Williams Wins Thrilling PSA Final in Tauranga 

Pictured Right – Evan Williams (Black) and Adam Murrills (Blue).  Photo credit Andrew Linn.

Evan Williams (NZ) and Adam Murrills (ENG) were both keen to push each other to the limits in the final of the Pak’nSave Tauranga PSA Tournament. The match had the crowd in awe with dynamic aerial play. The first game saw Williams use some great shots and deception to take his points and assert his dominance. The 2015 winner looked confident in his attack. Williams looked in total control forcing Murrills into early mistakes and taking the game convincingly 11/2.

The effects of yesterday’s tough five-setter in the semi-finals looked to have impacted on Murrills performance today, looking tired and lacking movement. Williams gained good momentum again in the second game continuing with strong placement of the ball and he took the lead. Williams kept the ball deep and tight but   Murrills continued to fight, however he couldn’t keep up with the accuracy and placement of Williams shots, Williams closing out the second game 11/5.

Williams came out in the third and continued with powerful dominance looking to close out the match 3/0, but Murrills wasn’t ready to relinquish his chance at the title. Murrills lengthened the rallies and slowed the pace with an obvious change in game plan. He looked to be more energised and he moved more freely in the third game. Murrills slotted a nick at the front court to squeeze a point. Murrills occupied more of the tee and then in an all-out attack, he handed Williams a magical double-handed backhand triple boast, sending the packed-out crowd and commentary team into a frenzy. Some great rallies with incredible pickups were part of these players repertoires but eventually Murrills took the third game in a thrilling 11/8. 

Game four began with the same ferocity as the previous game and both players were showing high intensity in all aspects. It was a spectacular display of squash with the game see-sawing between both players. Williams took a slight lead putting pressure on Murrills with Murrills having a number of unforced errors giving Williams the lead. Williams remained cool under the pressure, shutting down the fighting Murrills and limiting opportunities.    More errors by Murrills saw him eventually give Williams the Pak’nSave Tauranga PSA title for the second year in a row.

Williams said, “This is the best event I’ve played on the tour.  I’ve played all around the world and this was a really great tournament. It’s a dream for us players to be able to play on a glasscourt, particularly in front of family, friends and knowledgeable crowd. The court suited my style of play and I’m really proud to have played good squash all week”.

Both players played the match with fantastic sportsmanship and professionalism expected of international athletes.

Full results from all matches can be found on the PSA website here.

All games have been livestreamed and can be viewed here as well as all previous matches from the PSA draw.

Make sure you read up on Round 1, Quarter Finals and Semi Finals as well

Finals 

[1] Evan Williams (NZL) bt [3] Adam Murrills (ENG) – 11/2, 11/5, 8/11, 11/7

For further information:

Char Niles
Media Liaison
Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre
021-105-1107