Farag Halts World No.1 Elshorbagy To Reach Al Ahram Title-Decider by Nathan Clarke
photos squashpics.com
September 22, 2016
- 24-year-old Ali Farag recorded one of the biggest wins of his career
as he halted the charge of title-favourite and World No.1 Mohamed
ElShorbagy to move one step closer to becoming the first home-based
player to win the iconic Al Ahram Squash Open NewGiza - the $100k
tournament taking place at the foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza -
since Ahmed Barada in 1998.
Competing in one of world sport’s most breathtaking locations, Farag -
who earned a berth in the last four following the retirement of
three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour during their quarter-final
encounter - produced a sublime performance to come through in four
games and earn a richly deserved win after 70-minutes of high quality
squash.
After losing the opening game Farag fought back to level against
ElShorbagy and then take a 2-1 lead. Then, with both men giving their
all, they traded points in a series of ferocious exchanges as the score
reached 10-10 in the crucial fourth. A first match ball went to waste
as ElShorbagy mounted a last ditch charge before Farag responded in
style and take the game, and with it the match, 14-12.
"I have the upmost respect for Mohamed - he's been the best in the game for the past two seasons hands down," said Farag.
"I knew that to have a chance I needed to be at my absolute best, but
I've been preparing well since Hong Kong and got in a big chunk of
training before this event that I think made the difference.
"Mohamed can be very intimidating at times with how big he makes
himself on court - like any top player does - but I knew the biggest
battle today would be mental. I had to match him mentally and that's
what I did.
"Before the event I looked at the draw and knew it would be tough - but
names are just names - you go out and play to win. At Motor City Open I
had the toughest draw possible and won so I know I just have to believe
in myself."
Farag will face compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad - the Hong Kong Open
runner up - in the decider after he saw off second seeded Omar Mosaad
3-0 with a performance that underlined his status as one of the most
in-form players on the Men’s Tour while Farag's wife Nour El Tayeb
bowed out of the women's event at the semi-final stage, losing in
straight game to the in-form play on the Women’s Tour this year - Nour
El Sherbini.
World No.1 El Sherbini has scythed her way through the tournament so
far without dropping a single game and she impressed once again to
underline her status as the player to beat as she came through 11-7,
11-8, 11-4 in less than 30 minutes.
"I was very focused from the beginning today and worked hard not to let
her get in front and I'm glad to come through in three games,” said El
Sherbini.
"I've been dreaming of playing here since I was ten years old and
playing in front of the Pyramids and the Egyptian crowd. I'm really
proud to be here and have my family and sponsors there to see me play
so hopefully I can keep it going now in the final."
El Sherbini will face Raneem El Welily, the 27-year-old who held the
World No.1 spot at the end of 2015, in what promises to be a gripping
encounter after she stormed past England's Sarah-Jane Perry to end all
international interest in the $100k event.
“I used to come here with my brother and my parents, we were so young
then, and I remember we were fascinated by everything, so being here
means a lot for me,” said El Welily.
“Tomorrow, I hope it’s going to be a great match. She is a good person, on and off court, and a great player.”
Al Ahram Squash Open NewGiza - Men's Semi-final Results:
