Miguel Rodriguez Reaches 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Classic Semi-Finals

UNSQUASHABLE player Miguel Rodriguez delivered another compelling week of high-level squash at the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic, staged from the 24th to 28th February at the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto, advancing to the semi-finals with a series of performances that combined experience, creativity and competitive steel.

Having received a 1st round bye, the No.2 seed was immediately tested in the second round by England’s Simon Herbert. After sharing the opening two games, the Colombian’s tactical intelligence came to the fore. Varying height and pace with trademark subtlety, he disrupted Herbert’s rhythm at key moments to secure an 11-6 6-11 11-7 11-5 victory in 58 minutes. It was a measured performance, assertive when required, patient when necessary, that set the tone for the remainder of his tournament.

The quarter-finals brought a sterner examination against Switzerland’s David Bernet. For two games, Miguel was drawn into attritional exchanges as the Swiss player applied disciplined length and extended rallies deep into the corners. Yet, when the pressure intensified, Miguel’s composure proved decisive. He edged a tight first game 11-9 before surviving a tense second-game tie-break 14-12, saving game balls and capitalising clinically on half-chances. With momentum secured, he accelerated through the third 11-3 to book his place in the last four in emphatic fashion.

In the semi-finals, Miguel faced Egypt’s Mohamed ElSherbini in a contest that demanded both physical endurance and tactical precision. After conceding the opening game, the Colombian responded impressively, raising his accuracy and injecting greater pace to level the match at one game apiece. The third proved pivotal, with prolonged, high-quality rallies testing both players’ resilience. Despite Miguel’s inventive shot-making and intelligent variation, ElSherbini edged the critical moments before closing out a tight fourth game 11–9 to claim victory in 70 minutes.

Although his run ended short of the final, Miguel’s performances across the week reinforced his enduring quality on the PSA World Squash Tour. His ability to navigate tight scorelines, absorb sustained pressure and then elevate his intensity at decisive junctures remains a hallmark of his game.

In Toronto, he once again demonstrated why he continues to be regarded as one of the sport’s most dynamic competitors - blending flair with tactical maturity and leaving the tournament having strengthened his position among the leading contenders on the professional circuit.

2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic, Toronto Athletic Club, Toronto, Canada
Final:
[3] Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) bt [4] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) 6-11, 11-1, 12-10, 11-3 (55m)

Semi-Finals:
[3] Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) bt [1] Greg Lobban (SCO) 9-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-6 (74m)
[4] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bt [2] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 11-4, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9 (70m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Miguel Rodriguez saw his impressive run at the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic brought to an end in the semi-finals after a high-quality four-game battle with Egypt’s Mohamed ElSherbini at the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto.

The fourth seeded Egyptian eventually prevailed 11-4 6-11 11-7 11-9 in 70 minutes, but the scoreline only partially reflects the intensity and tactical nuance of a contest that swung on fine margins.

ElSherbini made a fast start, dictating play with sharp attacks into the front corners and punishing any loose length to take the opening game 11-4. Miguel, however, responded with the poise and creativity that have long defined his game. Raising his accuracy and injecting greater pace into the rallies, the Colombian disrupted his opponent’s rhythm to claim the second game 11-6, reasserting his presence in the match.

The third proved pivotal. Both players engaged in extended, attritional exchanges through the middle of the court, each probing for weaknesses. Miguel looked to vary height and angle to open space, while ElSherbini countered with disciplined length and measured aggression. At the crucial moments, the Egyptian edged ahead, closing out the game 11-7 to regain control.

In the fourth, Miguel demonstrated admirable resilience. Trailing for much of the game, he fought back with intelligent shot selection and trademark flair, narrowing the deficit and threatening to force a decider. Yet ElSherbini remained composed under pressure, managing the closing rallies with authority to secure an 11–9 finish and seal his place in the final.

Despite the defeat, Miguel can reflect on a strong week in Toronto. His route to the semi-finals included composed victories and stretches of dynamic, attacking squash that once again highlighted his enduring quality on the PSA World Squash Tour. Competing toe-to-toe with one of Egypt’s rising contenders underlines both his experience and continuing competitiveness at the highest level.

