Galifi Takes Toulouse Title

After trouncing the top seed in the semi-finals, French qualifier Stephane Galifi went on despatch second-seeded compatriot Julien Balbo in the final of the Movida International Open to claim the inaugural $10,000 PSA Tour squash title at Movida Castanet in Toulouse, France.

It was the climax of a stunning week for the unranked 29-year-old from Aix-en-Provence who was competing in his first Tour event for three years.

Galifi started his giant-killing run with a first round win over Dutchman Tom Hoevenaars, the No8 seed - and then beat fellow Frenchman Romain Tenant to make the semi-finals.

A sensational straight games victory over favourite top seed Davide Bianchetti, the world No30 from Italy, took Galifi into the seventh Tour final of his career.

But, despite enjoying excellent form which saw the world No55 from Chambery reach the final of the Scott Wealth Management Open earlier this month in California, Balbo was no match for his surprise opponent in the final.

Galifi stormed to a 12-10, 11-3, 11-6 victory in 55 minutes to record the fourth PSA Tour title of his career - but his first since winning the Atlanta Open in May 2005.

Final:
[Q] Stephane Galifi (FRA) bt [2] Julien Balbo (FRA) 12-10, 11-3, 11-6 (55m)