New Zealand's Paul Coll has lost the final of the world squash champs in Qatar.
Paul Coll Photo: SquashPics.com
Coll was beaten 11-8, 11-3, 11-4 by Egyptian world number three Tarek Momen in 39 minutes.
He made the final after an energy sapping hour and half semi-final where he came back from 2-1 down to reach the final.
Coll had been hoping to become the first New Zealand male to win the title since Ross Norman in 1986.
"It was tough right from the world go. Tarek wasn't missing and making me do a lot of work. It was taking its toll right from the first rally because he was playing so accurate right from the start.
"I'm a little bit disappointed...but credit to Tarek he really delivered on the big stage tonight….I'm very proud of reaching my first championship final."
Despite the majority of the crowd being behind Momen, Coll was pleased by the support he had received from Doha and New Zealand.
"Massive support from back home waking up in the early hours of the morning. I really felt it all week and love all you guys….thank you very much. Very proud of my country and if I can put them on the map in any way I'm very proud of it," he said.
Momen, who was a finalist last year, congratulated Coll on his performance.
"I want to congratulate Paul on such an event and an amazing achievement. He's done so well making it this far. He had the better of our last finals appearances, I'm just glad I managed to get this one."
