World No.4 Joel Makin has become the first Welshman in history to reach the SmartCentres PSA Squash Tour Finals title decider after he toppled British Open champion Diego Elias in a match marred by controversy.
The first two games of their 59-minute match saw the pair produce some of the best squash seen at this tournament so far, with some epic rallies receiving a standing ovation from the crowd at Revival Film Studios.
Makin had fought back from three match balls down to force a sudden death tie-break, which he won to draw level after an astounding rally that saw both players fly into all four corners of the court throughout.
The third game began in controversial circumstances as Elias was handed a conduct stroke by the match referee after returning to court after the allotted two minutes break that players are given between games.
A furious Elias continued his remonstrations with the referee and was then handed a second conduct stroke for ongoing dissent. Play resumed but Elias seemed to have little interest in playing out the rallies and went for winners at the front of the court at every opportunity.
Makin kept his composure throughout this period and quickly pulled away to record an 5-11, 11-10, 11-2 victory. Elias’s frustrations boiled over at the end of the match as he continued his dialogue with the referee, before eventually being led away by PSA Chief Operating Officer Lee Beachill.
Makin will now compete in his first major PSA Squash Tour final, with World No.1 Mostafa Asal – who he lost to in their Group A clash earlier this week – standing between him and the trophy.
What Makin had to say…
“It’s disappointing, but on the positive side I thought the squash was really good,” said Makin.
“The first two games were class and the crowd was getting into it and it was enjoyable. Hopefully we have more good squash tomorrow, we have two more great matches to go.
“The delay was minimal, but the atmosphere has been great all week and everyone has been getting behind us. I was coming back nicely but I would have liked to have been challenged as well, I like going into those matches and seeing who is better. I was looking forward to it, it’s obviously frustrating, but it’s out of my control.
“Personally I don’t think there was any need for it [the conduct stroke], it wasn’t a delaying tactic. I don’t think it’s the right call, but you’ve got to get on with it and I had to play every point, keep my head down and focus on my stuff.”
Result : [4] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [2] Diego Elias (PER) 2-1: 5-11, 11-10, 11-2 (59m)
