Saturday, November 7, 2009

It's Four for Shabana

[4] Amr Shabana (Egy) bt [3] Ramy Ashour (Egy)
         11/8, 11/8, 11/5 (51m)


Amr Shabana claimed his fourth World Open title with a comprehensive victory over defending champion Ramy Ashour in the final in Kuwait.

It was the type of performance we've come to expect from the 'Prince of Cairo' when it really matters, and only in the first game did Ashour seriously threaten.

Shabana took an early lead in the opening game, 4-1, and although Ashour struck back to lead 6-4 Shabana was not to be denied, playing fast, accurate squash to take the game, while Ashour persisted with his tactics of going short whenever the chance arose.


Shabana was dominating those exchanges at the front though, making far less errors than his young compatriot, and although many rallies ended in lets, Shabana was reaping dividends from that area of the game.


He took the initiative in the next game as well, 6-2. Ashour closed the gap, but try as he might he couldn't get on level terms.Towards the end of the second they exchanged three consecutive two-shot rallies, first Ashour slammed a serve into the nick, Shabana returned the favour, then Ashour tinned as he attempted the trick again.

Ashour's frustration showed as he was issued with a conduct warning for ball abuse as he lost the second. The third game saw the same pattern, Shabana opened up to  5-2, Ashour closed to 5-4, then the three-time champion pulled away again, fittingly finishing the match with another service return into the nick.

2003, 2005, 2007 and now 2009, he really does like the 'odd' years, doesn't he ...


"I felt nervous before the match, and I'm sure he was feeling the same," said the champion. "The final always feels different. And playing such a great player like Ramy, you don't know what to expect.

"It was a very mental match - I felt I had to take it point by point. I was really focussed. I think it was just my day - I'm 100% sure he's going to get days when it's all him!"

"Winning four world titles, it's a dream. You don't think about it - you just dream about it - it will take a month or two for it to sink in."


The Final Showdown

[3] Ramy Ashour (Egy) v [4] Amr Shabana (Egy)

A three-time winner against the defending champion, who could ask for more ...

Many think this is Shabana's year, since he 'always wins in the odd year', and his form over recent months certainly suggests he's been building up to this one, looking to add to his 2003, 05 and 07 titles.

But on the other hand, many think this is Ramy's era. Two-time world junior champion, adding the senior title last year, if he is to fulfill the expectations of world dominance that many thought was coming, now would be a good time start.

Whatever the outcome, an Egyptian winner is guaranteed, and anything other than a spectacular match would be a surprise.

They've met 12 times, with Shabana leading 7-5, but the last six have been shared - Ramy in Hurghada 08, Shabana in Kuwait, Ramy in Manchester, Shabana in Super Series 09, Ramy in Hurghada, and most recently Shabana in the US Open in Chicago just weeks ago.

Stay tuned ...

NB: In today's poll to pick the winner 71% went for Shabana 

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Day Five, Semi-Finals

[4] Amr Shabana (Egy) bt [11] James Willstrop (Eng)
                           11/5, 11/9, 6/11, 11/9 (79m)
[3] Ramy Ashour (Egy) bt [2] Gregory Gaultier (Fra)
                           11/5, 11/9, 12/10 (52m)

It's another all-Egyptian final



Amr Shabana, champion in 2003, 2005 and 2007, reached another odd-year World Open final as he won a tough four-game encounter with James Willstrop. The Englishman, bidding for his first appearance in the final, found the Egyptian too hot to handle in the early stages, but came back to take the third, and at 9-all in the fourth a decider looked on the cards.

But the experienced Egyptian held his nerve to claim the final two points to make the final once more.


"It was an unbelievable match - it was a privilege to have played James today," said Shabana. "I have tremendous respect for him, it's hard to play him - he covers the court well for a big guy, and gives you access to the ball. I was tremendously keen for it not to go to five games. I could see he was not giving up. It took all my patience."




His opponent will be defending champion Ramy Ashour, who overcame world number one Gregory Gaultier in the second semi-final.

Ashour's shotmaking saw him take the first game with some comfort. The Frenchman struck back to lead 8-4 in the second but couldn't hold off another surge from Ashour. Leading 9-8 Gaultier slipped and needed a three-minute injury timeout, but Ashour took three points in a row to double his lead.

Gaultier led again in the third, 5-2, but again Ashour came back, mixing sublime winners with amazing retrieving. Gaultier saved one match ball at 10-9 but could do nothing with the second as Ashour advanced to a second consecutive final.

"I was on my form from the start," said an exuberant Ashour afterwards. "I really wanted to win this - I was really keen to reach the final. I try to enjoy every shot I play."


Ashour & Shabana To Contest All-Egyptian World Open Final

Defending champion Ramy Ashour and former champion Amr Shabana will meet in the second successive all-Egyptian world final after successes in the semi-finals of the World Open on the all-glass court at Green Island Resort.

Third seed Ashour upset France's world number one Gregory Gaultier in the second semi-final. For the second time in the evening, the crowd were able to get firmly behind an Egyptian player - in this case cheering every single winning shot from the 22-year-old from Cairo.

Ashour, the world number five, raced to a first game win - but second seed Gaultier, only five days into his new reign as world number one, fought back in the second to take a 9-4 lead.

