Flynn Venmore plays dream match against Paul Coll

17-year-old Flynn Venmore from Whangārei is still pinching himself after getting to play a game of squash against his idol, world number five Paul Coll.

Venmore and Coll were drawn to play each other in the men’s round of 32 at the New Zealand Squash Championships. Venmore says he couldn’t quite believe it when he saw Coll’s name beside his.

“I was just hoping the draw wouldn’t change, it’s not everyday you get to play someone who’s been world number one,” said Venmore.

Coll won the game 11-1, 11-4, 11-2, with Venmore hitting a few solid winners.

“It was pretty special to get to play him but he was definitely just cruising while I was really puffing,” said Venmore. 

“He was giving me tips and a bit of coaching as we went which was really cool.”

Coll says he loves the experience of having a match with the ‘young guns’ and says he didn’t take it easy on Venmore.

“He stuck in there well, he really wanted to learn and I tried to give him some tips which will hopefully be helpful,” said Coll.

“He’s got the potential to be a really good player so I hope he sticks with it.”