Rodriguez Stops Avila In Cartagena Final
by Howard Harding
10 September 2012 - Colombian squash star Miguel Angel Rodriguez brought Alfredo Avila's giant-killing run in the Grupo Maximo Cartagena Open to an end when he beat the Mexican qualifier in straight games in the final of the inaugural PSA World Tour Challenger 15 event at Cumplejo de Raquetas in Colombia's coastal city of Cartagena.
Avila, a 21-year-old from Mexico City ranked outside the world top 100, had reached the biggest PSA Tour final of his career after a succession of upsets - none more notable than his four-game victory over top-seeded South African Stephen Coppinger.
"The first game of the final was super exciting with tremendous rallies," said tournament promoter Maxim P Weithers. "But not just long, lots of variety, change of angles, pace and direction. Incredible gets from both players lasted 17 minutes.
"By the second game, we could see a sudden drop in energy from Avila as he was punished 11-2 in only six minutes. And, with the final game only taking a mere five minutes, it was obvious Avila had felt the effect of the week in the tropical paradise of Cartagena de Indies."
Colombian number one Rodriguez's 11-8, 11-2, 11-2 in 37 minutes marks his second Tour title in his third successive final on home soil in two weeks. But the triumph also notches up the 20th Tour title of his career.
"I am very pleased, satisfied for my results in the Colombian tour," said the 26-year-old local hero later. "I had an amazing three weeks - not only squash but great experience and activities with the players who decided to come over and enjoy our friendly and happy country. All the matches I played were a challenge for me during the weeks and now I am looking forward to the upcoming events!
"The Cartagena Open, the last one on the tour, provided great hospitality for us, considering that the city is one of the busiest cities in Colombia. Sun, beach and squash are the perfect complements!
"I am happy to win the first PSA event in Cartagena and thank all the organizers and specially Maxim Weithers for putting all his effort to bring us this beautiful tournament."
Weithers also expressed his thanks: "As the main sponsor and promoter we also wish to express our thanks to the PSA office and staff for assembling such a great group of professionals - each one very happy to be here.
"Also, as it's our first PSA event, we look forward to the event growing in leaps and bounds for next year. For a city like Cartagena, it's so important to let people know how beautiful it really is and what a special romantic and exciting place it can be.
"Thanks for helping us put Cartagena, Colombia, on the World Squash map!"
RESULTS: PSA Challenger 15 Grupo Maximo Cartagena Open, Cartagena, Colombia
Final:
[2] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) bt [Q] Alfredo Avila (MEX) 11-8, 11-2, 11-2 (37m)
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