Lyell Fuller is the new Austrian Open Champion!

The day started very busy with a big rafle, with more than 100 prizes, a gymnastic performance an a VIP event with former world and Olympic Champions,

At 16:45 it was time though for the pros!

The packed crowd saw an very even battle in the first game. Emyr was able to come back from a bad start, being 0/4 down and turned it into a 8/7 lead and even to 10/9. But Lyell was able to save that game ball and won the game 12/10.

In the second game Lyell again raced to a lead, this time 7/1. At this point Emyr had to take a medical time out after getting hit by the racket. He had to stop his lip from bleeding. After a 5 minute break Emyr couldn’t fin his rhythm anymore and Lyell too the game comfortably 11/1.

Emyr seemed to have recovered well after that game though. The third game started very even until 2/2. From that point on the Englishman reached a 6/2 lead. But again Emyr fought back well to 5/6. However Lyell got more control of the game again. With lovely shots and change of directions he had the better ideas to win most of the rallies. After 44 minutes Lyell converted his first match point to win the Austrian Open.

The final score was: [4] Lyell Fuller – [5] Emyr Evans (WAL) –  12/10, 11/1, 11/6 44min

Quote from Lyell Fuller: ‚This is one of the most favorite tournaments I played. It was a uniqe experience playing on a glasscourt in a shopping mall. Aqeel did a great job in organising. I am really happy the way I played this week. My goal was to play positiv and I am over the moon to win my second title.‘

The attached pictures are free to use with the reference of ‚a.lutche – www.alutche-photography.com‘

Many thanks to all the sponsors, especially our host EUROPARK Salzburg. We are looking forward to another Austrian Squahs Challenge in 2019.

A big thank also goes to all supporters and volunteers. It was another great advertisment for squash with lots of media coverage!