Christchurch Boys' High School (New Zealand) Professional Squash Player - 2021 British Open Champion

Congratulations to CBHS Old Boy, Paul Coll winning the 2021 British Squash Open. Paul has created history by becoming the first New Zealand man to win the prestigious British Open squash title.

His promise began to emerge as a boarder at Christchurch Boys' High School when he was part of a team that won the national secondary schoolboys crown in 2009, and the year following he claimed the New Zealand North Island under-19 title after finishing runner-up in the South Island event.

In 2010, he gave his first inkling that he could feature at the international level when he helped New Zealand to sixth place at the world junior squash championships in Ecuador - their best performance since 1992.

Paul defeated world champion Ali Farag of Egypt 6-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8 in 65 minutes turning around a 1-13 win/loss record on its head to win the biggest title of his career.

Coll, from Greymouth, joins Dame Susan Devoy and Leilani Joyce as the two New Zealand women's winners of the tournament. It capped off a remarkable run at the tournament after his semifinal victory over world No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy, who had held a 9-1 record over Coll.

In the final, the West Coaster started slowly trying to find his length dropping the first game 6-11 and struggling to stay in the rallies. Third-seeded Coll became more aggressive in the second and third games and put pressure onto the Egyptian. After winning the next two games Coll went into the fourth with confidence as Farag pushed desperately and was able to keep close to Coll after winning a number of brutal rallies.

Coll, however, may well be the player best suited to this type of game, such is his fitness. The world No.4 was content to trade long rallies with Farag, finally taking the match, and championship, with a well-deserved 11-8 victory.

Christchurch Boys' High School (New Zealand) Fees 2021 NZ$   4,350 One term tuition including administration cost; NZ$ 280 Homestay per week this includes all meals and laundry plus NZ$ 345 Homestay Placement Fee per year

For more information, please check out the Christchurch Boys High School, Christchurch page on this web site, or write to StudyNewZealand EU <- click for e-mail

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