Illingworth Nets Second Tour Title In Baltimore

US squash star Julian Illingworth cruised to his second PSA Tour title of the year at the Merritt Properties Open when he beat top-ranked Mexican Eric Galvez in the final of the $10,000 event at Merritt Athletic Club in Baltimore.

The 25-year-old from New York, who won his fifth US National Championship trophy in March, reached the final without dropping a game - overcoming English qualifier Adrian Waller in the semi-finals.

Galvez, the world No41 from Puebla, faced qualifiers in each round leading to the final - and was taken to four games by Colombian Bernardo Samper in the other semi.

Illingworth and Galvez last met exactly two years ago - when the then higher-ranked Mexican won in four games.

But Portland-born Illingworth has grown in stature since that time - and despatched his opponent 11-7, 11-5, 11-8 to boost his chances of moving above his current career-high world ranking of 33.

Final:
[1] Julian Illingworth (USA) bt [2] Eric Galvez (MEX) 11-7, 11-5, 11-8