World No 3 Coll was at his methodical best in a straight-games win secured in just 42 minutes against his fifth-ranked English opponent, prevailing 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 to notch a maiden national open triumph and continue his superb form.
It comes a week after the 31-year-old won the Hong Kong Open and not long since his US Open triumph in October.
To round out a superb day for the athletic West Coaster, Coll’s fiancee, Nele Gilis, won the women’s final, the Belgian world No5 beating younger sister Tinne 11-8, 11-3, 11-8 in just under an hour.
Coll could not imagine a better outcome.
"That felt so good. The atmosphere today was wicked.
"I’ve got so many family and friends here that I didn’t even know were coming.
"I was very happy to do it in three and ecstatic to finally get my name on the New Zealand Open trophy," he said.
"It’s crazy to have Nele win as well. I really wanted that double win for us. I’m super proud of her.
"The performance she put in tonight shows real strength
of character.
Coll will stay in Tauranga to compete for New Zealand in the men’s world team championship beginning today, alongside brothers Lwamba and Temwa Chileshe and 21-year-old Aucklander Elijah Thomas.
— Staff reporter