But the gifted young Egyptian battled back, producing a succession of winners to get back to 8-9 - when Gaultier lunged to retrieve a shot and slipped to the floor with his legs stretched apart, screaming in pain.
After a short break for treatment, the 26-year-old was back on court, seemingly fully recovered. Ashour soon wrapped up the game to move 2/0 ahead.

Gaultier led 5-2 and 9-8 in the third - but Ashour's wizardry took him to match-ball at 10-9. A Gaultier shot near the back of the court struck his opponent full on - giving the Frenchman a stroke.

But Ashour's response was to return Gaultier's serve straight into the nick - and then win a sensational final rally to close out the match 11-5, 11-9, 12-10 in 51 minutes.

"I was on my form from the start," said an exuberant Ashour afterwards. "I really wanted to win this - I was really keen to reach the final. "I try to enjoy every shot I play," added the Egyptian star.

Gaultier put the reason for his defeat firmly in the lap of the match officials: "It was unbelievable, such a one-sided referee. There was not one 'no let' for me. It was so unfair," declared the defeated second seed.
"I'm really disappointed. I was feeling slow in the first game - which was not the best start."

Gaultier shrugged off any concerns about his slip near the end of the second game: "I don't think I've damaged anything, I just slipped. I don't want to think about this tournament anymore - I want to focus on the next tournament," concluded the Frenchman.

Earlier Amr Shabana celebrated his fourth appearance in a World Open final after beating Englishman James Willstrop in four games.

Spurred on by a packed Kuwaiti crowd in the unique outdoor venue, third seed Shabana had to be at his utmost best to topple the tall 11th seed who had earlier removed both top seed Karim Darwish, also from Egypt, and former champion Thierry Lincou to reach the last four against expectation.

At 2/1 down, Willstrop was 7-8 down in the fourth when denied a crucial let. This took his opponent to 9-7 - but two rallies later the Yorkshireman had pulled back to nine-all.

A stroke against the Englishman gave Shabana match ball - and, after a punishing rally, the 30-year-old converted it to claim a mighty 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 victory in 80 minutes.

"It was an unbelievable match - it was a privilege to have played James today," saud Shabana. The world champion in 2003, 2005 and 2007, continued the tribute to his opponent: "I have tremendous respect for James - he has to be up there amongst the top three Englishmen of all-time. He's a very talented player.
"It's hard to play James - he covers the court well for a big guy, and gives you access to the ball."
When asked how crucial it was to win the fourth game - in which Willstrop twice led, at 5-4 and 7-6 - world number two Shabana replied: "I was tremendously keen for it not to go to five games. I could see he was not giving up. It took all my patience."

Asked about how different this might feel from his previous three finals, the former world number from Giza said: "I can't think about the history - I just want to be world champion."

A deflated Willstrop confirmed that the no-let decision towards the end of the fourth game had been a bitter blow: "That was a crucial stage of the match - which took him to 9-7. In fact, it was massively crucial - his game picked up, he could see the finishing line.

"But all credit to him. This is when he performs - at the World Open. It was brilliant squash - a really good game. I can't give any more than that," the world number six from Leeds continued. From two down, I'm quite confident in myself. He had a little weak spell in the third - but he responded so well in the fourth.
Overall I performed well. And that's what I wanted to do. I've got to look at it as a success. Hopefully it can be a bit of a step up.

"I did NOT want to lose this match - I'm desperately disappointed," Willstrop concluded.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Willstrop's run continues in Quarter-Finals

The quarter-finals featured three Egyptians, three Englishmen, and two Frenchman - and for the first time ever, no Australian.

Willstrop's Run Continues


First up was James Willstrop versus the 2004 champion Thierry Lincou. After a competitive first game, won 11/9 by Willstrop, Lincou slipped in the middle of the second and appeared to be favouring a knee he's had problems with for a while.

Willstrop took full advantage, taking the next two games 11/5, 11/5 to move into the semi-finals - his second, having previously got to that stage in 2005 in Hong Kong  - after 48 minutes of play.

"That was a good solid game. He's one of the toughest opponents mentally - but I just managed to keep on top of him. If I'd come off the pace, it could have let him in," said Willstrop.

Shabana smoothly through

His opponent there will be three-time champion Amr Shabana, who continued the impressive form he's shown of late with a straight-games win over fellow Egyptian Wael El Hindi, 11/1, 11/5, 11/9 (39m), to reach a fifth World Open semi-final in a row.


"You have to play perfect squash against Wael," said Shabana, "and I had a bit of an advantage as I have played on the court all week and this was his first time. "We know each other well - he's almost like family. In fact we are rooming together here in Kuwait - It's sometimes tough to beat the other guy when it's like this."

Ashour aces Barker


A second Egyptian place in the semis was booked when defending champion Ramy Ashour beat Peter Barker in four.

Ashour was in scintillating form in the first two games, but Barker wouldn't let him get away in the third as he pulled one back, much to Ashour's annoyance. The Egyptian's shotmaking skills paid dividends at the end of the fourth as he finished off the game and the match in style. Final score: 11/8, 11/3, 9/11, 11/8 (52m).

