Top Seeds Make Colombian Open Final
by Howard Harding
4 September 2011 - A new Colombian Open champion is assured after Dutchman Laurens Jan Anjema beat two-time champion Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the semi-finals of the PSA World Tour International 35 event in Bogota to set up a final against Egypt's Mohamed El Shorbagy at Club El Nogal.
Colombian number one Rodriguez, the defending champion based in Bogota, was bidding to make the final of his country's premier event for the fourth time since 2006.
But second seed Anjema, the world No12 from The Hague, was too strong for the recently-injured 25-year-old fourth seed, winning 11-3, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7 in 57 minutes to reach the 27th Tour final of his career.
"I am very proud of myself - I did not expect the result due to the injury I had," explained Rodriguez afterwards. "On the other hand, of course, I wanted to do great at home with my home crowd.
"Laurens was very patient and I think we really played a great squash today. It is a good start of the season and I am looking forward to next upcoming tournaments."
El Shorbagy, the top seed competing in his first event in Colombia, faced third seed Alister Walker, the former Englishman playing in his first championship since taking on the country of his birth, Botswana.
It was the pair's first meeting, with the world No9 from Alexandria surviving the loss of the second game, and two tie-break games, to win 11-7, 4-11, 12-10, 12-10 in 53 minutes.
"The first tournament of the season is always tricky," said Walker, ranked 21 in the world. "However I can't be upset with how I played but perhaps somewhat frustrated with opportunities missed in the third and fourth games today. I could have had either and maybe ought to have!
"Mohammed played more consistently than in his previous round with fewer errors and came up with some big shots at ten-all in both of the last two games. It was a good game and I enjoyed playing. The Colombian crowd got very involved which made for an exciting event with a promising final tomorrow. I am sure I'll be back playing this event in the future."
El Shorbagy was delighted to have reached his fourth PSA Tour final this year: "It's my first time playing Alister, I think we both played well - it was a good fair match," explained the 20-year-old.
"Today is finally my first day that I felt fine on court so I am happy about that. Tomorrow is the last day of the tournament and there are two things I hate in this sport - which is losing after being 2/0 up, and losing in a final. So I know I am going to be giving it my all tomorrow, as I am sure LJ will as well!"
RESULTS: PSA International 35 Colombian Open, Bogota, Colombia
Semi-finals:
[1] Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY) bt [3] Alister Walker (BOT) 11-7, 4-11, 12-10, 12-10 (53m)
[2] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) bt [4] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) 11-3, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7 (57m)
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