Ronald Palomino Reaches 2026 Toronto Classic Final

UNSQUASHABLE player Ronald Palomino produced an impressive run to the final of the 2026 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic, showing consistency, resilience and attacking quality throughout the week at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club in Toronto. The Colombian second seed ultimately finished runner-up after a hard-fought straight-games defeat to England’s top seed Simon Herbert, who claimed the title with a closely contested 42-minute 13-11 11-9 11-7 win in the final.

Ronald’s campaign began in dominant fashion following a first-round bye, as he dispatched American Christopher Gordon in just 28 minutes. The Colombian imposed his authority from the outset, striking with precision and repeatedly exploiting loose returns to secure an emphatic 11-2 11-4 11-7 victory that immediately signalled his intent for a deep tournament run.

In the quarter-finals, Ronald overcame France’s Joshua Phinera in four games, demonstrating his growing tactical maturity on the PSA World Squash Tour. After establishing a two-game advantage through disciplined length and controlled rally management, he absorbed a third-game setback before responding decisively to close out the match 11-8 11-8 10-12 11-5. His ability to reset after losing momentum highlighted both his composure and improving match management.

The semi-final presented a sterner test against Argentina’s Jeremias Azaña, where Ronald was forced to recover from a slow start after dropping the opening game heavily. Adjusting his tactics effectively, he tightened his hitting and increased the tempo to wrest control of proceedings, levelling the match before asserting dominance in the third. A tense fourth-game tie-break demanded mental strength, but the Colombian held firm to secure a 4-11 11-9 11-6 12-10 victory after 64 minutes and book his place in the final.

The final against Herbert proved considerably closer than the three-game scoreline suggests. Ronald matched the Englishman through two fiercely competitive games, creating multiple opportunities in both, but Herbert’s composure at key moments and superior control in the back court ultimately proved decisive. As the match progressed, the physical demands of the week began to show, allowing Herbert to dictate more confidently in the third to seal the title.

Despite falling just short of silverware, Ronald’s performances in Toronto underline his continued progression on the PSA World Squash Tour. His blend of explosive movement, attacking instinct and increasing tactical awareness enabled him to defeat a range of dangerous opponents en route to the final, reinforcing his status as one of South America’s most promising talents. With valuable ranking points secured and another final appearance added to his season, the UNSQUASHABLE player leaves Canada with strong momentum and clear evidence that a breakthrough PSA title is within reach.

The 2026 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic was staged at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club in Canada from the 17th to 21st February.

For more match updates, visit: psasquashtour.com

2026 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic, Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club, Toronto, Canada
Men's Final:
[1] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [2] Ronald Palomino (COL) 13-11, 11-9, 11-7 (42m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Ronald Palomino was denied in the final of the 2026 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic title by top seed Simon Herbert who delivered a composed performance to defeat the Colombian 13-11 11-9 11-7 in a closely-contested 42-minute final.

Despite the scoreline, the contest was considerably tighter than the three-game margin suggests. Ronald, competing in his second PSA World Squash Tour final of the season, matched Herbert stride for stride through two fiercely contested opening games. The Colombian’s explosive movement and willingness to attack the front of the court repeatedly placed the Englishman under pressure, particularly during a dramatic first-game exchange that saw multiple game balls for both players before Herbert edged ahead 13-11.

The second game followed a similar pattern, with Ronald demonstrating impressive resilience after falling behind early. His counter-attacking winners and sharp volleying kept him within touching distance, but Herbert’s superior control in the back corners and his ability to extend rallies at key moments proved decisive as he closed out another narrow 11-9 win.

With a two-game cushion, Herbert’s confidence grew, while the physical toll of a demanding week, including Ronald’s four-game semi-final victory, began to show. The Englishman dictated the tempo more effectively in the third, using height and variation to draw errors before sealing the title 11–7.

