Robertino On A Roll In Queensland

10 Nov 2014

Pezzota with women's champion Christine Nunn

Argentina's Robertino Pezzota powered his way to a second successive PSA World Tour title in Queensland, Australia, when he beat James Huang of Chinese Taipei in the final of the Queensland Open in Brisbane.

Fresh from his surprise success in last week's Mackay Open, No2 seed Pezzota reached the semi-finals of the PSA Challenger 5 squash event at Northern Suburbs Squash Centre without dropping a game - then needed four games to overcome unseeded Egyptian Mohamed Elgawarhy to reach his third Tour final in a row in Australia.

Third seed Huang, the 29-year-old from Taipei City who last year became the first player from his country to reach a PSA World Tour final, pulled off a major upset in the other semi-final when he ousted top-seeded Argentinean Gonzalo Miranda.

The in-form Huang, eager to make history again by becoming the first Chinese Taipei player to win a Tour title, pushed Pezzota all the way.

But 31-year-old Pezzota held his nerve to close out the match 11-4, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7 after 65 minutes - not only to win the third Tour title of his career but also to extend his unbeaten run to a career-best 10 matches.

"It was a tough week here at Northern Suburbs Squash Club in Aspley," said Pezzota. "All the matches were very competitive and I am happy to win my second tournament in a row. I am planning to rest up this week, ready for the next tournament in Caboolture.

"Thanks to my team and thank you to the Argentinian Federation for supporting us."

A downcast Huang added. "I'm happy I got to the final today, but disappointed that I lost 3-1 to Robertino. It was a close battle but he was the mentally stronger one today.

"I have just spent more time training in Hong Kong with their National team," added Huang when asked to explain his current form. "I would really have a big thank for the Glens family in HK who billeted me during the stay - and thanks to HK squash for the training."

Final:
[2] Robertino Pezzota (ARG) bt [3] James Huang (TPE) 11-4, 11-9, 10-12, 11-7 (65m)