Coleman delivers in $5,000 Aberdeen event

Essex’s Ben Coleman won the first PSA World Tour title of his career after beating Nottinghamshire’s Declan James in the all-English final of the $5,000 North of Scotland Open in Aberdeen.

The second seed from Chelmsford reached his sixth Tour final without dropping a game – but immediately went one down as third seed James took the opener 11-8.

However, Coleman, the 23-year-old world no.79, hit back to claim the next three games 11-5, 11-9, 11-4 and the trophy after a 79-minute contest.

“It feels slightly overdue winning my first title after six finals – but nonetheless I am extremely happy to have won it,” said the jubilant Essex man (pictured above right with James). “Hopefully this will be the first of many in my career now.

“I’ve had a fantastic week in Aberdeen and really enjoyed my time – the people here are great.

“On the back of reaching the final in Paris last week, I came into this tournament feeling confident with how I am playing and excited to perform well, knowing I had a good chance to win my first title.

“The final was tough, more mentally than physically for me, but I am very happy to have won this title and look forward to finishing the rest of my season with some good results.”

An English winner had been assured from the semi-final stage, with all of the last four coming from south of the border. Coleman defeated Yorkshire’s James Earles, seeded seventh, 3/0, while James overcame favourite Joel Hinds (Derbyshire) by the same scoreline.

Report courtesy of englandsquashandracketball.com