DOHA (Qatar): Defending champion Ali Farag put a stamp on his world No.1 ranking on Saturday evening after he defeated New Zealand’s world No.5 Paul Coll in the Qatar Classic final of the PSA World Tour Platinum.
The 28-year-old Egyptian completed his 21st PSA title with a 11-8, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 victory in 61 minutes.
Farag also extended his winning run over Coll to 13 matches.
“The first time I couldn’t believe it and this time around I can’t believe it even more,” said Farag, who became only the fourth player in Qatar Classic history to win the title twice after current world No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy and retired Karim Darwish and Peter Nicol.
It’s his second PSA World Tour title after the tour’s restart following the six-month suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When I was younger, I used to watch the Qatar Classic and see all the great names of our sport lifting that trophy and I could only imagine standing there one day. To do it twice is an amazing feeling. We’ve been playing with each other for a good few years now, he wasn’t necessarily a very good junior or the most talented, but he’s a living example of inspiration,” added Farag, who was simply outstanding against the Kiwi.
Coll turned out to be unlucky second time in Qatar following his defeat to world No.3 Tarek Momen in the PSA Men’s World Championship final almost a year ago.
“It’s a tough feeling at the moment. I’m obviously very happy to reach another final here in Qatar, it’s a great tournament and a fantastic location,” said Coll.
Farag became richer by $26,000 for his efforts here with the Platinum tournament winners qualify for the season-ending CIB PSA World Tour Finals along with the top eight players on the standings.
Farag is currently the only player to qualify following wins at both the CIB Egyptian Open last month and in Doha.
(With inputs from PSA Tour)