Although denied the title, Ronald’s campaign remains highly encouraging. The Colombian showcased his trademark athleticism and attacking intent throughout the event, underlining his continued rise on the PSA World Squash Tour and reinforcing his reputation as one of South America’s most dangerous competitors. Reaching the final of a competitive PSA draw represents another significant step forward for the UNSQUASHABLE player, whose performances demonstrated both maturity and consistency against elite opposition.

Men's Semi-Finals:
[1] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [4] Nicholas Spizzirri (USA) 11-9, 13-11, 11-9 (48m)
[2] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt [3] Jeremias Azaña (ARG) 4-11, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10 (64m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Ronald Palomino produced a composed and resilient display to secure his place in the final of the Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic, overcoming Argentina’s Jeremias Azaña in four hard-fought games at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club.

The No.2 seed made a slow start, struggling initially to contain Azaña’s attacking intent as the Argentine raced through the opening game 11-4. However, Ronald responded with impressive tactical adjustments, tightening his length and increasing the tempo to wrestle back control of the contest. A crucial 11-9 second game levelled proceedings and shifted momentum firmly in the Colombian’s favour.

From there, the UNSQUASHABLE player began to impose his authority, dictating rallies with accurate hitting and intelligent shot selection to claim the third game 11-6. The fourth proved the most dramatic phase of the encounter, with both players trading points in a tense battle that extended beyond the regulation score. Palomino held his nerve at the business end, edging the tie-break 12-10 to close out a 4-11 11-9 11-6 12-10 victory after 64 minutes.

The win underlines Ronald's growing maturity on the PSA World Squash Tour, particularly his ability to recover from a difficult start against a dangerous opponent. His physical endurance and composure in key moments ultimately proved decisive, earning him a deserved spot in the championship match in Toronto.

The Colombian will now carry strong momentum into the final as he looks to convert an impressive week into silverware, having once again demonstrated the competitive qualities that mark him out as one of South America’s most promising talents.

Men's Quarter-Finals:
[1] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [8] Nathan Kueh (MAS) 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 (27m)
[4] Nicholas Spizzirri (USA) bt [7] Alfredo Avila Vergara (MEX) 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 14-12 (56m)
[3] Jeremias Azaña (ARG) bt [9/16] Heston Malik (ENG) 12-10, 11-6, 11-5 (36m)
[2] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt [9/16] Joshua Phinera (FRA) 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 11-5 (54m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Ronald Palomino delivered a composed and authoritative performance to overcome France’s Joshua Phinera in four games at the 2026 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic, progressing with an 11-8 11-8 10-12 11-5 victory in 54 minutes.

Played at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club in Toronto, the contest saw Ronald’s growing maturity on the Professional Squash Association circuit. The Colombian controlled the majority of rallies with intelligent length and measured shot selection, forcing Phinera into uncomfortable positions at the back of the court during the opening two games. His ability to absorb pressure and counter with precision proved decisive as he established a two-game lead.

Phinera responded admirably in the third, raising the tempo and taking the ball earlier to disrupt Ronald’s rhythm. The Frenchman edged a tense closing phase 12-10, capitalising on a brief dip in the second seed’s accuracy to extend the match and hint at a possible turnaround.

However, any momentum shift was short-lived. Ronald reset impressively between games and reasserted his authority in the fourth. Varying height and pace with confidence, the UNSQUASHABLE player dictated proceedings from the outset, building a commanding lead before closing out the fourth game and match comfortably 11-5. His physical conditioning and tactical discipline were particularly notable in the latter stages, where he appeared the fresher and more composed player.

The victory underlines Ronald’s status as a serious contender in the draw. His balance of patience and attacking intent continues to develop, and performances of this calibre reinforce his upward trajectory on the professional tour.

For Phinera, there were encouraging signs, particularly his third-game resilience, but inconsistency across key phases ultimately proved costly against a higher-seeded opponent operating with greater control.

Ronald Palomino advances with confidence, carrying both momentum and belief deeper into the tournament in Canada.

