Joel Makin Claims Canadian Men's Open Title

Karakal's World No.11 Joel Makin produced a quality performance to defeat top-seed and World No.10 Victor Crouin in four brutal games and claim the PSA Oxford Properties Canadian Men's Open title at Bow Valley Square in Calgary.

Tough, long rallies featured heavily in game one between two of the best movers in the game. Both attempted to find space on the court and assert themselves. There was nothing between the pair as the score reached 9-9, but it was second seed Joel who managed to hold his concentration and closed out the first game 11-9.

Joels' tactics didn't change in game two, but the quality of play went up a notch as the Welshman continued to work the ball into the back corners then follow up with tight, accurate straight drops to build an impressive 9-2 lead and after a few more rallies, take a 2-0 lead.

In typical Crouin style, the World No.10 responded in game three, pushing up the court, wrestling control of the middle back from Joel, and started to dominate proceedings. The Frenchman was now putting some serious work into the legs of the World No.11 and it started to show in the latter stages. Joel physically dropped off slightly as Victor clawed a game back to give himself a lifeline at 2-1.

Victor continued his momentum into the fourth game and looked to be the stronger of the two as he led 7-5, but Joel had other ideas, turning up the intensity, forcing brutal rallies and winning the next four points to lead 9-7, before closing ot the match on his third match ball.

This victory secured Joel second PSA World Tour title to add to his Manchester Open win last year. "I've had a great week here," said Joel in the post match interview. "The players who have played this event before always come back and talk about how nice everyone is here. The atmosphere has been quality, the crowd has been packed out every day and have been getting behind the players.

"There was no hiding place in that match. I had to push hard in that fourth game, Victor [Crouin] has been sharp all week and all season, so I'm happy to take that win. I've not been in the form I've wanted to be in but I was glad to put a week like that together and get a win and get a step in the right direction.

"A massive thank you to the Bow Valley Athletic Club, thanks to Sam [Cornett] (the event promoter) and everyone for organising. I've had a great week and thank you for everything."

Final Result: [2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [1] Victor Crouin (FRA) 3-0: 11-9, 11-4, 6-11, 12-10 (73m).