27-Aug-04:

Pacific Daihatsu International Squash
Championship, Queensland, Australia

Final:
[7] Stephane Galifi (FRA) bt [5] Timothy Arnold (MAS)
      15-7, 15-9, 15-11

GALIFI: SOMEBODY STOP ME!

The first time I heard from the man was when he came from the qualifications to reach the semis in Chartres last May.

Then, in last month's PNG International in Papua New Guinea, once again, he reaches the semi-finals, stepping on a few toes on the way…

But this is only the beginning! In the Mortgage Choice South Australian Open Squash Championships in Somerton Park, he reaches the second PSA final of his career (his first ever final was during the Rocafort Open in Spain in 2000) by upsetting the tournament favourite, Cameron White. And in final, he upsets the local crowd by beating their man, the Australian Raj Nanda 15-11 12-15 15-14 15-2.

With his maiden PSA Title in his squash bag, he moves on to the next tournament in the magic country of Australia, the Pacific Daihatsu International Squash Championship, in Queensland.

“Oh well, might as well reach the final, then, while I’m here!” he must have thought. Dropping only one game during his first two rounds, he gets to the semis. And who is he playing in the semis? Only the local favourite Timothy Manning, who he executes in 3 games 15-9 15-10 15-8.

Between him and his second PSA title, only the 5th seed stands. Not for long. The Malaysian Timothy Arnold concedes the match 15-7 15-9 15-11.

While Galifi first joined the PSA in 1997, he spent more than two years away from the international circuit before rejoining in May this year.

Well, I would say that was a good move, wouldn’t you?

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