Galvez On A Roll In Charlotte

Mexican veteran Eric Galvez won back-to-back PSA World Tour titles for the first time in his career when he beat England's Lewis Walters in the final of the Charlotte Open, the inaugural PSA Challenger 5 squash event at Charlotte Squash Club in Charlotte in the US state of North Carolina.

Seeded three, the 31-year-old from Puebla arrived in North Carolina direct from New York, where he picked up the Rochester ProAm title, his first of the year.

Former Mexican number one Galvez rolled back the years in the Charlotte semi-finals to upset Tom Ford, the 21-year-old top seed from England, to reach the 28th Tour final of his career.

Walters, the US-based fourth seed from Nottingham, survived an all-English affair to make the ninth final of his career - needing more than an hour to see off unseeded Reuben Phillips.

"The final of the Charlotte Open was the longest and most excellent match of the tournament," said tournament promoter Connie Barnes. "The wily Walters and the 'pirate' Galvez were gladiators as they moved around the court - the energy for and from the crowd, most of whom had not seen a PSA match before, was palpable."

It was nip and tuck throughout the 97-minute battle which went the full distance, with Galvez ultimately prevailing in the decider to win 11-6, 12-14, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8.

"Congratulations to Lewis and thanks to everyone for coming here on a usual family day," said Galvez after securing the 13th PSA World Tour title of his career - and establishing a new career-high eight-match winning streak. "I hope to see a bigger and better event next year!"

Walters echoed the Mexican's thanks to the crowd: "And thanks too to Eric for the final match, even if he did win! We all hope Connie will continue putting on these tournaments. Thank also to my sponsors MB-Nottingham, Salming and Prince Squash."