While the campaign concludes at the semi-final stage, Miguel leaves Toronto having reinforced his status as a formidable presence on the professional circuit, with performances that continue to combine intelligence, athleticism and unmistakable flair.

Quarter-Finals:
[1] Greg Lobban (SCO) bt [8] Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA) 11-7, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7 (69m)
[3] Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) bt [9/16] Sam Osborne-Wylde (ENG) 11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7 (64m)
[4] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bt [9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA) 11-5, 11-3, 3-11, 11-5 (47m)
[2] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bt [9/16] David Bernet (SUI) 11-9, 14-12, 11-3 (56m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Miguel Rodriguez advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic with a commanding straight-games victory over Switzerland’s David Bernet at the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto.

The Colombian second seed secured an 11-9 14-12 11-3 win in 56 minutes, navigating two fiercely contested opening games before accelerating clear to seal his place in the last four.

Miguel was tested early by the young Swiss, who matched him through tight, attritional rallies in the opening exchanges. Bernet’s disciplined length and patient construction forced Miguel to work hard for control of the middle of the court. However, the Colombian’s experience proved decisive at the business end of the first game, where he injected pace at precisely the right moments to edge ahead 11-9.

The second game developed into the pivotal phase of the contest. Bernet continued to apply pressure, extending rallies and pushing Miguel deep into the corners. Yet, when the game moved into extra points, it was the UNSQUASHABLE player who demonstrated superior composure. Saving game balls and capitalising on half-chances with trademark flair around the front court, Miguel closed out a tense 14-12 scoreline that effectively broke his opponent’s resistance.

With a two-game cushion established, Miguel raised his intensity in the third. Taking the ball earlier and varying his angles cleverly, he began to dictate play with greater authority. Bernet struggled to contain the Colombian’s creativity and movement as Miguel surged through the final game 11-3 to complete an emphatic finish.

The victory underlines Miguel’s enduring class and competitive intelligence. His ability to absorb pressure in tight moments before shifting gears reflects the experience that continues to make him one of the most dangerous performers on the PSA World Squash Tour. As the tournament progresses in Toronto, the Colombian appears to be building momentum at exactly the right time.

2nd Round:
[1] Greg Lobban (SCO) bt [9/16] Iván Pérez (ESP) 6-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-7 (82m)
[8] Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA) bt [9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) 6-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-6 (46m)
[9/16] Sam Osborne-Wylde (ENG) bt [7] Rory Stewart (SCO) 11-6, 14-12, 11-13, 11-2 (62m)
[3] Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) bt [9/16] Ronald Palomino (COL) 11-6, 11-6, 11-5 (33m)
[4] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bt Perry Malik (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-3 (35m)
[9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA) bt [6] Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-9, 4-11, 11-7, 11-6 (45m)
[9/16] David Bernet (SUI) bt [5] Balazs Farkas (HUN) 10-12, 11-5, 11-9, 11-4 (52m)
[2] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bt [9/16] Simon Herbert (ENG) 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5 (58m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Miguel Rodriguez delivered a controlled and experienced performance in the second round of the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic, defeating England’s Simon Herbert in four games at the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto.

The Colombian No.2 seed secured an 11-6 6-11 11-7 11-5 victory in 58 minutes, combining trademark flair with tactical discipline to overcome a dangerous opponent and maintain his challenge in the draw.

Miguel made an assertive start, imposing his attacking instincts from the outset. His ability to take the ball early and inject pace into rallies unsettled Herbert during the opening exchanges, allowing the Colombian to establish control and claim the first game 11-6. Herbert responded well in the second, tightening his length and extending rallies to disrupt Miguel’s rhythm, levelling the contest with a deserved 11-6 game of his own.

However, the turning point came in the third, where Miguel’s experience began to show. Increasing his variation and using clever changes of height, he forced Herbert into uncomfortable positions around the court to edge ahead 11-7 and regaining both the lead and momentum.

With confidence building, Miguel raised his intensity further in the fourth game. His movement into the front corners became increasingly effective, while his creativity in attack repeatedly opened the court. Herbert struggled to contain the sustained pressure as Miguel closed out the match 11-5 with authority.