"I was in the zone for the first two games, but then let things slip in the third," admitted Ashour. "But I was really glad with the way I played in the fourth - I really kept it tight to the wall. I think I did my job today."

Gaultier wins See-Saw Battle


Ashour will meet new world number one Gregory Gaultier for a place in the final. The Frenchman won a see-saw match against Nick Matthew, both players enjoying long spells of total dominance, but it was Gaultier who got the better of the final stages, coming from 2/1 down to win the last two games convincingly. Final score: 8/11, 11/8, 2/11, 11/6, 11/4 (83m).

"The third game was rubbish - I lost my focus," said Gaultier. "I decided to put that third game in the garbage and start again. I knew it was possible - everything is possible. I just had to keep my focus. Once I got the lead in the fifth, I kept my head down. I knew I could beat him - and in the end I could see that Nick was getting slower. So I pushed myself.

"Squash is such a mental game - it's always such a mental battle between us, but today I was stronger."

Gaultier Mounts Kuwait Fight Back To Reach World Open Semis

Quarter-finals:
[11] James Willstrop (ENG) bt [8] Thierry Lincou (FRA) 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 (49m)
[4] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt [9] Wael El Hindi (EGY) 11-1, 11-5, 11-9 (40m)
[3] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [7] Peter Barker (ENG) 11-8, 11-3, 9-11, 11-8 (51m)
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [5] Nick Matthew (ENG) 8-11, 11-8, 2-11, 11-6, 11-4 (82m)

France's world number one Gregory Gaultier mounted a courageous fight back in the quarter-finals of the Kuwait Men’s World Open 2009 - beating England's fifth seed Nick Matthew in five games to reach the semi-finals.

It was a match of contrasting fortunes for the players, with second seed Gaultier taking the first and the Englishman taking control in the second - then emphatically in the third - before the Frenchman fought to regain supremacy and eventually clinch an 8-11, 11-8, 2-11, 11-6, 11-4 victory after 82 minutes.

"The third game was rubbish - I lost my focus," said Gaultier. "I decided to put that third game in the garbage and start again. I knew it was possible - everything is possible. I just had to keep my focus.
"Once I got the lead in the fifth, I kept my head down. I knew I could beat him - and in the end I could see that Nick was getting slower. So I pushed myself.

"Squash is such a mental game - it's always such a mental battle between us," added the 26-year-old from Aix-en-Provence. "But today I was stronger."

Matthew felt that the early stages of the fourth game were crucial: "It was make or break at the start of the fourth game. I was 3-1 up, and if he'd made a couple of errors I could have built on that.

"But he quickly got the game back and went 5-3 up - and never let me get back into it. All credit to him.
"And then I played a really lousy fifth game," conceded the 29-year-old from Sheffield who celebrated a career-high world No4 ranking this month. "I could have done a lot better in that game.

"It was very difficult at the end - I found it very hard to adapt. It definitely wasn't a physical issue. It was more mental - very tactical, very chess-like," concluded the disappointed Yorkshireman.

Gaultier will now face Ramy Ashour, the defending champion from Egypt. The No3 seed recovered from losing the third game in an earlier quarter-final to beat England's No7 seed Peter Barker 11-8, 11-3, 9-11, 11-8 in 51 minutes.

For most of the match, the gifted young Egyptian was in a world of his own as he pulled off spectacular shots which entranced the partisan crowd which was willing the Cairo man to win.

"I was in the zone for the first two games, but then let things slip in the third," admitted the 22-year-old. "But I was really glad with the way I played in the fourth - I really kept it tight to the wall. I think I did my job today," added the Egyptian star who won the title against the odds last year for the first time.

Ramy continues to heap credit on his older brother Hisham Ashour, who was giving him advice between games.

"He was in the zone and he was floating," explained Ashour senior. "But I told him after the third game that he can't keep playing like this - he was playing some amazing shots but couldn't rely on those at critical times. "I told him he needed to get the ball to the back of the court more.

"I haven't seen him floating like this for a long time - those two back hand flick shots made the match."

Tall Englishman James Willstrop continued his giant-killing run in Kuwait by beating eighth-seeded Frenchman Thierry Lincou in the opening quarter-final match of the night.

It was only 24 hours earlier that Willstrop made his first appearance on the Green Island court - where the 11th seed pulled off the event's biggest upset when he despatched Karim Darwish, the top seed from Egypt, in four games. The 26-year-old was in dominant form throughout tonight's match against the 2004 champion, winning 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 in 49 minutes.

"That was a good solid game," said Willstrop, now a semi-finalist for the first time since 2005. "He's one of the toughest opponents mentally - but I just managed to keep on top of him. If I'd come off the pace, it could have let him in," added the Yorkshireman from Leeds.

Thierry Lincou acknowledged that his opponent had restricted his chances: "He really prevented me from attacking - playing my own game," said the former world number one from Marseille.
"He was really sharp and tight - I couldn't move him like I wanted to. I just couldn't relax and play my own game. I thought he was in impressive form."

Much to the delight of the packed crowd, Amr Shabana beat fellow Egyptian Wael El Hindi in straight games to reach the World Open semi-finals for the fifth time in a row.

