January 2016

Farag claims biggest career title in Detroit!

23-year-old Egyptian Ali Farag capped the most impressive week of his squash career to date by defeating England’s World No.3 Nick Matthew in the final of the 2016 Motor City Open to claim the trophy and the biggest tournament title of his career.

Farag’s 11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 11-7 (50m) victory over 35-year-old three-time World Champion Matthew, who was competing in the 70th PSA World Tour final of his career, saw the 12-years-younger World No.22 complete a hat-trick of wins over higher ranked players, like World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy and World No.10 Mathieu Castagnet. “This is definitely the best week of my career by far,” said Farag.

After the match Matthew said: “He was on a roll. The crowd was feeding on him. The last few points was the first time I felt tired all week. Credit to him for getting me to that point.”

Final:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) 11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 11-7 (50m)

Semi-finals:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 12-10, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9 (61m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [6] Borja Golan (ESP) 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7 (64m)

Quarter-finals:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 (66m)
[3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [5] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 11-9, 7-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-2 (78m)
[6] Borja Golan (ESP) bt [4] Max Lee (HKG) 11-4, 11-2, 11-5 (35m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [8] Chris Simpson (ENG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (40m)

1st round:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 (55m)
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Diego Elias (PER) 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 (35m)
[5] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt [Q] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) w/o
[3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [Q] Olli Tuominen (FIN) 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4 (46m)
[4] Max Lee (HKG) bt [Q] Leo Au (HKG) 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (59m)
[6] Borja Golan (ESP) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 11-3, 11-8, 11-4 (35m)
[8] Chris Simpson (ENG) bt Nicolas Müller (SUI) 13-11, 11-1, 19-17 (62m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9 (76m)


Ali Farag’s run continues – now final vs Matthew!

Giant-killer Ali Farag (ri) of Egypt continued his run at the 2016 Motor City Open downing France’s World No9 Mathieu Castagnet (le) 12-10, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9 (61m) in the semis 1 day after taking out World No1 Mohamed El Shorbagy. “It feels awesome,” Farag said afterwards.

With this win Farag sets up a final against World No3 Nick Matthew from England, who beat former MCO Champion, Borja Golan of Spain in 4 games 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7 (64m).

Final:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) v [2] Nick Matthew (ENG)

Semi-finals:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 12-10, 9-11, 11-4, 11-9 (61m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [6] Borja Golan (ESP) 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-7 (64m)

Quarter-finals:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 (66m)
[3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [5] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 11-9, 7-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-2 (78m)
[6] Borja Golan (ESP) bt [4] Max Lee (HKG) 11-4, 11-2, 11-5 (35m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [8] Chris Simpson (ENG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (40m)

1st round:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 (55m)
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Diego Elias (PER) 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 (35m)
[5] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt [Q] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) w/o
[3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [Q] Olli Tuominen (FIN) 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4 (46m)
[4] Max Lee (HKG) bt [Q] Leo Au (HKG) 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (59m)
[6] Borja Golan (ESP) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 11-3, 11-8, 11-4 (35m)
[8] Chris Simpson (ENG) bt Nicolas Müller (SUI) 13-11, 11-1, 19-17 (62m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9 (76m)


Farag downs World No1 Elshorbagy in Detroit!

Egyptian and World No22, Ali Farag (ri), takes his chance to secure the best victory of his career, as he downed his fellow countryman and top seed Mohamed Elshorbagy (le) 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 after 66 minutes of play at the quarter-final of the 2016 Motor City Open in Detroit.

“It’s one of the bigger wins of my career. He was dominating the first game and a half. I changed my plan a bit, and thankfully it worked,” Farag said afterwards.

Semi-finals:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) v [3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) v [6] Borja Golan (ESP)

Quarter-finals:
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 (66m)
[3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [5] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 11-9, 7-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-2 (78m)
[6] Borja Golan (ESP) bt [4] Max Lee (HKG) 11-4, 11-2, 11-5 (35m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [8] Chris Simpson (ENG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (40m)

1st round:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt Adrian Waller (ENG) 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8 (55m)
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Diego Elias (PER) 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 (35m)
[5] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt [Q] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) w/o
[3] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [Q] Olli Tuominen (FIN) 11-4, 11-6, 9-11, 11-4 (46m)
[4] Max Lee (HKG) bt [Q] Leo Au (HKG) 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (59m)
[6] Borja Golan (ESP) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 11-3, 11-8, 11-4 (35m)
[8] Chris Simpson (ENG) bt Nicolas Müller (SUI) 13-11, 11-1, 19-17 (62m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 11-8, 11-9, 10-12, 9-11, 11-9 (76m)


El Sherbini & Elshorbagy ToC champions!

