Jason Mudge
6-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 (41m) Adam Auckland
Adam Auckland (ENG)
11-8, 11-4, 11-7 (42m)
[2]Justin Beard (AUS)
Corren
Captures Title No. 45
Australia's Mike Corren notched up his latest PSA World Tour
tournament victory on home soil when he beat Englishman Adam Auckland
in the final of the PSA Challenger 5 Barossa Valley Toyota Open
at the Rex Barossa Aquatic Centre in Tanunda, South
Australia.
Corren's 11-3, 11-5, 12-10 win in 30 minutes gave him his second
consecutive Barossa title and his 45th title on the Professional Squash
Association tour.
The
39-year-old reached the final after surviving an 80-minute semi against
rising Egyptian teenage star Ahmed Atef - while unseeded Auckland
made his breakthrough in the second round after ousting second seed
Justin Beard.
"Winning this event was a particular challenge due to arriving almost
directly from the Scottish Open Doubles in Glasgow," said Corren, who
left Scotland with a silver and bronze medal.
"Apparently at 39 years of age, I should be struggling to remain upright
- never mind win an event jet-lagged!
"I
found playing the doubles actually helped my preparation due to a lot of
court time and hitting a lot of purposeful balls (mostly!). It was also
fantastic to represent Australia in this event and I enjoyed the team
atmosphere.
"Winning another event isn't the be-all-and-end-all - or the number,"
added the South Australian. "I am happier with the fact that I am back
playing well and competitively again. I had almost six months out of the
game with injury and thought I may not get back so, again, I'm very
satisfying to simply be on track again.
"There
is no real time to be happy or satisfied as the South Australian Open
starts Wednesday. I have to go through the same process again!
"I
have massive respect for young Adam Auckland and I had a tussle
with Ahmed here in the semi-finals. So, to have success again this week,
I have to overcome them both and a host of other dangerous propositions
so, again, being satisfied is something I cannot afford!
"Obviously the SA Open is my 'home' open and naturally I would like to
do well. I think I have timed my run better than in previous years but
again I have five younger opponents standing in my way wanting to make
life extremely difficult for the old man. I wouldn't have it any other
way!"