Fourth seed Shabana, three-times a winner of the title, romped to a first game win - but El Hindi, the ninth seed, came back with more opposition in the next two games. But it was the left-hander Shabana who ultimately maintained the upper hand, wrapping up his 11-1, 11-5, 11-9 win in 40 minutes.

"You have to play perfect squash against Wael," said Shabana later. "And I had a bit of an advantage as I have played on the court all week and this was his first time. "We know each well - he's almost like family," explained the world number two when asked if it was difficult playing a fellow countryman. "In fact we are rooming together here in Kuwait. It's sometimes tough to beat the other guy when it's like this."

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Willstrop ousts Darwish in round three


Top-seeded Egyptian Karim Darwish crashed out tonight after losing to England's 11th seed James Willstrop in a tight four-game third round match on an all-glass squash court in the open-air at the Green Island Resort in Kuwait.

It was a double blow for the 28-year-old from Cairo on the day his ten-month reign as world number one officially came to an end - and further celebration for the Englishman who rose to six in the new world rankings.

On paper, the last sixteen clash was an upset - but Willstrop had not lost to the Egyptian since November 2006, and went into the match 8-6 up on a career head-to-head count.

There was further confusion before the match - the first of the evening at the spectacular seaside setting - when forecast rain and thunder threatened to move the session back to the conventional indoor Salmiya Club courts.

Darwish led in all four games, but Willstrop maintained his focus to take the first two before the new world number three battled back to reduce the deficit.

Again the favourite took leads in the fourth game - going up 5-2, 8-6 and 9-8 - but again the tall Yorkshireman refused to be overawed.  The 26-year-old from Leeds ultimately claimed his 11-7, 11-7, 3-11, 11-9 victory after 58 minutes - and a place in the last eight for the fifth time in six years.


"He was quite dominant in the third and fourth games and put me under a lot of pressure," said Willstrop.  "He didn't give me a lot of chances - he's one of the best players in the world at getting the ball into the back corners."

Willstrop shrugged off suggestions that the hour delay in the start of the match - and the uncertainty about whether it would be played on the indoor court or on the glass court - affected him:  "I think I coped with it pretty well - though I'm not sure other sportsmen would have done so.  The issue was dealt with as well as it could be by all concerned."

Out of action for three months following ankle surgery in April, Willstrop now feels he is fully recovered:  "It was an unbelievable experience - I'd never had an operation before.

"I almost lost the first match I played afterwards, at the World Games in Taiwan, then managed to get to the final.  Looking back, that was a vital experience.  I then got to the semis of the US Open and the final of the British Open - which was fantastic.

"I think I'm now back to where I was if I can beat the best player in the world," concluded Willstrop.


The second match was also an Anglo-Egyptian clash - in which three-time former champion Amr Shabana, the fourth seed, avenged his country's defeat in the opening match by beating Englishman Daryl Selby, seeded 22, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8 in 48 minutes.

Selby was not only celebrating his 27th birthday but his first appearance in the world's top 20 at a career-best ranking of 17.  But only 24 hours earlier, the Essex player had upset higher-ranked Malaysian Azlan Iskandar - surviving a 135-minute marathon.

"I played well - the best I possibly could," said Selby after his second successive third round match in the World Open.  "I could have done with that first game, but he played two good rallies from nine-all.

"It was such a huge game for me.  But I thoroughly enjoyed it - the crowd were very appreciative, for both sides, and it's a brilliant arena for squash.

"I believed I had a chance to win - but he was just too good," concluded the birthday boy.


There was further English success when both Nick Matthew and Peter Barker made the last eight.  Fifth seed Matthew maintained his unbeaten game record in the event earlier at the Salmiya Club with a clinical third round display against Cameron Pilley, the last remaining Australian in the championship.

On the day that he was confirmed as the new world number four - his career-best ranking - Matthew crushed the tall 20th seed from New South Wales 11-6, 11-3, 11-2 in just 35 minutes.

The 29-year-old from Sheffield has enjoyed a topsy-turvy ride with the Australian - beating him on the way to winning his second British Open title in September, then losing later in the month in Cairo in a 90-minute four-game marathon.

"You're always pleased when you beat someone - especially when he beat you the last time," said a delighted Matthew after his swift win.

"I've been slightly fortunate with the draw - playing two people who have survived tough five-game wins the match before.

"Cam is a confident player - so I was determined to get a good start.  But, as my coach David reminded me between games, when you've got the lead, you've got to keep pushing - so I kept attacking him."

After three rounds at the Salmiya Club, Matthew will now move into the new environment of the all-glass court at Green Island.  "I'm looking at this as two separate tournaments - three matches here and hopefully another three on the glass court.

"I've got the first tournament out of the way, so now I can look forward to the next," explained the new world number four.


It was a relieved Englishman Peter Barker that ended Egyptian outsider Hisham Ashour's run to claim his first appearance in the quarter-finals.

Hisham, the 21st seed and older brother of the reigning champion Ramy Ashour, earned his surprise place in the last sixteen after upsetting 10th seed Adrian Grant, also from England, in the previous round.

Barker was in control for the first two games - but the 27-year-old from Cairo battled back to take the third game and led in a closely-contested fourth.

But the seventh seed from London maintained his composure and after 57 minutes secured his 11-6, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9 victory - and a place in the last eight for the first time at his fifth attempt.

