City of Devonport Open: Elijah Thomas Lifts First PSA Title

New Zealand’s Elijah Thomas tasted victory for the first time on the PSA tour yesterday as he claimed his first title at the City of Devonport Tasmanian Open.

Thomas was the No.6 seed coming into the event and after two 3-0 wins to reach the quarter finals, then defeated Japan’s Naoki Hyashi and Hong Kong’s No.3 seed Harley Lam to earn a spot in his first final alongside another first-time finalist Ho Ka Hei.

Both players were evidently nervous in the opening game and were determined to not give anything away in a crucial first game. Thomas managed to play the big points well to take the game 11-9. The New Zealander looked a lot more comfortable in the following game as he developed a lead which he never surrendered to win 11-7 and place one hand on the trophy.

Despite Hei coming back at Thomas to take game three 11-9 to breathe more life in the contest, thevWorld No.165 was too strong as he again pulled away in the fourth game to win 11-7 and claim a maiden PSA title.

Result: City of Devonport Tasmanian Open – Final[6] Elijah Thomas (NZL) bt [7] Ho Ka Hei (HKG) 3-1: 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7 (51m)

Source: www.psaworldtour.com