Nathan Lake makes squash tour title breakthrough In Cape Town
Reproduced from squashinfo.com with permission.
East Glos squash pro Nathan Lake has marked his sixtieth appearance in a PSA World Tour event by winning his first title at the Keith Grainger Memorial UCT Squash Open in Cape Town, South Africa.
The 22-year-old second seed from Cheltenham upset favourite and fellow countryman Angus Gillams in straight games in the climax of the PSA Challenger 5 event at the University of Cape Town.
Lake was celebrating his first Tour final – while it was the second in a row for fellow left-hander Gillams – and both were bidding for a first title.
Underdog Lake came out the blocks firing on all cylinders, winning the first game 11-7. Continuing the dominance, the second seed clinched the second 11-6 and soon built up a 7-0 lead in the third.
But London-based Gillams showed plenty of grit to work his way back into the game to reduce the deficit to two points.
Lake reclaimed the upper hand, however, and closed out the match 11-7, 11-6, 11-8 in 62 minutes to earn his Tour title breakthrough.
“I would like to thank all my opponents this week, especially Angus in the final,” said the new champion. “I had to work really hard to win the third after leading 7-0 – you never gave up and I had to remain focused and was relieved to win the match.
“This is my third time at this event in Cape Town, and I love it here! It is such an enjoyable experience, all the spectators and my amazing hosts, Sharon and Owen, many thanks. Thank you to all the refs, student organising committee, Grainger family and important sponsors, thank you to everyone involved.”
Final: [2] Nathan Lake (ENG) bt [1] Angus Gillams (ENG) 11-7, 11-6, 11-8 (62m)
