Krajcsak Wins Tenth PSA Title At West of Ireland
by Howard Harding
8 April 2012 - Hungarian number one Mark Krajcsak claimed the tenth PSA World Tour title of his career when he upset favourite Joe Lee in today's final of the Paddy 'Whack' West of Ireland Open, the PSA International 10 squash event in its sixth year at Galway Lawn Tennis Club in Galway.
The two top seeds arrived in the final in contrasting styles - Englishman Lee brushing aside third seed Rasmus Nielsen in straight games in just 34 minutes, while the record nine-time Hungarian champion needed 65 minutes to overcome local hero Arthur Gaskin in four games.
"But, as play got under way, it was very clear from the beginning that Krajcsak was fully prepared and hungry to add another trophy to his collection," explained tournament organiser Edwin Brennan. "He started like a bullet train setting a high pace from the strike of the first ball. Both players worked hard in the early stages rallying up and down the wall with a mix of attacking volleys and beautiful drop shots. Lee struggled to find his form as Krajcsak never allowed him time on the ball to try and change the pace."
Krajcsak, currently ranked 60 in the world - five places above his opponent - took the opening game and outclassed Lee in the second to open up a two-game lead.
And from two-all in the third, Krajcsak changed the tempo once again - winning nine straight points to close out the match 11-4, 11-3, 11-2 in 45 minutes.
"You know it's pretty funny because earlier in the week I said it wasn't my day," said the new champion afterwards. "But today was the opposite because I played really close to my best. Somebody from the crowd just told me I only made two mistakes the whole match.
"I don't think that Joe played badly - but I think I had the answer today and I was full of energy, I was really fresh and I was surprised because I spent nearly twice as long as him on court this week," added the 28-year-old from Budapest.
"My legs were heavy yesterday but my girlfriend gave them a massage last night and that help a lot. I really enjoyed my time in Galway - it's a lovely small city which has some great restaurants. Today was special for me as it's my 10th tour title!
"My coach Colin White is from Ireland, which gives my win an extra special feel. I am looking forward to him coming back to Budapest and getting on court with him again. I still feel that I can push harder and work to reach my best which I believe I have in me."
RESULTS: PSA International 10 Paddy 'Whack' West of Ireland Open, Galway, Ireland
Final:
[2] Mark Krajcsak (HUN) bt [1] Joe Lee (ENG) 11-4, 11-3, 11-2 (45m)
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