"I feel relieved most of all - happy, yes, but more relieved," explained the left-hander afterwards.  "Somehow, I just couldn't relax - I played well in the first two games but then let him get back in the third.

"But it's great to be in the quarter-finals of the worlds for the first time - after all, that's where it all happens.

"There are eight players remaining so one of us has got to win it - so let's hope it's me!

"The pressure's off, but I'm not going to relax.  I played my best squash in the first two games so I hope I can replicate that tomorrow," added the world number nine.

Egypt will also boast three players in the quarter-finals as former champion Amr Shabana will be joined by title-holder Ramy Ashour and ninth seed Wael El Hindi.

The experienced Wael El Hindi, making his eight appearance in the event, faced 21-year-old compatriot Tarek Momen, the 25th seed who pulled off the shock of the tournament by ousting Australian David Palmer, a two-time former champion, in the previous round.

The underdog took the first game - but 29-year-old El Hindi fought back to win 10-12, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 in 61 minutes to earn his first quarter-final appearance since 2006.


Ramy Ashour, the third seed, recovered from a mid-match crisis to beat Dutchman Laurens Jan Anjema.  The 14th seed from The Hague was looking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and got on top of his higher-ranked opponent to draw level after the second game.

But the 22-year-old from Cairo, who kept urging himself to calm down during the match, reclaimed control of the encounter to close out an 11-5, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7 victory.


Eighth seed Thierry Lincou became the first Frenchman to reserve a place in the quarters.  The World Open champion in 2004 survived a hard-fought 53-minute clash with Alister Walker, beating the 15th seed in four games.

Walker dropped the first game, but failed to convert 6-1 and 7-4 leads in the second.  However, the underdog Englishman grabbed the third and fought back from 1-6 down to draw level in the fourth.

But the experienced Frenchman lifted his game to clinch an impressive 11-2, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6 win - to earn his seventh quarter-final in ten appearances since 1998.


"I had a bit of a loss of concentration, especially in the third - I didn't push mentally to keep the pace up," explained the former world number one from Marseille.  "And when you let the pace go, he's dangerous player.

"I've heard him referred to as the English Egyptian - and it's true, he plays like an Egyptian.  Ali beat Shabana a few weeks ago - he's capable of beating anyone."

Lincou was joined by compatriot Gregory Gaultier after the last match of the night at Green Island.  The new world number one from Aix-en-Provence was in commanding form as he despatched Malaysian Ong Beng Hee, the 13th seed, 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 in 42 minutes.

Willstrop downs Darwish

The second set of last 16 matches saw the action to the Green Island resort, and despite problems with the weather that threanened to have the matches moved back indoors to the Salmiya Club, after a delayed start all were completed successfully.

James Willstrop added to the upsets as he beat top seed Karim Darwish in four games, but thereafter seeds two (Gregory Gaultier), three (Ramy Ashour) and four (Amr Shabana) all booked their place in the quarter-finals.

More to follow ...

England edge ahead on Day Three



You'd expect six Egyptians in the last 16, but how about five Englishmen being there too ? In fact, it's not until you get to the last match of the day that you find a match featuring neither of them ...


First winner today was2004 Champion Thierry Lincou, seeing off Alister Walker in four games, 11/2, 11/8, 4/11, 11/6.

"I had a bit of a loss of concentration, especially in the third - I didn't push mentally to keep the pace up," explained the former world number one from Marseille. "And when you let the pace go, he's dangerous player.

"I've heard him referred to as the English Egyptian - and it's true, he plays like an Egyptian. Ali beat Shabana a few weeks ago - he's capable of beating anyone."

Peter Barker became the first Englishman through, avenging yesterday's defeat of Adrian Grant by Hisham Ashour. Barker won 11/6, 11/5, 8/11, 11/9 to mark claim his first World Open quarter-final appearance.

"I feel relieved most of all - happy, yes, but more relieved," explained the left-hander afterwards. "Somehow, I just couldn't relax - I played well in the first two games but then let him get back in the third.

"But it's great to be in the quarter-finals of the worlds for the first time - after all, that's where it all happens.
There are eight players remaining so one of us has got to win it - so let's hope it's me! The pressure's off, but I'm not going to relax. I played my best squash in the first two games so I hope I can replicate that tomorrow."


Nick Matthew joined Barker in the quarters with a quickfire 11/6, 11/3, 11/2 win over Cameron Pilley to end Australian interest.


The first Egyptian went through to the quarters when Wael El Hindi took on yesterday's biggest giant-killer Tarek Momen. The youngster took the first, but El Hindi was in no mood to allow another upset, winning 10/12, 11/6, 11/7, 11/6 in one minute over the hour.

Now it's off to Green Island for the second session. Stay tuned ...

Darwish & Gregory On Course For Final Meeting



The top two seeds remain on course to meet in Saturday's final of the Kuwait Men’s World Open 2009 - but Karim Darwish and Gregory Gaultier both dropped games before prevailing in the second round matches on the all-glass court at Green Island.

Egyptian favourite Karim Darwish dashed Indian hopes by beating 29th seed Saurav Ghosal 11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-1.


