10 June 2013
RESULTS: PSA Challenger 5 Barossa Valley Toyota Open, Tanunda, South Australia:
Australia’s Mike Corren notched up his latest PSA World Tour tournament victory on home soil when he beat Englishman Adam Auckland in the final of the PSA Challenger 5 Barossa Valley Toyota Open at the Rex Barossa Aquatic Centre in Tanunda, South Australia.
Corren’s 11-3, 11-5, 12-10 win in 30 minutes gave him his second consecutive Barossa title and his 45th title on the Professional Squash Association tour.
The 39-year-old reached the final after surviving an 80-minute semi against rising Egyptian teenage star Ahmed Atef – while unseeded Auckland made his breakthrough in the second round after ousting second seed Justin Beard.
“Winning this event was a particular challenge due to arriving almost directly from the Scottish Open Doubles in Glasgow,” said Corren, who left Scotland with a silver and bronze medal.
“Apparently at 39 years of age, I should be struggling to remain upright – never mind win an event jet-lagged!
“I found playing the doubles actually helped my preparation due to a lot of court time and hitting a lot of purposeful balls (mostly!). It was also fantastic to represent Australia in this event and I enjoyed the team atmosphere.
“Winning another event isn’t the be-all-and-end-all – or the number,” added the South Australian. “I am happier with the fact that I am back playing well and competitively again. I had almost six months out of the game with injury and thought I may not get back so, again, I’m very satisfying to simply be on track again.
“There is no real time to be happy or satisfied as the South Australian Open starts Wednesday. I have to go through the same process again!
“I have massive respect for young Adam Auckland and I had a tussle with Ahmed here in the semi-finals. So, to have success again this week, I have to overcome them both and a host of other dangerous propositions so, again, being satisfied is something I cannot afford!
“Obviously the SA Open is my ‘home’ open and naturally I would like to do well. I think I have timed my run better than in previous years but again I have five younger opponents standing in my way wanting to make life extremely difficult for the old man. I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
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