RESULTS: Losone Swiss Classic, Losone, Switzerland
Final:
[2] Rafael F Alarcon (BRA) bt [4] Laurent Elriani (FRA) 9-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-10 (3-1) (70m)
Alarcon Sneaks Third Title In A Row In Losone
Brazil's Rafael F Alarcon collected his third PSA Tour title in a row after a dramatic five-game victory over Frenchman Laurent Elriani in the final of the Losone Swiss Squash Classic in Switzerland.
Elriani, competing in his first PSA final for almost six years, started well and opened up a one-game advantage. The momentum swung between the two players for the next three games until the score stood at two-games all.
The fifth game decider produced the best squash of the match, with the 29-year-old Brazilian taking an early lead, then Elriani hitting back with positive attacking play to reach 10-9 match ball. Alarcon, however, showed once again why he is so good in close finishes – and held strong to win the tie-break 3/1 to secure the match 9-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-10 (3-1) in 70 minutes.
It was the fifth title of Alarcon's career, but the first gained outside South America. In addition to the trophy and valuable ranking points that he will earn, Alarcon was also presented with a watch to the value of 1,700USD, which was kindly sponsored by the company 'George J Von Burg'.