Alan Clyne clinched the Fitzherbert Rowe Lawyers New Zealand International Squash Classic title today in Palmerston North - but the Scot had to survive one of the longest matches of his career to see off local hero Martin Knight in the final of the PSA World Tour Challenger 10 event at SquashGym.

"In front of a large crowd at the SquashGym courts and being 'streamed' live around the world, Clyne showed why he is number 33 in the world and one of the fittest players on tour in an epic five-game victory," said event spokesman Michael Williams.

"Clyne got off to a fast start, gaining a 5-1 lead early. Knight began the match with a number of loose shots and he was punished by Clyne who did not need a second invitation. In typical fashion Knight fought hard but eventually went down 11-9."

After the second went to top seed Clyne (pictured above, right, with Knight), the newly-crowned New Zealand champion fought back to draw level and force the match into a decider.

"The match had turned into a battle of attrition and had been going 75 minutes by the start of the fifth," Williams continued. "Clyne got off to a good start leading 2-0. The next rally ultimately decided the match as both players traded blows up and down the backhand wall in a rally that seemed to last forever. It finally came to an end when Knight lost patience and went for a shot from the back of the court that resulted in a tin.

"Knight looked particularly tired and maybe his 85-minute semi-final against Leo Au the night before was catching up with him."

Clyne extended his lead to 6-1 before closing out the match 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6 after 91 minutes to collect the fifth Tour title of his career.

In his winners speech, Clyne said he hoped to be back to defend his title next year.

RESULTS: PSA Challenger 10 Fitzherbert Rowe Lawyers New Zealand International Squash Classic, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Final:
[1] Alan Clyne (SCO) bt [3] Martin Knight (NZL) 11-9, 12-10, 7-11, 8-11, 11-6 (91m)