Squash: Kiwi Paul Coll closes in on world championship final

Kiwi Paul Coll has become New Zealand's first male squash player to reach the semi-finals of the World Squash Championship in 31 years. 

The 27-year-old beat Egypt's Zahed Salem 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 victory in 47 minutes to match the feat set by Ross Norman in 1988.

Norman had previously won the event two years earlier in 1986.

Coll was delighted to reach the final four of the event in Doha, saying it was his goal to qualify for the semi-finals. 

"I'm very happy to be in the semi-finals of a world champs," said Coll. "It was something that was a minimum goal going into the tournament. 

"Even though I'm delighted to be in the semi-finals, I don't want to stop there. 

"I've just got to regroup after this, enjoy the moment while it lasts and watch the match later. I just wanted to dominate today.

"He had a tough match yesterday as well, so I knew it was going to be about who could dominate today. I feel like I did that for most of the game, which got me over the line."

If Coll is to reach the final, he'll have to overcome either 2017 champion and world No.1 Mohamed El Shorbagy or younger brother Marwan.

"They're [El Shorbagy brothers] both quality players," Coll added. "I just hope it takes about three hours and then tomorrow, I'll play whoever wins."