Second seed Gregory Gaultier, the new world number one, battled for 50 minutes to overcome the USA's highest-ranked player ever Julian Illingworth 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3.


But another pair of Egyptians also looked in ominous form as former champion Amr Shabana and reigning champion Ramy Ashour despatched fellow countrymen in straight games - third seed Ashour defeating unseeded Omar Abdel Aziz 12-10, 11-8, 11-3 and fourth seed Shabana overcoming 24th seed Omar Mosaad 11-8, 11-8, 11-6.


"My preparation for this tournament has been more off-court than on-court since getting home from Hong Kong.  I have been working a lot with my physio to keep my body in shape," said Shabana, winner of the world title in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

The former world number one admitted that he had to be alert against his young fellow countryman, the 21-year-old Omar Mosaad who beat local prospect Abdullah Almezayen in the previous round.  "He's so fast and hits the ball hard.  And now he's in the World Open, he gives it 110%."

The left-hander denied that the hot conditions on the outside court in the humid Kuwait evening suited him and his fellow Egyptians anymore than the Europeans playing in the event.

"They're going to suffer tremendously," he acknowledged.  "We're just going to suffer."

Monday, November 2, 2009

Round Two - Tarek takes out Palmer


The last sixteen will not include veteran Australian squash star David Palmer for the first time since 1998 after the two-time world champion crashed out of the Kuwait Men’s World Open 2009 at the Salmiya Club in Kuwait City today.

"I didn't believe I could win today - I didn't expect this performance," said jubilant 21-year-old Egyptian Tarek Momen after his stunning 14-12, 12-10, 11-7 second round upset in 45 minutes over the Tour veteran who boasts 26 PSA titles, more than any other current player.

Palmer was unable to convert game balls in the first two games and failed to exploit an early lead in the third before going down in a rare straight games defeat.

"It's a huge win for me," acknowledged Momen as he was surrounded by well-wishing Egyptian players and fans.  "But it's my second best - as I beat Gregory Gaultier last year in Egypt!  But it has the same taste."


Compatriot Hisham Ashour, who had himself pulled off a notable upset earlier, added to the praise being heaped on the Electronic Engineering student at the American University in Cairo:  "He did nothing wrong - he was on fire!"

Palmer was distraught at his defeat:  "I'm really disappointed - I've struggled with my form for the last couple of tournaments.  I'm struggling to play at the standard I'm used to.

"I'm just not getting enough match practice - and I need to try and rectify this if I am going to carry on," added the 33-year-old from New South Wales who relocated to Boston, USA, last year.  "I don't get the chance to work with my long-time coach Shaun (Moxom) and I need to make a decision about this.

"I didn't hit the ball well this morning - and normally I can deal with that.  I can't get myself out of trouble like I used to be able to do.

"There are still three big tournaments left this year, so we shall see how I do.  I want to keep going until next year's Commonwealth Games and the 2010 World Open in Saudi," concluded the departing Aussie.

Momen will now play fellow countryman Wael El Hindi, the No9 seed who defeated Cairo-based Italian Amr Swelim.  "He's won both times we've played on the PSA Tour before - but I feel I can do anything after beating Palmer," concluded Momen.


Hisham Ashour grabbed the headlines normally given to his younger brother Ramy Ashour, the defending champion, when he upset 10th seed Adrian Grant in straight games.

The 27-year-old from Cairo - who was close to exiting the event yesterday when he fought back from 0/2 down to beat English outsider Chris Simpson - was in devastating form today as he despatched the world No10 from London 13-11, 12-10, 11-9 in 44 minutes, saving game balls in the first two games.

"If I hadn't had that five-game match yesterday, I wouldn't have won today," said the exuberant 21st seed after his shock win.  "Before I came here, I hadn't had a good win for three or four months - yet I feel I'm playing well.

"But the way I played today is my game - my problem is that I don't play like that all the time.  If I played like that, I'd be top five!"

Hisham has been largely overshadowed by his 22-year-old brother - who leapt to two in the world shortly after becoming the first player to win the world junior championship twice.  Then last year Ramy became the World Open champion.

"I used to be the one motivating him - now he's motivating me," acknowledged Hisham.  "We always have five-setters when we train - and he's world champion!

"I need to move up - these are my last three years in the game.  I know I have it!"


England's Daryl Selby survived the longest match of the tournament so far when he upset Malaysia's 12th seed Mohd Azlan Iskandar 11-7, 7-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8 in a 135-minute marathon.

"I always knew it was going to be close as we're both pushing players in the top ten - and he's had some fantastic results recently," said Selby, the 22nd seed from Essex.

"We're good friends and, while I really wanted to win, I feel for Azlan now.  But I'm ecstatic to get through."

Was it his longest ever match?  "Yes, by three minutes!"

England team-mates and fellow Yorkshiremen James Willstrop and Nick Matthew reserved places in the last sixteen for the third successive years with straight games wins - 11th seed Willstrop beating compatriot Jonathan Kemp 11-5, 11-5, 11-5 and Matthew, the fifth seed, overcoming Italian Davide Bianchetti 11-2, 11-3, 11-6.

"I've never felt comfortable playing Davide - we've had a few 3/1s and 3/2s, so it's good to get him in three today," said Matthew, the reigning British Open champion.

