Just a year after joining the
Professional Squash Association,
23-year-old Australian
Matthew Hopkin
has joined the ranks of
PSA World Tour
title winners after upsetting fifth seed
Piedro Schweertman
in today's final of the
Shepparton International,
the inaugural
PSA Challenger 5
event at
Shepparton Squash Centre
in
Shepparton
in the Australian state of Victoria.
Unseeded, Hopkin made his breakthrough in the semi-finals,
dismissing No2 seed and fellow Australian
Joshua Larkin
in four games.
It was his first Tour final, and the world No.199 from Brisbane took
full advantage – overcoming experienced Dutchman Schweertman, a
former world No.89, 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8 in 44 minutes.
“I’m exhausted, it was a tough tournament," said Hopkin. "I’m
really stoked to win an event in my first year as a PSA member.
"I look forward to defending my title next year and heading to
Sydney for the NSW Open.”
Schweertman, whose defeat in the final ended a career-best
eight-match unbeaten run on the PSA Tour, was full of compliments
for his opponent: "Matt played really well, it was a tough match.
"I’m now heading to Sydney and Coffs Harbour so hopefully if I meet
him again, it's my turn," added the 30-year-old from Hoofddorp.
"It’s my first time in Australia and I’ve really enjoyed the
tournament.”
Champion Hopkin, left, is pictured with runner-up Schweertman and
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor, Jenny Houlihan