The victory once again highlighted Miguel’s enduring quality and competitive intelligence. His ability to absorb pressure before accelerating through key phases of the match demonstrated why he remains one of the most dangerous and entertaining players on the PSA World Squash Tour. Advancing to the latter stages in Toronto continues a strong campaign for the Colombian, whose blend of experience and attacking flair remains a formidable combination against any opponent.

UNSQUASHABLE player Iván Pérez produced a determined and high-quality performance despite narrowly missing out against top seed Greg Lobban in a demanding second-round encounter.

The Spaniard, seeded 9/16, pushed the tournament favourite for more than 80 minutes before eventually falling 6-11 12-10 12-10 11-7 in a fiercely contested battle that was considerably closer than the final scoreline suggests.

Iván made an excellent start, displaying confident shot selection and precise length to disrupt Lobban’s rhythm early on. His ability to control the middle of the court and counter-attack effectively allowed him to dictate the opening exchanges, and he deservedly secured the first game 11-6.

The momentum of the match shifted in the second, where Iván continued to apply pressure and came within touching distance of doubling his advantage. However, Lobban’s experience under pressure proved decisive in the closing stages, with the Scot edging a tense tie-break 12-10 to level the contest. A similarly tight third game followed, with both players trading long, attritional rallies. Once again Iván held opportunities, but Lobban managed the crucial moments more effectively, claiming another 12-10 win to move ahead.

After more than an hour of intense squash, the physical toll began to show in the fourth game. Lobban increased the tempo and used his accuracy into the back corners to gradually assert control, while Iván continued to compete relentlessly despite fading energy levels. The top seed eventually closed out the match 11-7 to secure his place in the next round.

Although defeated, Iván’s performance was one of significant merit. Pushing the No.1 seed to the limit for extended periods underlines his growing confidence and competitiveness on the PSA World Squash Tour. His attacking intent, resilience in long rallies and composure in pressure situations demonstrated clear progress, reinforcing his reputation as a dangerous opponent capable of challenging higher-ranked players on the professional circuit.

UNSQUASHABLE player Ronald Palomino exited the second round of the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Classic after encountering an in-form Yahya Elnawasany, who delivered a sharp and clinical performance to secure an 11-6 11-6 11-5 victory at the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto.

Facing the No.3 seed, Ronald was tested from the outset by Elnawasany’s pace and precision. The Egyptian controlled the tempo effectively in the early exchanges, applying consistent pressure with accurate length and proactive movement into the front court. Despite the scoreboard deficit, the Colombian showed flashes of his trademark athleticism, retrieving impressively and attempting to inject attacking intent whenever opportunities arose.

The opening game remained competitive through the middle phase, with Ronald working hard to extend rallies and disrupt his opponent’s rhythm. However, Elnawasany’s ability to take the ball early and maintain relentless pressure ultimately proved decisive as he closed out the first 11-6. A similar pattern developed in the second, with Ronald continuing to compete with determination but struggling to contain the Egyptian’s control through the back corners and sharp finishing at the front.

As the match progressed, Elnawasany’s confidence grew, while Ronald found it increasingly difficult to impose his own attacking game. The third game saw the Colombian attempt to raise the tempo, but the Egyptian remained composed, capitalising on small openings and limiting errors to complete the straight-games win in 33 minutes.

Although the result was one-sided on paper, the match should be viewed within the context of a demanding competitive schedule for Ronald, who has recently demonstrated strong form on the PSA World Squash Tour. His willingness to engage physically and continue fighting for every rally reflected his professionalism and resilience against a higher-seeded opponent operating at a very high level.

For Ronald, the tournament nonetheless provides valuable experience against elite opposition, and performances across recent events continue to underline his development and potential as one of South America’s leading talents on the professional circuit.

