Elshorbagy, Shabana Seal TOC Semi-final Spots by Nathan Clarke January 20, 2015
- Defending champion Amr Shabana kept alive his hopes of winning
back-to-back J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions titles with a gutsy
3-1 win over compatriot Tarek Momen, the World No.7, in an 85-minute
match-up in Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal today (Jan 20).
The 34-year-old, who became the oldest ever PSA World Series winner
with his 2014 triumph, withstood a ferocious challenge from 27-year-old
Momen, currently enjoying his highest ever ranking on the PSA World
Tour, as he dug deep and used his wealth of ability and experience to
squeeze over the line in a nail-biting encounter.
"All credit to Tarek because I spent every single bit of energy I had to beat him today," said Shabana.
"It took all the experience that I hve to beat him and I think the next time we play he's going to get me."
Shabana opened up the match with an array of spectacular winners,
taking the opening game in the process, but saw his advantage
eradicated after a gallant effort from Momen saw him bounce back from
squandering numerous game-balls to eventually take the second game
19-17.
The duo continued to trade points in compelling fashion throughout the
next two games but it was four-time World Champion Shabana that emerged
victorious as the match ended in bizarre circumstances, with both
players seemingly disappointed following the referee's decision to
award a stroke that handed the match to the elder man.
"The last point could have been a let, but it's a win and I'll take it," added Shabana.
"I've known Tarek since he was a young junior and he's always been a
very hard worker. He's always improving his game and he has a very good
future ahead of him but I was able to stop him today and I'm happy to
be through."
That victory will see Shabana take on another Egyptian, current World
No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy, for a place in the finale when the semi-finals
get underway on Thursday January 22.
Elshorbagy booked his place in the last four with a dominant 3-0 win over World No.12 Borja Golan.
Results: Quarter-finals (Top Half) - JP Morgan Tournament of Champions
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [6] Borja Golan (ESP) 3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 [52m]
[7] Tarek Momen (EGY) v [4] Amr Shabana (EGY) 6-11, 19-17, 11-8, 11-9 [85m]
Draw: Quarter-finals (Bottom Half) - To Be Played Jan 21
[3] Nick Matthew (ENG) v [8] Simon Rösner (GER)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
