the end of every game.
“He put in another superb performance and held strong on the big points when it mattered.’’
The loss ends the PSA season for Coll which has included three titles since January; Black Ball Open, Windy City Open and British Open as well as three months at the top of the world rankings.
There were also runner-up finishes at the El Gouna International and in the World Tour Final.
Coll, 30 will now …….
