Top Seeds Soar into Men's British Open Semis by Nathan Clarke
photos squashpics.com
15TH MAY 2015
- All top four seeds moved into the semi-finals of the 2015 Allam
British Open taking place at Hull’s Airco Arena today (May 15)
following a thrilling evening of action in what is the oldest and most
historic tournament in the world of squash.
Fans in attendance at the ‘Wimbledon of Squash’ were treated to an
enthralling evening in which defending champion Gregory Gaultier
stormed past giant-killing Egyptian Mazen Hesham to keep alive his
hopes of claiming back-to-back titles to join World No.1 Mohamed
Elshorbagy, World No.2 Nick Matthew and World No.5 Miguel Angel
Rodriguez in the last four.
The French World No.3 looked in imperious form as he dispatched the
21-year-old challenger 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 in 45-minutes and says he feels
confident ahead of a showdown with Colombian live wire Rodriguez in
tomorrow’s (May 16) semi-finals.
“Mazen is only 21 and he’s very skilful so you don’t expect what’s
coming and that means you have to really focus and play tight against
him,” said Gaultier.
“I really enjoyed playing him and that kind of match really activates
me ahead of tomorrow. I beat Miguel two weeks ago but he played
unbelievable tonight so I will try to use my experience and do my best
and see what happens and hopefully it will be a great match in front of
a full crowd.
“I’m feeling really relaxed at the minute. I enjoy coming here and for
me it’s the last push of the season. I’ve been struggling this year
with my Achilles but I’m really enjoying being back on court at the
moment so I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
24-year-old Matthew, the man Gaultier beat in the finale 12 months ago,
ensured he remains on course for a fourth British Open triumph with a
dominant 3-0 win over French number two Mathieu Castagnet to show that
his recovery from a recent ankle injury continues unimpeded.
“The competitive animal that I am, I wouldn’t have played just to make up the numbers,” said Matthew.
“I guess if you’d offered me a place in the semi-finals before the
tournament I’m sure I would have taken it because it means I would have
been feeling healthy but once you get to a semi-final anything can
happen – the four guys who get to that stage are all capable of winning
it.”
Matthew will now face World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy in the semi-finals
where he will hope to pick up where he left off against the Egyptian
before injury brought their semi-final encounter in El Gouna to a
premature end.
Draw – Semi-finals (To Be Played May 16)
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [3] Nick Matthew (ENG)
[4] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
