Ashour Downs Gaultier To Set Up NetSuite Decider With Nick Matthew by Nathan Clarke
photos squashpics.com
September 28, 2015 -
2014 Squash World Champion Ramy Ashour signalled his return to the
upper echelons of the sport following a five-month injury absence
courtesy of a magnificent victory over Gregory Gaultier in the
semi-finals of the 2015 NetSuite Open, PSA M100 tournament, earlier
today (Sept 28).
In front of a capacity crowd outside the stunning San Francisco Ferry
Building Ashour, who beat Gaultier in the title decider in 2013,
unloaded his entire arsenal of outrageous shots in a back-and-forth
encounter in which he made the World No.3 appear average at times.
The victory sees Ashour, who has only competed at three events during
an injury-blighted 12 months, secure a place in his 54th PSA World Tour
final where he’ll be hoping to claim title number 37 against England’s
World No.2 and top seed Nick Matthew.
“It’s amazing to be back in San Fran – there’s a great energy from the
crowd here and it’s good to be here and be performing well,” said
Ashour.
“To play against someone like Greg takes a lot out of you – he’s a top
athlete and it’s not easy to play him – and it’s the same against all
the top ten players so I’m just happy with my result today and
hopefully I can do the same with Nick tomorrow.
“We both know each other’s games and it won’t be an easy match – but
I’m certain it will be an entertaining match and a really tough battle.
I’m going to give it 100 per cent and may the better player win.”
27-year-old Ashour shot out of the blocks against 2014 champion
Gaultier, hitting winners for fun as he completely outclassed the
former World No.1 in the opening game but it was role reversal in the
second, as the Frenchman enjoyed the better of proceedings to level the
scores and set the scene for what followed.
The 32-year-old from Aix-en-Provence continued to enjoy the upper hand
during the third game before a nervy tie-break ensued which Gaultier
took– but only after squandering several game-ball opportunities.
The ebb and flow continued in the fourth as Ashour raced into a 6-0
lead and a lung-bursting rally to go 7-0 ahead, which had the
on-looking crowd watching in disbelief, appeared the break Gaultier’s
resolve both mentally and physically and from then on it was the man
know as ‘The Artist’ who dominated proceedings – eventually taking the
match 11-4, 5-11, 10-12, 11-2, 11-3.
“We both played well and pushed each other to the limits. We have great
respect for each other on and off court and it’s a fair rivalry between
us and there’ll be more battles to come for sure,” added Ashour.
Matthew booked his place in the final courtesy of a composed and
professional 3-1 victory over World No.4 Miguel Angel Rodriguez.
