Makin's semi against Asal was tough as well

​@Kwistenbiebel200 yeah I think that was the killer blow for makin. Had he had an easy SF, this match would've been veeery different

Coll's stamina and recovery is unparalleled I think.

I think after 4 days of matches makin was just a bit weathered. It's a shame that's how tournaments work but can't do much about it!

Makin vs Asal was awesome. The White Tiger is in dangerous form

Because if they are playing away from the affected area then it’s not a safety issue and the rally can continue. Once the play moves towards the affected area it becomes a safety issue for the players and the rally is stopped.

@Resto Goose It's a safety issue either way, if you're only stopping play once someone already moves into that corner again

@Resto Goose I understand the reasoning behind the rules, but just think it’s wrong. It’s dangerous to let the players play on and possibly slip, particularly when one doesn’t have a clear advantage in the rally. No point letting somebody possibly skid on it and sprain their ankle

I think as soon as the player who caused the sweat patch shows they are still in the rally (e.g. retrieves their next shot) the rally should be stopped, so I agree.

It was the correct call, play on until ball goes back into danger slippery area. No point stopping it too soon as it then only benefits the diver.

Some bloody good points there hey!

Think they've got a valid reason to be annoyed though - why stop play only when a player is close to the sweat patch? Knowing this will happen, players will avoid hitting to the sweat patch area to keep play going, which constitutes "disruption to play" It's a weird rule that PSA have in place

Even though that could largely be their general game plan, that's slightly trivializing the strengths of the two players. These two tournaments is one of the most attacking I've seen Joel play, and I'm very glad he found this happy place that's helped him beat the World #1,2,5,6,7,8 in two weeks. This really shuts up the naysayers because this proves he has the potential to start winning the major tournaments, rather than "just" a top 10 placeholder. Coll is also transforming his game over the past year now, unfortunately it seems the last few months has been a "get worse before you get better" situation. I haven't really seen too much of the holds until this match really, but seems when his short game is on point he can be patient while being really deadly. Really enjoyed watching this highlight, definitely far from the long, boring drilling session these non-Egyptian haters have been anticipating.

@Orbituation true, I think im basing my comment on how they were played a year or more ago. I just know they both usually play very long games!

Apart from the first game.

Coll played better in this tournament than in a very long time. With this form he can beat anybody.

​@Peter Hammer still can't beat assal

Who's maken? Spell their names right

@Liam Naidoo who is assal? Never heard of him.

Good to see defence vs defence tho! Taste of their own medicine haha. Made both of them try to attack a bit more - makin did actually make some sweet kills

@sam urai exactly. Bitter Egyptians complaining because they were not even in the final.

Coll was hitting pretty loose at times, but Makin didn’t attack. He had his chances. The semis were better, but still a fantastic tournament.

Coll played fantastic squash. Especially in the semis agains Faraq. Great that he is back at the top again. Makin had no chance whatsoever.

You really haven't given Coll enough credit, this was his best short game I've seen over the last months. And it is remarkable to stay patient with his game plan even after the barrage of winners Joel was playing. And please, these professionals are playing for a living. If playing "boring" (highly debatable) squash gets him to the top vs playing undisciplined squash and staying mediocre, what'd you reckon?

How is this even boring lmao nice joke buddy

Arrogant? Coll? What??

the man won the whole tournament with some tough matches, let him celebrate how he wants.

On PSA TV 😉

@sam urai I am aware. It was a controversial semi. Seems 'convenient' only one was shown. Undermines how well Makin played to get to the final.

You can watch highlights of that match for free here 👉 www.squash.tv/highlights/asal-v-makin-canary-wharf-classic-2023-sf-highlights/

Good to see hey!