World No.5 Nour El Sherbini and World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy made history as both Egyptian stars taking the 2016 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions crown in different styles.

25-year-old Elshorbagy continued his recent dominance over 10 years elder England’s Nick Matthew in the men’s final to defend his crown in a nail-biting 93-minute spectacle that saw Elshorbagy repeat his heroics against the Englishman, who he defeated in last year’s final, with an 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6 triumph. “It’s a great start for me to 2016 and I’m glad. I really enjoyed the match today and I look forward to having more great battles with him in the future,” said Elshorbagy.

Meanwhile, the women’s event saw Egyptian 20-year-old 2 Nour El Sherbini scoop the most lucrative title of her career after overcoming 22-year-old home favourite Amanda Sobhy. El Sherbini was in the form of her life after defeating 2014 winner Nicol David in the previous round and played with a maturity beyond her years as she rose to claim an 11-4, 9-11, 12-10, 11-8 victory and capture her 1st ever PSA World Series crown. “It’s an unbelievable feeling, I can’t express it. Words can’t describe how I’m feeling now,” said El Sherbini.

Result: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Men’s Final
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) 8-11, 11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6 (93m)

Result: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Women’s Final
[7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [10] Amanda Sobhy (USA) 11-4, 9-11, 12-10, 11-8


Sobhy vs El Sherbini & Elshorbagy vs Matthew in ToC final!

History has been made at 2016 women’s J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions as US-girl Amanda Sobhy has moved into her 1st ever PSA World Series final with a scintillating 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 victory over Egypt’s Nouran Gohar in the semis. “I’m a little shocked, I don’t really have any words,” a breathless Sobhy said.

20-year-old The came through a brutal five-game encounter with World No.4 Camille Serme in the previous round but no signs of fatigue as she pounced on any loose drops from David to claim an victory. “It was very special to beat Nicol 3-0 and it was one of the best things that is ever going to happen to me,” said El Sherbini.

At the men’s draw defending champion Mohamed Elshorbagy moved through to the final after a commanding 4-games victory (11-9, 11-6, 3-11, 11-7) over Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet. Castagnet is a great competitor. He’s been making so much progress lately and has made it into the top eight and then played in his first ever World Series final. He is an inspiration to all players on how they should work hard in their career because he has worked so hard.” said Elshorbagy.

Last year’s runner up Nick Matthew will meet the World No.1 in the final after a serious injury to his semi-final opponent, World Champion Gregory Gaultier, handed the Englishman the win. At the score level at 3-3 in the 1st game, Gaultier rolled his ankle painfully after contact with Matthew and was carried off the court in real distress. “The match had barely got going. We were feeling each other out on the first few points. My heart goes out to Greg,” said Matthew.

Results: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Men’s Semi-Finals
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [7] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 3-1: 11-9, 11-6, 3-11, 11-7 (49m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 1-0: 3-3 ret. (14m)

Results: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Women’s Semi-Finals
[10] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 (38m)
[7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [2] Nicol David (MAS) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 (26m)

Final draws (head-to-heads):
[7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) v [10] Amanda Sobhy (USA) – (2:4)
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) – (8:7)


Gaultier and Matthew to meet in ToC semis!

In the men’s 2 remaining quarter-finals (bottom half) World Champion Greg Gaultier withstood the attacks of Simon Rösner to overcome the Germany in tough 4 games 11-8, 9-11, 14-12, 12-10.

In the last match of the ToC night, World No.3 Nick Matthew had to call on all 18 years of his vast experience to recover from a 0-2 deficit and defeat Egypt’s Marwan Elshorbagy – keeping alive his hopes of adding to the title he last won in 2012.

An irresistible display from Elshorbagy in the first half of the match looked poised to hand the 22-year-old his first victory over the Englishman but ‘The Wolf’ roared back with a performance that embodied the mental resilience that has personified his career, taking the match 10-12, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 to move on to the semi-final where he will meet long-term adversary Greg Gaultier. “Credit to Marwan, I felt really good in the first game and felt like I was playing well,” said Matthew.