Bianchetti survived an 85-minute match yesterday which also featured two-hour 'blood injury' break while he was taken to hospital to have three stitches put in a cut on his chin.

"It must have been hard for him after yesterday, a rollercoaster day for sure" added Matthew.  "Mentally you have to tune in twice for the game - then he was first on today.

"I tried to get on top from the start - I didn't let him get into his rhythm.  I wanted to get on top before he settled."


Cameron Pilley ensured Australian interest in the last 16 when he beat 16th seed Mohamed El Shorbagy in a significant second round upset.

It was only a year ago that El Shorbagy, then the world junior champion, romped through to the quarter-finals of the World Open as a qualifier in his maiden appearance in the event.

The 18-year-old from Alexandria, the brightest young prospect in the game today, took a two game lead against Pilley before the tall Aussie began his fightback, eventually winning 9-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-3 in 68 minutes.

"He was too good in the first two games, but dropped off thereafter," conceded the 20th seed from New South Wales.  "I'd opened up the court too much for him in those early games, but managed to straighten up both sides later.

"He's improved out of sight since I last played him - he had nothing to lose a year ago, but now the pressure's on him as a top seed," explained the 26-year-old winner.

"It'll be interesting to see how he deals with the pressure.  He can't afford to keep on playing like that."

It was a distraught El Shorbagy that left the building immediately after the game:  "I'm really disappointed," said the teenager who is now studying at University in Bristol in the UK.  "I was fine in the first two games - then I don't know what happened.  I was so nervous and couldn't shake off that feeling."

In the evening matches on the all-glass court at Green Island, the top two seeds remained on course to meet in Saturday's final - but both dropped games before prevailing in four.  Egyptian favourite Karim Darwish dashed Indian hopes by beating 29th seed Saurav Ghosal 11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-1.

Second seed Gregory Gaultier, the new world number one, battled for 50 minutes to overcome the USA's highest-ranked player ever Julian Illingworth 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3.

But another pair of Egyptians also looked in ominous form as former champion Amr Shabana and reigning champion Ramy Ashour despatched fellow countrymen in straight games - third seed Ashour defeating unseeded Omar Abdel Aziz 12-10, 11-8, 11-3 and fourth seed Shabana overcoming 24th seed Omar Mosaad 11-8, 11-8, 11-6.

Day Two, Round Two

It's 12 matches at the Salmiya Club, then the top four seeds take to the glass from 18.00.

Early results see England's top trio of Nick Matthew, Peter Barker and James Willstrop safely through, but Adrian Grant loses three close games to Hisham Ashour.

After a disappointing performance in Hong Kong, Hisham gave us a three-word quote: "Kuwait, Kuwait, Kuwait," and it looks like he meant it!

"If I hadn't had that five-game match yesterday, I wouldn't have won today," said Hisham today. "Before I came here, I hadn't had a good win for three or four months - yet I feel I'm playing well. But the way I played today is my game - my problem is that I don't play like that all the time. If I played like that, I'd be top five!"

"I used to be the one motivating Ramy - now he's motivating me,we always have five-setters when we train - and he's world champion! I need to move up - these are my last three years in the game. I know I have it!"


Other early winners, Thierry Lincou, Wael El Hindi and LJ Anjema.

The first big upset arrives - Tarek Momen puts out two-time champion David Palmer in three ... plus Cameron Pilley takes out world junior champ Shorbagy, and Daryl Selby beats Azlan Iskandar in a 135-minute marathon.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

llingworth Celebrates US World Open Breakthrough



Julian Illingworth, the world No33 who claimed an unexpected slot as the last of the 32 seeds in the Kuwait Men’s World Open 2009 after the withdrawal of top-ranked Spaniard Borja Golan, took full advantage of his opportunity in today's  first round match at the Salmiya Club in Kuwait City by becoming the first US player to reach the second round of the premier event on the PSA World Tour in its 33-year history.

The New York-based 25-year-old beat experienced New Zealander Kashif Shuja 11-5, 11-8, 12-10 in 46 minutes to set up a second round meeting with second seed Gregory Gaultier, the new world number one from France.

"I was lucky to get in after Borja's withdrawal," explained Illingworth.  "I came to fulfil my seeding - that was my goal.  Anything else is a bonus."

Since graduating from Yale University in 2006, Illingworth has become the highest-ranked US player of all-time.  "I shot up the rankings pretty quickly to around 50, and have been climbing steadily since then.

"I still feel I'm improving - and am now looking forward to playing Greg tomorrow on the all-glass court at Green Island.  I've got nothing to lose - I'm just going to enjoy it."


Cheered on by a packed partisan crowd at the Salmiya Club, local wildcard player Abdullah Almezayen played the game of his life - and was three points away from a stunning upset against Egypt's 24th seed Omar Mosaad.

Twice the experienced 21-year-old from Cairo led in his first appearance in the event - and twice Almezayen, ranked 99 in the world, fought back to draw level as his exuberant fans revelled in the prospect of a historic breakthrough.

And in the decider, the local hero came back in a single hand from 0-5 down to 8-5 up.  But Mosaad was in no mood to pander to the crowd:  the world No25 raised his game and grabbed the next six points in succession to claim a notable 11-9, 10-12, 11-6, 9-11, 11-8 victory after 62 minutes.

