Iker Pajares Bernabeu Reaches 2026 New Zealand Open Semi-Finals

UNSQUASHABLE player Iker Pajares Bernabeu delivered an impressive run at the 2026 New Zealand Squash Open, reaching the semi-finals at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch before eventually being halted by tournament favourite Paul Coll.

The Spanish No.1 produced a series of high-quality performances throughout the week in Christchurch, combining tactical discipline with attacking flair to progress deep into the tournament on the Professional Squash Association World Squash Tour.

Iker began his campaign with a commanding first-round display against Australian No.1 Joseph White, securing a comprehensive 11-6 11-6 11-1 victory in just 38 minutes. From the opening rallies, the Spaniard controlled proceedings with accurate length and sharp movement into the front corners, repeatedly forcing his opponent onto the defensive. By the closing stages of the match, Iker had established complete authority on court, finishing the contest with clinical efficiency.

The second round presented a significantly tougher challenge against England’s rising star Jonah Bryant, the No.4 seed. In a physically demanding encounter lasting 85 minutes, Iker demonstrated resilience and composure to claim a notable four-game victory.

Bryant edged a tense opening game 12-10 after a sequence of long, attritional rallies. Iker, however, responded impressively in the second, raising the accuracy of his hitting and increasing the tempo of his attacking play to level the match with an assured 11-6 game. The third proved decisive, with both players exchanging momentum in a tightly contested battle before the Spaniard held his nerve to edge the tie-break 12-10. With confidence growing, Iker delivered his most controlled squash in the fourth, dictating rallies from the middle of the court and varying his angles cleverly to secure an 11-4 finish.

The UNSQUASHABLE player carried that momentum into the quarter-finals, where he faced Colombia’s Matias Knudsen. Iker produced another composed performance to advance with an 11-4 10-12 11-5 11-4 victory in 61 minutes.

A strong start saw the six-time Spanish Champion take the opening game comfortably through precise length and proactive court positioning. Knudsen responded in the second, raising the intensity and edging a tense conclusion 12-10 to level the contest. Iker reacted with authority, tightening his lines and increasing the pressure on his opponent to claim the third 11-5 before managing the fourth game intelligently. Consistent hitting and sharp court coverage gradually forced errors from the Colombian as Iker closed out the match 11-4 to secure a place in the last four.

His impressive run was eventually ended by home favourite Paul Coll in the semi-finals. Roared on by a passionate Christchurch crowd, the top seed delivered a commanding performance to record an 11-3 11-5 11-1 victory in 37 minutes. Coll dictated the tempo from the outset, applying relentless pressure with his trademark physicality and accuracy to prevent Iker from establishing rhythm.

Despite attempting to vary the pace and introduce greater creativity into the rallies, the Spaniard found opportunities limited by the New Zealander’s disciplined court coverage and control of the central area. Coll maintained his dominance throughout the match, accelerating through the final game to book his place in the championship match.

Although denied a place in the final, Iker can reflect on a highly encouraging week in Christchurch. His victories over Bryant and Knudsen in particular highlighted the tactical maturity, composure and attacking instincts that continue to strengthen his reputation on the PSA World Squash Tour. Reaching the semi-finals of a major international event represents another significant milestone for the Spaniard and reinforces his ability to challenge deep into top-level tournaments.

2026 New Zealand Squash Open, Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, New Zealand
Men's Semi-Finals: [1] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 11-3, 11-5, 11-1 (37m)
Men's Quarter-Finals: [9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt Matias Knudsen (COL) 11-4, 10-12, 11-5, 11-4 (61m)
Men's 2nd Round: [9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt [4] Jonah Bryant (ENG) 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 11-4 (85m)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt Joseph White (AUS) 11-6, 11-6, 11-1 (38m)

The 2026 New Zealand Squash Open was staged at the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch from the 3rd to 8th March.

For details of how to watch match highlights, visit: psasquashtour.com

2026 New Zealand Squash Open Results: InternationalSquashMagazine.com