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Another squash final has seen one half of an Australian men’s pairing end his career with his 9th gold medal, while the other claims his first.
Australia’s domination in squash has continued with six-time Commonwealth Games athlete David Palmer and debutant Zac Alexander claiming the gold in the men’s doubles in a nail-biting showdown against England’s David Selby and Adrian Waller across three sets (11-9, 3-11, 11-6).
The Australian side won the first game but lost the second, and despite being down in the third, they fought their way back to be crowned with the title.
The match was the sentimental ending of a long campaign for the Australian squash team, which also claimed gold in the mixed doubles and bronze in the women’s doubles earlier today, but also to Palmer’s decorated career.
Palmer, the former world number one who came out of retirement for another chance at glory, won his third Commonwealth Games gold medal and ninth overall – a medal count that no other squash athlete has ever achieved.
“I said from day one a year and a half ago that I still felt that deep down, if things went my way, I would have a chance,” he said.
“I think we went under the radar a little bit this week. As fifth seeds coming it, it’s been nice not to have the pressure on us and it’s fantastic to be able to win another medal at my last Games.”
For Alexander, it’s just the beginning of his prospering career in the sport.
“Gold, it’s the best kind if you’re going to win your first medal! This is as good as it gets, and it feels good.”
Palmer also complemented Alexander on his skills he displayed during the week in their efforts to win gold.
“It takes a good team. These things are not won individually, and definitely in parts played during the week, Zac played a little better and I may have too in others, but it was a good team effort and tactically we were really good.”
The Australian women’s duo of Rachael Grinham and Donna Urquhart were equally as successful in their attempt for bronze today, defeating England’s Laura Massaro and Sarah-Jane Perry in a 2-0 win (11-6, 11-8).
Urquhart and Grinham lead the way in both sets, but were pushed it came down to a close ending in the second, when the score was at 9-8 before the pair secured the last two points to claim bronze.
