Kiwi squash ace Paul Coll dedicated his first title since 2016 - a victory at the Canary Wharf Classic PSA Gold tournament - to the city following Friday's horror shootings.
"Just to everyone back home in Christchurch, kia kaha, stay strong," Coll said from London.
"It is a horrible thing that has happened to New Zealand and that was for you, and for everyone in Christchurch tonight. Stay strong guys!"
The Greymouth product who attended Christchurch Boys' High School defeated Egypt's Tarek Momen, the world No. 3 - in the final in straight games to maintain his record of not losing a game throughout the tournament.
Coll took a big lead in the first game, only for Momen to bounce back and tie it at 8-8. However, the Kiwi was able to win the last three points to take the early lead.
The second game followed suit, with Momen dragging it back after surrendering an early deficit. This time, though, Coll took the game on a tie-break.
The third was much easier, as the world No.7 lost just three points to Momen, who appeared drained whereas Coll had a spring in his step as he moved closer to the title and an eventual victory 11-8, 12-10, 11-3 in 63 minutes.
"It is such a prestigious tournament, and there are such phenomenal names on the trophy and to be a part of that is something special. I have played this tournament three times, and I felt like I have played well every year.
"I have been trying to make some improvements for a while now, and I really felt them come into my game in the World Championships.
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel tells the communities of Christchurch to "stay connected during this time".
"I felt quite strong on court. In Toronto, I just lost out in the final and that really hurt me. I took a big knock there, and I wasn't sure how I was going to back that up this week. My coach just told me to get out there and keep performing. I was confident in my squash and as long as I could get my head right this week, I was confident and I am really happy with the squash and also mentally, to stay strong for the entire event."
Coll said he knew he couldn't match Momen's skills at the front of the court and played accordingly.
"It is really incredible what he can do with the ball, and from all sorts of positions on the court. I had to be aware of that, and try to contain him as much as I possibly could and use my speed to soak the pressure up, and then apply pressure on him."
Coll now takes a short break before playing his next PSA event in the Netherlands next month.
CREDIT: STUFFSPORT
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