Despite a lackluster match, Coello and Tapia won again this Sunday against to surprise Ruiz/Tello. Twelfth title this season for the kings of the circuit who offer themselves to Malaga a “decima” on the WPT.

Jostled, but in the end, it's Coello and Tapia who win

In this start of the meeting, Coello and Tapia are almost untouchable. Juan Tello and Alex Ruiz make too many mistakes and are pushed around by the ardor of the numbers 1. The "Mozart de Catamarca" and the "King Arturo" quickly take the lead by making the break and leading 5/2 in the first round.

It's Tello and Ruiz's turn to experience a highlight, the latter put Coello in the fridge and take the break. Rodrigo Ovide's players will even save a set point and end up coming back up.

Coello and Tapia are under pressure. For the last four games, the duo has suffered on the Andalusian track and yet the kings of the circuit will find the solution at 6/5. On a new punto de oro, Tapia rushes, his smash is too soft, leaving the opportunity for Tello to get to the net and smash. However, "El Gato” misses the ball, thus allowing the kings of the circuit to take the advantage in this first round by winning 7/5.

In this final, Alex Ruiz, who has not won a WPT title since 2021, is determined to shine at home. His last coronation took place in Mexico, where he triumphed alongside Franco Stupaczuk, against Martin Di Nenno and Paquito Navarro. The 29-year-old is working harder to win again. However, during this intense part, a false movement seems to cause him pain in the neck. Despite this, the Malagueño returns to the pista with the same enthusiasm and determination.

Coello and Tapia, far from their usual level, resist on their service game. The “Mozart de Catamarca”, which is playing its 30th final in Malaga, struggling to conclude the points. Despite some break opportunities, Ruiz and Tello fail to take advantage of them, and during a punto de oro, “El Gato” makes a mistake during his smash, allowing Coello to follow well and make the break at 5/3.

Rodrigo Ovide's players do not surrender, however. While Coello and Tapia serve for the match, Ruiz and Tello put more commitment and as in the first set they realize the break in stride. Completely freed, Ruiz and Tello come back up and push the numbers 1 to the tie-break.

It is in these moments that we recognize the best players, despite a lackluster match for the numbers 1, Coello and Tapia are solid in the tie-break and end up winning in two sets: 7/5 7/6.

Statistics Tello Ruiz vs Coello Tapia

The decima on the WPT for Coello / Tapia

Even though they weren't 100% in Malaga, Coello and Tapia still win. After experiencing a slump with the Superpibes hat-trick, the kings of the circuit are back on top. In Malaga, Gustavo Pratto's players won their 12th title of the season and the tenth on the WPT. Like Josemaria and Sanchez this Sunday morning, Coello and Tapia realize the decima in Malaga.

Tapia's tears of fatigue

Coello-Tapia-title-in-malaga-2
©WPT

The frantic pace of the 2023 season is leaving its mark and injuries are affecting many players, testifying to the intensity of the competition. Even champions are not spared. In Málaga, the “Mozart de Catamarca” has just won its 23ᵉ title in all competitions.

However, the joy of victory quickly gave way to an emotional scene on the bench. The Argentinian has completely cracked. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Tapia burst into tears under his towel, revealing all the pressure and intensity of this season. At the microphone of World Padel Tour, he let his emotions shine through:

Agustin Tapia : “Today Arturo got us out of this game, I'm very tired. It's been a lot of consecutive games, the team continues to be mentally strong, that's what's important. When the body can't anymore, it's the head and the heart that take over. It's been three years in a row that I've won here, it's an incredible city.

Arturo Coello : “We keep making dreams come true, I don't know if we will be number 1 in the end, but we are fighting for it. It's hard because there are a lot of tournaments and the brain is not prepared for all that.

Vincent Gallie

A fan of oval ball, round ball and also racket sports, he was bitten by padel during his adolescence in Galicia. As comfortable in front of the camera as behind a microphone, Vince will be able to bring his vision and expertise as a passionate fan of the little yellow ball.

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