Argentinean Qualifiers Repel Resistance In Resistencia

Local qualifiers Leandro Romiglio and Robertino Pezzota dug deep to secure surprise semi-final slots in the ACHS Resistencia Regatas Open - Tour de las Americas, the PSA World Tour Challenger 10 squash event in its third year at Club Regatas Resistencia in Resistencia, Argentina.

In a quarter-final clash between two qualifiers, 22-year-old Romiglio ended the brave run of 16-year-old Peruvian schoolboy Diego Elias.

Playing in his first PSA World Tour event, Elias led the more experienced Romiglio 2/1 - but the effort took its toll on the young teenager. Mar Del Plata-based Romiglio dropped just two further points as he stormed to a 13-11, 6-11, 9-11, 11-1, 11-1 win in 75 minutes.

Pezzota leads Argentinean interest in the other half of the draw where he faces second seed Matthew Karwalski. The 30-year-old world No 204 from Rosario pulled off a sensational upset when he beat Mexico's No3 seed Arturo Salazar - ranked more than 130 places higher - 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 in 46 minutes.

Australian Karwalski needed just 22 minutes to see off Canadian Matthew Serediak 11-5, 11-6, 11-4.

Semi-final line-up:
[2] Matthew Karwalski (AUS) v [Q] Robertino Pezzota (ARG)
[Q] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) v [4] Jaymie Haycocks (ENG)