Top seeds reach the Austrian Open final!
The Austrian Open is reaching it’s final stage. After the semifinals the two finalists are confirmed. It will be the top two seeds of the tournament Lyell Fuller and Miko Äijanen
First on court were number 2 seed Miko Äijanen (FIN) and fifth seed Valentin Rapp (GER). It was their first encounter on PSA level.
The Finn had a better start into the match and raced to a 4/0 lead. He was too dominant in that opening game and even extended his lead during the first period. Even though Valentin could save two game balls, he could not keep Miko from winning the first game 11/5.
The second game was a much more even affair that went into the tiebreak. Again Valentin saved game ball at 10/9, but wasn’t able to turn it around afterwards. Miko again took the game 12/10.
The Finn took the momentum into the third game and didn’t let his opponent back into the match. He closed out the match with 11/2 in the third game after 39min of play.
Next on court were the two Brits Lyell Fuller and Angus Gillams. Former Englishman Gillams with a career highest world ranking of 62 was aiming to reach his first PSA final under the scottish flag.
Lyell though is of course trying his best to defend his title from 2018. And it looked as there were not many doubts that he will reach the final after leading 2/0 in games.
He had more control over his opponent, though most rallies were intense and none of the players wanted to give too much space to their opponent. This meant that the referee had to make a lot of calls.
It looked as it cost Lyell some of his concentration while Angus managed to came back into the match with more focus und pressure. The Scotsman took the next two games comfortable 11/4 and 11/3.
The fifth games was again more intense and even up to 5/5. After a couple of mistakes of Angus, Lyell was able to race into a 10/5 lead. After converting his first matchball after 64 minutes Lyell managed to have the better end and will be in a good position to actually defend his title.
On the last day of the Austrian Squash Challenge there will be an interesting programme starting at 12 noon with a big raffle with top prizes such as a helicopter flight, Stand Up Paddle, elegant wristwatches, running shoes etc.
At 13:00 the Teakwondo fighters will perform a show programme followed by the VIP tournament.
Former world champions, current world class and olympic athletes will play an exhibition tournament.
At 16:45 its time for the big final of the Austrian Open between number one seed Lyell Fuller (ENG, WRL 105) and number two seed Miko Äijanen (FIN, WRL 108). Their world ranking promise an exciting match!
Austrian National TV will broadcast highlights of the evening as well as private local TV Station RTS.
The prize giving ceremony will be attended by muncipial councillor Johanna Schnellinger.
The full programme can be view here.
Here are the full scores from the semifinals and the line up for the final.
All pictures are free to use with the reference to our photographer Andreas Lutche.
17:30: [2] Miko Äijanen (FIN) – [5] Valentin Rapp (GER) 11/5, 12/10, 11/2 39min
19:00: [1] Lyell Fuller (ENG) – [4] Angus Gillams (SCO) 11/9, 11/7, 4/11, 3/11, 11/5 64min
Final: Saturday 8th June 16:45: [1] Lyell Fuller (ENG, WRL 105) – [2] Miko Äijanen (FIN, WRL 108)
