Marwan Ousts Mosaad In Latest Cairo Upset
by Howard Harding
28 July 2011 - Clearly inspired by his new status as world junior champion, Egyptian teenager Marwan El Shorbagy pulled off his third successive giant-killing victory in the inaugural Sportsmax Open when he defeated top-seeded compatriot Omar Mosaad to reach the final of the PSA World Tour International 25 squash event at the American University in Cairo.
After two rounds of qualifying, the 17-year-old from Alexandria began his main draw run by beating India's experienced Siddharth Suchde, before despatching third-seeded Pakistani Aamir Atlas Khan in the quarter-finals.
But only four months after losing in straight games to world No14 Mosaad, El Shorbagy recovered from a game down to beat his formidable opponent 4-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8 in 54 minutes.
"I feel so happy," said the youngster after reaching the fourth final of his brief PSA World Tour career to date. "I expected that Omar would win - he is a very talented player and I like his professionalism.
"This is the match of my life!"
El Shorbagy will now face another higher-ranked fellow countryman for the title.
But second seed Mohd Ali Anwar Reda was tested for 81 minutes before getting the better of unseeded compatriot Omar Abdel Aziz 11-13, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2.
"It was too tough a match," conceded Reda, who is now in his 14th Tour final. "Omar is a friend of mine. We train together - I know his style and he knows my style.
"It was 50/50 till the third game and then he lost his concentration and so I won."
The final will be the first Tour meeting between El Shorbagy and Reda.
"It will be a great match," conceded 22-year-old Reda. "Marwan is perfect and he is in form."
RESULTS: PSA International 25 Sportsmax Open, Cairo, Egypt
Semi-finals:
[Q] Marwan El Shorbagy (EGY) bt [1] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 4-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-8 (54m)
[2] Mohd Ali Anwar Reda (EGY) bt Omar Abdel Aziz (EGY) 11-13, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2 (81m)
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