(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Paul Coll Reaches PSA Squash Tour Finals Title Match After Win Over Zakaria
World No.2 Paul Coll has booked his place in the PSA Squash Tour Finals 2026 title match after defeating World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria in the semi-final in Paris.
In challenging conditions at Centquatre-Paris, where temperatures reached 28°C, Coll secured a 3-1 victory with scores of 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-1.
The match featured long rallies and high intensity, with both players testing each other physically in front of a strong crowd. Coll took control early by winning the first two games, while Zakaria fought back to claim the third.
However, Coll responded strongly in the fourth game, dominating to secure his place in the final.
Zakaria had entered the semi-final after an impressive win over former champion Karim Abdel Gawad, while Coll advanced after defeating World No.7 Joel Makin.
The result sets up a final clash between Paul Coll and Peru’s Diego Elías. Notably, this marks the first men’s final at the event since 2016 without an Egyptian player.
Coll said he was pleased with his performance, highlighting his improved focus and shot selection in the later stages of the match, particularly in adapting to the difficult playing conditions.
The PSA Squash Tour Finals continues with the championship match, where Coll will aim to secure the title against Elías.
