WORLD SQUASH NEWS

RESULTS: Brasilia Open Squash Championship, Brasilia, Brazil

Semi-finals:
[3] Rafael F Alarcon (BRA) bt [1] Glenn Keenan (AUS) 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-3 (108m)
[2] Liam Kenny (IRL) bt [Q] Vinicius Costa (BRA) 11-5, 10-11 (3-5), 11-6, 11-5 (55m)

Alarcon Progresses Into Brasilia Open Final

Local hero Rafael F Alarcon, the Brazilian number one, thrilled the crowd at the Brasilia Open Squash Championship when he upset Australia's top seed Glenn Keenan in five games to reach the final in Brazil's capital city - where he will take on Ireland's second seed Liam Kenny.

It was after an "incredible 108 minutes of high quality squash" that third seed Rafael Alarcon gained his revenge over Keenan, to whom he lost in the final of the MAA Invitational in Montreal last year. 

Supported by a huge and noisy crowd, the Brazilian started well, controlling the first game which he won 11-9.  Keenan recovered and, after 45 minutes, drew level.  "Both players seemed tired and started a mental battle, pushing the referee to get easy points and open an advantage," said event spokesman Mori Murilo.

Rafael won the third 11-9 and in the fourth tried to extend every rally, to capitalise on his fitness and the Brazilian heat.  The Brazilian star had never lost a PSA Tour match in Brasília - but Keenan maintained his pressure to draw level again, and take the match into a fifth game decider.

However, on winning the final point of the game, Keenan felt a twinge in his leg and left the court complaining about the injury.  The Australian returned to the court after a break, but following the second rally started to limp and was unable to move comfortably.  Alarcon gained four strokes in a row, but Keenan fought on.  The Brazilian crowd recognised his effort, but it was to no avail as the underdog claimed his stunning 11-9 8-11 11-9 9-11 11-3 win.

In the other semi-final, Brazilian qualifier Vinicius Costa surprised the crowd by taking a game from Liam Kenny after several exceptional nick shots, but the Irishman was largely in control of the encounter, which he won 11-5 10-11 11-6 11-5 in 55 minutes.

"Liam looks in a great shape, but he'll need more to beat Rafael and the noisy Brazilian supporters tomorrow," added Murilo.