Noom Wins First WISPA Title In Czech Republic

Orla Noom made her mark in squash history by becoming the winner of the first WISPA World Tour event to be staged in the Czech Republic.

The 23-year-old from the Netherlands overcame local star Lucie Fialova, the fifth seed, in the final of the Women's Prague Open to claim the $4,000 title at the Squashcentrum Strahov in the country's capital Prague.

But the top seed from Hoofddorp was taken to five games in the semi-final before overcoming England's third seed Fiona Moverley.

However, top-ranked Czech player Lucie Fialova delighted the local crowds when she battled for five games to overcome both Celia Allamargot, the fourth seed from France, and Deon Saffery, the second seed from Wales, to stake a surprise claim on a place in the final.

And the 20-year-old from Prague gave a brave display in her maiden appearance in a WISPA final before bowing out to the more experienced Noom 11-8, 7-11, 11-3, 8-11, 11-3 in 42 minutes.

The title success takes Noom to the third Tour title of her career - but her first for more than a year.

Final:
[1] Orla Noom (NED) bt [5] Lucie Fialova (CZE) 11-8, 7-11, 11-3, 8-11, 11-3 (42m)