"He's a good player - much more experienced than me," said the popular Kuwaiti left-hander. "And that was clear in the last few points - perhaps in the future I will be able to deal with those situations better.

"But overall I am very happy with today.  This event has been great for squash in Kuwait - and it has also helped me get more personal sponsorship which will allow me to travel to more events on the world tour."

Whilst Omar Mosaad must have felt a million miles from home with the crowd willing his opponent to win, on an adjacent court fellow Cairo compatriot Omar Abdel Aziz was revelling in the support the locals gave him in his 11-5, 11-6, 15-13 upset over Miguel Angel Rodriguez, the 23rd seed from Colombia.

"For me, playing here provided the same atmosphere as in Egypt - people supporting me just like at home," said Aziz, the 26-year-old world No44.  "I lost to Miguel in five games two weeks ago in Hong Kong - I started more consistently this time, going for my shots more.  I am so happy to win."

Frenchman Renan Lavigne was delighted to provide the second upset of the day - on his 35th birthday!  The world No38 from Marseille reproduced the same skills that took him to a career-high No17 five years ago to beat Canada's 30th seed Shahier Razik 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 11-3 in 71 minutes.

"I lost the last two times we played - so I had double reason to celebrate," said the birthday boy afterwards.  "I was pretty up for it - moving well and in good form - and it all worked out well."

2004 champion Thierry Lincou eased into the second round after a convincing 11-5, 11-7, 11-3 victory in 32 minutes over Pakistan qualifier Yasir Butt.

"I was not expecting an easy match," said the No8 seed from France¸ who made his debut in the 1998 championship after attempting to qualify for the first time the year before.  "But you never know - the first round is often tricky.

"I felt pretty good coming into this tournament - I was up for it," said the 33-year-old former world number one.  "He really surprised me at the beginning of each game - but I was able to react quickly and he then began to lose patience.  And I was getting better - you do when you're in front."

English team-mates Peter Barker and James Willstrop also survived testing first round encounters.  Barker, the No7 seed from London, faced qualifier Nicolas Mueller a rising squash star from Switzerland.

"He was probably one of the toughest first round opponents, so I was pleased to get it in three," said the 26-year-old left-hander after his confidence boosting 11-7, 11-2, 12-10 victory in 37 minutes.

"It's been a tough month - I haven't been enjoying my squash too much recently.  I got bogged down with some disappointing results, rather than concentrating on just enjoying playing.

"So I'm trying to play with a smile on my face again - and it seems to be paying off!"

Willstrop, a former world number two who is fighting back to the top of his game after ankle surgery earlier in the year, beat English qualifier Robbie Temple 13-11, 11-7, 11-0.

"He's improved a lot since I last played him," said the Yorkshireman of his left-handed opponent from Gloucestershire.  "He played at a good pace and I had to move quickly and be sharp.

"I've got a hard draw and it's such a long tournament - I'm really keen to take each game as it comes.  But it's such an exciting event, so you want to produce."

Indian number one Saurav Ghosal suffered the indignity of losing the first game without scoring a point - but refocused and battled back to beat French qualifier Mathieu Castagnet 0-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5 after 56 minutes.

"It was just weird," explained the 29th seed, from Chennai, afterwards.  "He played really well - but I was in the rallies, but everything was wrong, even my body language.

"Malcolm (Willstrop) told me to try and at least look the part when he spoke to me after the first game," added the 23-year-old, now in the second round for the first time.

"It was hard - but I'm really pleased to win.  It can only get better.  It surely can't be worse than 11-0!"
A match which took 85 minutes of playing time - yet also featured a two-hour 'blood injury' break while Davide Bianchetti was taken to a local hospital - saw the Italian ultimately prevail 15-13, 11-6, 6-11, 11-2 over French qualifier Yann Perrin in the final match of the day at the Salmiya Club.

"Yann's racket caught me on the chin, and I had three stitches to stop the bleeding," explained the 32-year-old from Brescia on his return from hospital.  "That wasn't as painful as the anti-tetanus injection in my backside - which seems to be restricting my movement."

Frenchman Gregory Gaultier celebrated his first day as world number one with a convincing straight games victory over Scot Alan Clyne on an all-glass squash court at the Green Island Resort.

The final four matches of the day were played in the spectacular open-air Green Island setting after all earlier matches were played at the Salmiya Club.

Gaultier, seeded to reach the final for the third time in four years, was in commanding form as he despatched Clyne 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 in just 27 minutes.

"It was a good first round match - I was really focussed and well-prepared," said the 26-year-old from Aix-en-Provence afterwards.  "I knew it was his first time in the World Open and I was confident I would get through.

"But he gave me a good run, so I'm really pleased to have won 3/0."

Day One, Round One

A 64-man draw means that results come thick and fast ... no major surprises so far, but Renan Lavigne, Omar Abdel Aziz and Amr Swelim caused minor upsets in beating Shahier Razik, Miguel Angel Rodriguez and Joey Barrington, while Omar Mosaad was taken to the limit before beating wildcard Abdullah Almezayan.

More to follow ...

Day One Results