Mohamed El Sherbini Wins Inaugural PST San Diego Open
fromDailySquashReport.com
August 9, 2011 - Eighteen-year-old Mohamed El Sherbini of Egypt won the inaugural Pro Squash Tour (PST) San Diego Open on Sunday, pounding out an uneven but ultimately convincing five-game win over Gareth Webber of Wales.
Earlier in the day, the charismatic El Sherbini found himself featured on the popular TV show "Good Morning San Diego".
The Pro Squash Tour's Joe McManus Filed This Report:
The match was a see-saw battle throughout. Webber is not the most flashy player in the game. However, he is one of the smartest and he prevented Sherbini from playing his signature attacking style throughout most of the match.
Tied at 8-8 in game 1, Webber appealed to referee Graham Bassett as Sherbini hit a loose shot and prevented Webber's swing. Mr. Bassett awarded the rally to Webber. One rally later, at 10-8 Webber again appealed to the referee for the point as Sherbini was not sufficiently clear of his shot. Again, the referee awarded the rally, and game, to Webber.
A re-energized Sherbini took the court and won the next two games (11-8) and (11-7). His shot making was precise and confident, and he appeared poised for a quick victory.
However, Sherbini's strength appeared to slip in game four, the longest of the match. The rallies were long and Sherbini was sent diving to the floor on several rallies trying to prevent a fifth game. Webber, however, was content to play conservatively, extend rallies, and wait for Sherbini's errors. The young Egyptian phenom now appeared tired entering the final game.
However, as game five began momentum shifted yet again, and it was clear that Sherbini's drive was too strong. He jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead and sailed to a comfortable 11-4 victory to win the Championship.
In his post-match interview Sherbini said that he had been fasting from dawn to dusk in observance of Ramadan, and it impacted his endurance.
Muslims fast for thirty days each year during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is the holiest of months in the Islamic calendar. One reason why Muslims fast is because it helps them share the feelings of the hungry, and the less fortunate in the community.
Sherbini said, "Fasting is must for me even though I was playing for the Championship."
Results: Pro Squash Tour (PST) San Diego Open - August 5-7
Championship:
Sherbini beats Webber: 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-4
3rd Place:
Young beats Goldberg: 11-8, 11-5, 11-9
Semi-Finals:
Sherbini beats Young: 11-1, 11-7, 11-8
Webber beats Goldberg: 11-8, 11-8, 11-6
Quarter Finals:
Young beats Paiva 11-6, 11-8, 11-4
Goldberg beats Perry 11-8, 11-3, 12-10
Webber beats Preston 15-13, 11-5, 11-7
Sherbini beats Guthe 8-11, 11-5, 11-1, 11-7
Players:
Mohamed El Sherbini (Egypt)
Gareth Webber (Wales) Head Pro at the Olympic Club
Jonathan Perry (England) Head Pro at the Decathlon Club
Jeff Young (Australia) Head Pro at Pacific Athletic Club in San Diego
Renato Paiva (Brazil) Head Pro at San Diego Squash Club; 5-time Brazilian Junior National Champion
Ronen Goldberg (Israel) 5-time Israeli National Champion
Nick Guthe (United States) Former Princeton All-American
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