1st Round:
[1] Greg Lobban (SCO) bye
[9/16] Iván Pérez (ESP) bt David Baillargeon (CAN) 11-4, 12-10, 11-9 (48m)
[9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) bt [WC] Liam Marrison (CAN) 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 (34m)
[8] Toufik Mekhalfi (FRA) bye
[7] Rory Stewart (SCO) bye
[9/16] Sam Osborne-Wylde (ENG) bt Jeremias Azaña (ARG) 11-9, 5-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-4 (77m)
[9/16] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt Rui Soares (POR) 11-9, 10-12, 9-11, 11-5, 11-4 (64m)
[3] Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) bye
[4] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bye
Perry Malik (ENG) bt [9/16] Tom Walsh (ENG) 11-9, 6-11, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7 (63m)
[9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA) bt Matthew Lai (HKG) 11-9, 11-8, 11-7 (44m)
[6] Adrian Waller (ENG) bye
[5] Balazs Farkas (HUN) bye
[9/16] David Bernet (SUI) bt [WC] Wasey Maqsood (CAN) 11-9, 11-5, 11-8 (30m)
[9/16] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt Emyr Evans (WAL) 11-8, 9-11, 5-11, 11-4, 11-6 (56m)
[2] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bye

UNSQUASHABLE players Iván Pérez and Ronald Palomino secured 1st round wins at the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic in Toronto where he will join fellow UNSQUASHABLE player Miguel Rodriguez.

Iván Pérez of Spain produced a composed and tactically assured performance to progress at the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic, overcoming Canada’s David Baillargeon in straight games at the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto.

Seeded ninth in the draw, the Spaniard delivered an impressive display of control and precision to secure an 11-4 12-10 11-9 victory in 48 minutes, underlining his growing confidence on the PSA World Squash Tour.

Iván established his authority early, dictating rallies with accurate length and intelligent shot selection to take the opening game convincingly. His ability to vary pace and move the ball into the back corners consistently forced Baillargeon onto the defensive, preventing the home favourite from settling into rhythm.

The second game proved more competitive, with Baillargeon responding by increasing the tempo and applying greater attacking intent. However, Iván demonstrated excellent composure at the crucial stages, saving game ball before edging the tie-break 12-10 to move within one game of victory. That momentum shift proved significant, allowing the UNSQUASHABLE player to maintain scoreboard pressure.

In the third game, both players traded points in a series of extended rallies, but Iván’s discipline and physical endurance were decisive. His willingness to construct points patiently before accelerating into attacking opportunities enabled him to close out the contest 11-9 and secure his place in the next round.

The victory highlights Iván’s tactical maturity and competitive resilience, particularly his ability to manage key moments against a dangerous opponent playing on home soil. Performances of this quality reinforce his reputation as a formidable competitor capable of challenging deeper into PSA World Squash Tour events as the tournament progresses in Canada.

Ronald Palomino of Colombia produced an impressive comeback performance to advance at the 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic, overcoming Portugal No.1 Rui Soares in a demanding five-game encounter at the Toronto Athletic Club in Toronto.

The Colombian battled through momentum swings and physical pressure to secure an 11-9 10-12 9-11 11-5 11-4 victory in 64 minutes, underlining both his resilience and growing maturity on the PSA World Squash Tour.

Ronald made a strong start, using his explosive movement and proactive shot-making to edge a tight opening game 11-9. However, Soares responded effectively, raising the intensity and extending rallies to disrupt the Colombian’s attacking rhythm. The Portuguese player’s persistence paid off as he narrowly claimed the second game 12-10 before moving ahead with a hard-fought 11-9 third, placing Ronald under significant pressure.

Facing a deficit, the UNSQUASHABLE player responded with authority. Resetting both tactically and mentally, he increased his accuracy through the middle of the court while stepping up the tempo to force errors. The fourth game saw a clear momentum shift, with Palomino dictating rallies more confidently to level the match 11-5.

With belief restored, the Colombian carried that dominance into the decider. His physical sharpness and controlled aggression proved decisive, as he pinned Soares deep in the back corners before capitalising on short balls to close out the match comfortably 11-4.

The victory highlights Ronald’s competitive toughness and ability to adapt under pressure, key qualities that continue to drive his progress on the professional circuit. Recovering from a two-games-to-one deficit against an experienced opponent demonstrates both his mental strength and endurance, reinforcing his reputation as one of South America’s most dangerous rising forces on the PSA World Squash Tour.

The 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic will be held at the Toronto Athletic Club in Canada from the 24th to 28th February.

For the latest match updates as they happen and details of how to watch live, visit: psasquashtour.com

UNSQUASHABLE will be represented at the 2026 PSA 2026 McMillan Goodfellow Squash Classic by Miguel Rodriguez Iván Pérez and Ronald Palomino