World Champion Gawad Crashes Out Of Qatar Classic Against Germany's Rösner
by Nathan Clarke
photos PSA
October 31, 2017
- Squash World Champion and 2016 title winner Karim Abdel Gawad crashed
out of the 2017 Qatar Classic after suffering a surprise second round
defeat at the hands of German Simon Rösner, the 29-year-old from
Paderborn who out-hustled and outplayed the former World No.1 inside
Doha's Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Gawad, who beat compatriot Mohamed ElShorbagy in the title decoder here
twelve months ago, was off the pace in the early exchanges as Rösner
attacked at will to take the first two games and establish a commanding
scoreboard lead.
And the World No.12 then showed impressive mental composure to
withstand a huge onslaught from Gawad, recovering from dropping the
third game, to come through 11-7, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9 and seal a
significant win that sees him record his first victory over a top four
player at a major PSA World Series event.
"I had to be like a man possessed to come through today," said Rösner.
"The key was keeping my focus at all times. Even when I was up 2-0, I didn’t panic or get excited.
"I've struggled to get these big wins against top four guys in the past
so I'm really happy that I was able to actually play the way I know I
can and keep my head throughout.
"You just need that one win against these kind of players to boost that
belief in yourself. It was a big thing in my head so I'm delighted with
how I performed today."
Rösner will now face another Egyptian, Marwan ElShorbay, for a place in
the semi-finals in the bottom half of a draw that will also see Tarek
Momen and 37-year-old Nick Matthew face-off.
The Englishman, up against one of the best movers in the game in the
form of Mathieu Castagnet, ensured his last eight spot courtesy of a
masterclass performance that saw him display patient, persistent squash
of the highest order to come from behind in the opening two games and
break the spirit of the Frenchman and complete the win.
"Psychologically the second game was massive today," said Matthew.
"He's a fighter, he's strong physically and mentally, so I knew the
points wouldn't come quick. I was behind and I had to use my experience
to come through. I got my game plan right."
Elsewhere, the top half of the draw will see two-time tournament
champion Mohamed ElShorbagy face Ali Farag for the third time in three
events. The duo squared off in the finals of both the U.S. Open and
Channel VAS Championships - with each man claiming one win apiece so
far this season - as their on court rivalry continues to intensify.
"I can't get away from Ali at the moment," said ElShorbagy after his victory over Fares Dessouky.
"We played the last two finals in a row and we've had two great battle so I'm sure it will be the same again tomorrow."
World No.1 Gregory Gaultier will face rising Peruvian star Diego Elias in the final quarter-final match.
Draw - Quarter-finals:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Diego Elias (PER)
[5] Ali Farag (EGY) v [3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)
[4] Nick Matthew (ENG) v [8] Tarek Momen (EGY)
[6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v Simon Rösner (GER)
