Arturo Salazar Claims Quito Crown

Fifth seed Arturo Salazar celebrated his second successive win over a higher-seeded fellow Mexican in the final of the Ecuador Open to win the second PSA Tour title of his career in the $20,000 squash event at Quito Tenis Y Golf Club in the Ecuador capital Quito.

Jorge Isaac Baltazar Ferreira, the fourth seed, took the opening game after a series of unforced errors by Salazar, 20, from San Luis Potosi. The 25-year-old from Mexico City's advantage continued as he tightened up his shots in the second game and frustrated Salazar who couldn't find a way to fight back.

However by the third game, Salazar began to gain confidence and played consistent shots that allowed him to win the game.

The younger Mexican was leading 4-1 in the fourth when Baltazar Ferreira twisted his ankle. After an injury break, the fourth seed returned to the court and tried to play on - but, after a few further points, decided to give Salazar the match.

The 7-11, 4-11, 11-2, 8-1 (ret.) victory extends Salazar's 100% success rate in PSA Tour finals after also winning the first final he reached - the Saskatoon Boast Open in Canada exactly a year ago.

The defeat was a bitter blow to Baltazar Ferreira on the eve of his 26th birthday - and following his impressive success in last month's Hi-Tec World Open in England where he reached the second round as a qualifier.

Final:
[5] Arturo Salazar (MEX) bt [4] Jorge Isaac Baltazar Ferreira (MEX) 7-11, 4-11, 11-2, 8-1 ret.