Results – J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Men’s Quarter-Finals (Bottom Half)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [6] Simon Rösner (GER) 11-8, 9-11, 14-12, 12-10 (78m)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt [8] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) 10-12, 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 (81m)

Draw: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Men’s Semi-Finals
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [7] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) v [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)


Gohar and Sobhy with shocking results at ToC!

A number of surprise results lit up the quarter-final stage of the 2016 Women’s J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions. Egypt’s Nouran Gohar (ri) and USA No.1 Amanda Sobhy catching the eye after they both rose to cause stunning upsets against World No.1 Laura Massaro and England No.2 Alison Waters, respectively.

World No.10 Gohar had lost to Lancashire’s Massaro in all six of the pair’s previous meetings on the PSA World Tour but a virtuoso performance from the young Egyptian saw her end her losing streak with a 10-12, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9 victory and add Massaro’s name to her list of scalps this season, which also includes Malaysian superstar Nicol David and World No.4 Camille Serme. “I’m so, so happy, I can’t feel anything right now,” said Gohar.

Sobhy will meet the Egyptian in the semi-final fixture after she achieved an impressive straight games victory (12-10, 11-3, 11-9) over last year’s runner-up Waters. “It feels great, I’m really relieved that I managed to win in the end,” said a delighted Sobhy.

Results: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Women’s Quarter-Finals
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [3] Laura Massaro (ENG) 10-12, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-9 (77m)
[10] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [6] Alison Waters (ENG) 12-10, 11-3, 11-9 (38m)
[7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [4] Camille Serme (FRA) 11-4, 11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 11-8 (74m)
[2] Nicol David (MAS) bt [5] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) 11-6, 10-12, 10-12, 11-3, 11-5 (56m)

Draw: J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions – Women’s Semi-Finals
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [10] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) v [2] Nicol David (MAS)


Castagnet to meet Elshorbagy in ToC semi!

French No.2 Mathieu Castagnet (ri) overcame former World No.5 Borja Golan in a 72-minute encounter in the quarter-final of the 2016 Men’s J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York’s Grand Central Terminal – reaching the last four of a PSA World Series event for the first time in his career.

Castagnet put in a fine to take the 11-9, 13-11, 11-4 victory to set up a meeting with World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy in the last four. “I can’t believe it. I’m going to try to sleep and think of something else so I can prepare for my match. I need to prepare for the next round and try to reach the final by beating the World No.1,” a delighted Castagnet said after the match.

Defending champion Elshorbagy continued his attempts to retain the ToC crown with a superb 4 games triumph against compatriot Omar Mosaad. The man from Alexandria, playing the day before his 25th birthday, conceded the first game to the older Egyptian to claim a 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 12-10 victory in 76 minutes. “Omar is a great guy and a great player. We’re great friends on and off court as well, but I’m happy to beat him,” said Elshorbagy.

The Women’s event saw Camille Serme join compatriot Castagnet in the latter stages of the tournament after she came through a hard-fought encounter with England’s Emily Whitlock in her second round fixture.

Serme is paired up with Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini in a mouthwatering quarter-final tie and it was the latter who triumphed in the duo’s most recent meeting at November’s Qatar Classic.

Results: Men’s quarter-finals, top half:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [5] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 12-10 (76m)
[7] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt Borja Golan (ESP) 11-9, 13-11, 11-4 (72m)

Draw: Men’s quarter-finals, bottom half (head-to-heads):
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v [6] Simon Rösner (GER) – (21:1)
[2] Nick Matthew (ENG) v [8] Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) – (2:0)

Results: Women’s 2nd round, bottom half:
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [16] Emily Whitlock (ENG) 3-1: 11-6, 11-5, 8-11, 13-11 (52m)
[7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [Q] Mariam Metwally (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-8, 11-5 (27m)
[5] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) bt [15] Joshna Chinappa (IND) 3-0: 11-9, 11-3, 11-9 (25m)
[2] Nicol David (MAS) bt [9] Annie Au (HKG) 3-0: 11-2, 11-5, 11-9 (27m)

Draw: Women’s quarter-finals (head-to-heads)
[10] Amanda Sobhy (USA) v [6] Alison Waters (ENG) – (0:2)
[3] Laura Massaro (ENG) v [8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) – (6:0)
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) v [7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) – (5:4)
[2] Nicol David (MAS) v [5] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) – (29:2)