17 May 2018

Coll ends 25 year drought at British Open

8:44 am on 17 May 2018

Paul Coll has become the first New Zealand male squash player in 25 years to reach the quarter-finals of the prestigious British Open.

Coll upset former World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad at the tournament in Hull in a five game battle, coming back from a game down on two occasions to complete an 3-11, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5, 11-5 victory.

The win means that Coll follows in the footsteps of compatriot Ross Norman, who was the last male Kiwi to make it to the last eight of this iconic tournament.

"It was a weird match, it's not one that I tend to enjoy," said Coll following his win.

New Zealand squash player Paul Coll

New Zealand squash player Paul Coll Photo: Supplied

"There wasn't much rhythm in the first few games, I wasn't consistent with my targets and his hands are too good.

"But I'm happy with the last two, I just tried to take it early, hit my corners and try to get a bit of rhythm going."

Coll's reward is a quarter-final meeting with World No.1 Mohamed El Shorbagy.

-RNZ