Clarke Clinches First Tour Title At GoodLife Open

Canadian Robin Clarke earned his first PSA Tour squash title at the GoodLife Open when he upset top seed Scott Arnold in the final of the $6,000 Super Satellite event at GoodLife Fitness Club in Ottawa, Canada.

The 22-year-old from Ottawa beat the Australian favourite 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 in 38 minutes. In his four matches this week, second seed Clarke did not lose a game.

"It's amazing to get my first win right in my hometown," said the world No80 who lost his first three pro final appearances. "I couldn't have asked for more. I couldn't sleep last night because I wanted to win so badly."

The first game was the turning point of the match: Arnold squandered match ball at 10-9.

"I absolutely did not want to lose that first game," said Clarke. "I get a lot of confidence from winning the first game. Overcoming the game ball deficit really knocked a lot of wind out of him. The next two games he seemed really rushed and fell behind early on.

"The only way to move up in the rankings is to beat the guys ahead of you," said Clarke after his victory over the world No68. "I haven't beaten many players ranked ahead me so it's a real confidence builder heading into the rest of the season."

Final:
[2] Robin Clarke (CAN) bt [1] Scott Arnold (AUS) 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 (38m)