Hopkin Wins First Tour Trophy

Just a year after joining the Professional Squash Association, 23-year-old Australian Matthew Hopkin has joined the ranks of PSA World Tour title winners after upsetting fifth seed Piedro Schweertman in today's final of the Shepparton International, the inaugural PSA Challenger 5 event at Shepparton Squash Centre in Shepparton in the Australian state of Victoria.

Unseeded, Hopkin made his breakthrough in the semi-finals, dismissing No2 seed and fellow Australian Joshua Larkin in four games.

It was his first Tour final, and the world No.199 from Brisbane took full advantage - overcoming experienced Dutchman Schweertman, a former world No.89, 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8 in 44 minutes.

"I'm exhausted, it was a tough tournament," said Hopkin. "I'm really stoked to win an event in my first year as a PSA member.

"I look forward to defending my title next year and heading to Sydney for the NSW Open."

Schweertman, whose defeat in the final ended a career-best eight-match unbeaten run on the PSA Tour, was full of compliments for his opponent: "Matt played really well, it was a tough match.

"I'm now heading to Sydney and Coffs Harbour so hopefully if I meet him again, it's my turn," added the 30-year-old from Hoofddorp.

"It's my first time in Australia and I've really enjoyed the tournament."