Men's 2nd Round:
[1] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [9/16] David Baillargeon (CAN) 11-5, 11-6, 11-9 (35m)
[8] Nathan Kueh (MAS) bt [9/16] Onaopemipo Adegoke (NGR) 11-1, 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 13-11 (85m)
[7] Alfredo Avila Vergara (MEX) bt [9/16] Andrés Herrera (COL) 11-9, 11-9, 11-4 (46m)
[4] Nicholas Spizzirri (USA) bt [9/16] Oliver Dunbar (NZL) 10-12, 11-9, 11-9, 11-3 (58m)
[3] Jeremias Azaña (ARG) bt Elliott Hunt (CAN) 11-6, 11-5, 11-6 (29m)
[9/16] Heston Malik (ENG) bt [6] Salim Khan (USA) 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9 (60m)
[9/16] Joshua Phinera (FRA) bt [5] Elijah Thomas (NZL) 11-9, 12-10, 11-3 (41m)
[2] Ronald Palomino (COL) bt Christopher Gordon (USA) 11-2, 11-4, 11-7 (28m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Ronald Palomino delivered an emphatic opening performance at the 2026 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic, powering into the quarter-finals with a commanding straight-games victory in Toronto.

Competing at the prestigious Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club in Toronto, Canada, the Colombian No.2 seed began his campaign with a first-round bye before producing a clinical display to defeat American Christopher Gordon 11-2 11-4, 11-7 in just 28 minutes.

From the outset, Ronald imposed his tempo, striking the ball with authority and consistently forcing Gordon into the back corners. His accuracy on the short ball proved particularly decisive, with the Colombian repeatedly converting loose returns into outright winners. Gordon attempted to extend rallies in the third game, but Ronald's physical sharpness and court coverage ensured there was no shift in momentum as he closed out the match efficiently in three.

The result underlines Ronald's strong seeding and growing confidence on the PSA World Squash Tour, with the UNSQUASHABLE player demonstrating both attacking intent and tactical maturity. His ability to maintain relentless pressure while minimising errors will make him a formidable contender as the event progresses.

Awaiting him in the quarter-finals is France’s Joshua Phinera, a dangerous opponent capable of upsetting higher seeds. However, on the evidence of this opening performance, Ronald  appears well positioned to continue his deep run in Toronto and challenge for the title.

Men's 1st Round:
[1] Simon Herbert (ENG) bye
[9/16] David Baillargeon (CAN) bt [WC] Will Harris (CAN) 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 (29m)
[9/16] Onaopemipo Adegoke (NGR) bt Omar Zakaria (EGY) 11-5, 12-10, 5-11, 13-11 (48m)
[8] Nathan Kueh (MAS) bye
[7] Alfredo Avila Vergara (MEX) bye
[9/16] Andrés Herrera (COL) bt Olufunmilayo Gabriel (NGR) 6-11, 7-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2 (58m)
[9/16] Oliver Dunbar (NZL) bt [WC] Youssef Taha (CAN) 7-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-6, 11-2 (59m)
[4] Nicholas Spizzirri (USA) bye
[3] Jeremias Azaña (ARG) bye
Elliott Hunt (CAN) bt [9/16] Taylor Carrick (BER) 11-5, 8-11, 11-2, 11-8 (48m)
[9/16] Heston Malik (ENG) bt Wasey Maqsood (CAN) 11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6 (46m)
[6] Salim Khan (USA) bye
[5] Elijah Thomas (NZL) bye
[9/16] Joshua Phinera (FRA) bt [WC] Mohammadreza Jafarzadeh (CAN) 12-10, 11-9, 5-11, 11-6 (43m)
Christopher Gordon (USA) bt [9/16] Liam Marrison (CAN) 11-8, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6 (38m)
[2] Ronald Palomino (COL) bye

The 2026 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic will be held at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club in Canada from the 17th to 21st 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 Guilfoyle PSA Toronto Squash Classic by Ronald Palomino and Cristina Tartarone