Paul Coll dives for a ball Photo: photosport
Greymouth squash player Paul Coll turned in a superman effort to come back from two sets down to beat world number one Ali Farag of Egypt at the latest PSA tournament in London.
World number two Coll, nicknamed 'Superman' for his athleticism on court, lost the first two games 11-8, 11-2 before winning the next three 12-10, 12-10, 11-9.
World Champion Farag went 5-2 and then 7-4 up in the third game leaving Coll struggling for answers.
However the Egyptian, who was fasting during the month of Ramadan, started to make some mistakes and Coll's sprits rose and he went on to win the third 12-10.
Farag had a game ball in the fourth, but Coll saved that and went on to win 12-10.
Farag was allowed allotted times to take on fluids and he went ahead in the fifth before Coll tied it up at 9-9 before going on to take it 11-9 and claim the Optasia title.
"It was a massive battle out there tonight," said Coll.
"I just want to say I've got the utmost respect for Ali. Not just for the athlete he is, but for the person he is. I think that's why he's so dominant this season. Thank you for all the battles.
"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 today 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 today.
"I'm proud of the fight I put in. Another just really enjoyable battle with Ali out there. I've enjoyed every match this season and I'm happy to get another win."
Coll has now taken a 3-2 lead over Farag in head to head battles this season.
Coll's girlfriend Nele Gilis of Belgium was beaten in the women's final by Satomi Watanabe of Japan.
There is another PSA Gold event in London at the end of the month.
