Golan is back to his best in the U.S. and will face world number three Gregory Gaultier in the semifinals.
Borja Golán from Compostela has beaten the current world champion and number 2 in the world ranking, the Egyptian Karim Abdel Gawad, 3-1 (8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-9, 11-9) and has qualified for the semifinals of the Windy City Open in Chicago.
The 34-year-old Galician returns to the semifinals of a ‘major’ three years after he reached them in Hong Kong in 2014. The next opponent in this tournament held in Chicago will be the third ranked in the world ranking, the French Gregory Gaultier, reports the Spanish Squash Federation.
Six months injured
It should be remembered that the Spanish player has been injured due to a herniated disc and, until this tournament, he had not won a match in the PSA World Tour for six months. For this reason, just after beating his demanding opponent he was happy and eager to enjoy the victory.
“I’ve been injured for a few months, I’m 34 years old and my back was not responding well. I hadn’t won a match for a long time and this victory is important to increase my level”, said the Spaniard, current number 21 in the world and who has just retained the title of Spanish champion.
In addition, Golán explained that the key was that he defended well and tried to be aggressive. “I had nothing to lose. I played well and took my chances.” Regarding the demanding semi-final match that awaits him against Gaultier he did not want to make any pronouncements. “I want to enjoy this victory, eat well, rest well and then I will worry about my next match.”
Borja Golán has been a squash professional since 2002 and obtained his best position in the world ranking in 2014, when he reached number five. In addition, last 2016 he was proclaimed European champion in Prague (Czech Republic).
The Spaniard is the only survivor of this Windy City Open who was not seeded in the tournament, since the other semifinal is disputed by the Egyptians Marwan El Shorbagy and Ali Farag, world number 5 and 6 respectively.