David Palmer Wins Pro Squash Tour’s 2013 World Championship

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DETROIT — David Palmer beat Wade Johnstone in four games, 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-8,  at the Detroit Athletic Club on Sunday to win the 2013 Professional Squash Tour World Championship.  Both Aussies gave it their all and captivated fans in a dramatic finale after the weekend-long show of squash at its best.  

The first game was characterized by fast play and hard hitting as both players were taking the ball early off the front wall and working hard to get it past each other. Johnstone won game one 11-9.”The ball was flying in game one,” said Johnstone. “And I liked the way the match started. But David changed his strategy after that, and I was in trouble.”

Palmer took some pace off the ball in game two and used the lob with greater frequency. Johnstone was moving well around the court throughout the match. And at times, he showed flashes of brilliance with shots that caught the audience and Palmer by surprise. However, Palmer was able to assert himself in the later games and looked every bit the champion he has been for over a decade.

“I felt good today and throughout this weekend. I’ve been training hard preparing for this tournament as well as next month’s World Team Championships,” Palmer said in post-match remarks. Next month, Palmer will once again represent Australia in the World Team tournament.

PST Commissioner Joe McManus was pleased with the season finale. “This is our second year in Detroit for our capstone event,” said McManus.”We are at the beginning of what I hope will be a long term relationship. The Detroit Athletic Club is the best facility in the country for us to be hosting this championship. The club is great.  Head Pro Mick Joint has been magnificent, and the members have been so welcoming.” Earlier this season PST and the DAC announced a new three year agreement that will keep the PST World Championship tournament at the DAC through 2015.

In the third place match Mohamed El Sherbini beat Stefano Galifi 12-14, 11-2, 3-11, 11-8, 11-8.