We’re into the second round in Doha and it could be epic!
Here’s what is coming up on SQUASHTV and Eurosport Player
12:00 [5] Ali Farag (EGY) v [Q] Leo Au (HKG)
13:00 Fares Dessouky (EGY) v [3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)
14:00 [Q] Saurav Ghosal (IND) v Diego Elias (PER)
15:00 [1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Zahed Mohamed (EGY)
17:30 Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [8] Tarek Momen (EGY)
18:30 [4] Nick Matthew (ENG) v Mathieu Castagnet
(FRA)
19:30 Simon Rösner (GER) v [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
20:30 [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v Omar Mosaad (EGY)
Au No Match For Farag
Ali
Farag was the first player to book a ticket to the quarter-finals of
the 2017 Qatar Classic as he dismissed Hong Kong's Leo Au with
effortless efficiency.
Au was no match for Farag's class, with the Egyptian taking just 26 minutes to complete a routine 3-0 win that saw him rarely break sweat.
“Leo has been playing extremely well, he has improved immensely, he has had a couple of good results from the start of the season, and beat Cuskelly in the first round, so I knew he would be dangerous today,” said Farag.
“But I was in front of him in the first game and was controlling things. I started to lose it a little bit but I got back to sending the ball deep in the back corners.
“Tomorrow who ever I’m playing is going to be a tough one.”
Result:
[5] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Leo Au (HKG) 3-0: 11-2, 11-6, 11-6 (26m)
Dessouky Squanders Opportunity Against ElShorbagy
Au was no match for Farag's class, with the Egyptian taking just 26 minutes to complete a routine 3-0 win that saw him rarely break sweat.
“Leo has been playing extremely well, he has improved immensely, he has had a couple of good results from the start of the season, and beat Cuskelly in the first round, so I knew he would be dangerous today,” said Farag.
“But I was in front of him in the first game and was controlling things. I started to lose it a little bit but I got back to sending the ball deep in the back corners.
“Tomorrow who ever I’m playing is going to be a tough one.”
Result:
[5] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Leo Au (HKG) 3-0: 11-2, 11-6, 11-6 (26m)
Dessouky Squanders Opportunity Against ElShorbagy
In
the all-Egyptian and all-Alexandrian battle between Mohamed ElShorbagy
and Fares Dessouky it was two-time event winner ElShorbagy who came
through, but Dessouky will be left wondering what could have been
following a performance in which he showed he had the ability, but not
the attitude, to take out the former World No.1
Dessouky, showing the attributes that have taken him into the top ten, was in the driving seat in all three games, opening up early and commanding leads on the scoreboard only to collapse under the pressure, mentally and physically, that ElShorbagy was exerting on him – a feat typified in the second when, from 6-1 ahead, he caved as ElShorbagy out-muscled him to come back and steal it.
A scenario that was repeated in the third as ElShorbagy came back to prove that he’s still the man to beat.
“I’ve known him since he was a little kid – I’ve watched his progress all along
“He’s a great athlete and a great player. Our matched are always tough so to finish it in three is very pleasing.
“I can’t get away from Ali at the moment. We played the last two finals in a row and to play in the quarters, I feel we both deserve to be in the semis at least. We’ve had two great battle sin recent weeks and I’m sure it will be the same again tomorrow.”
Result:
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Fares Dessouky (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 14-12, 11-8 (51m)
Elias Halts Ghosal
Dessouky, showing the attributes that have taken him into the top ten, was in the driving seat in all three games, opening up early and commanding leads on the scoreboard only to collapse under the pressure, mentally and physically, that ElShorbagy was exerting on him – a feat typified in the second when, from 6-1 ahead, he caved as ElShorbagy out-muscled him to come back and steal it.
A scenario that was repeated in the third as ElShorbagy came back to prove that he’s still the man to beat.
“I’ve known him since he was a little kid – I’ve watched his progress all along
“He’s a great athlete and a great player. Our matched are always tough so to finish it in three is very pleasing.
“I can’t get away from Ali at the moment. We played the last two finals in a row and to play in the quarters, I feel we both deserve to be in the semis at least. We’ve had two great battle sin recent weeks and I’m sure it will be the same again tomorrow.”
Result:
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Fares Dessouky (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 14-12, 11-8 (51m)
Elias Halts Ghosal
Diego
Elias moved into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Saurav Ghosal
in which he comfortably dealt with all the Indian number one had to
offer, coming through after 38minutes to secure a deserved last eight
spot.
After dominating the first tow games Elias then withstood a charge from Ghosal I the third as the Indian there everything he had at the young Peruvian, but it was to no avail ad Elias, an increasingly class act, came through with the goods.
“He beat me twice before and it's always hard,” said Elias.
“I prepared well for this. I think I played well, my shots went in and I had a little bit of luck as well with some nicks going in too.”
Result:
Diego Elias (PER) bt [Q] Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-0: 11-8, 11-6, 11-9 (38m)
Gaultier Moves Onwards
After dominating the first tow games Elias then withstood a charge from Ghosal I the third as the Indian there everything he had at the young Peruvian, but it was to no avail ad Elias, an increasingly class act, came through with the goods.
“He beat me twice before and it's always hard,” said Elias.
“I prepared well for this. I think I played well, my shots went in and I had a little bit of luck as well with some nicks going in too.”
Result:
Diego Elias (PER) bt [Q] Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-0: 11-8, 11-6, 11-9 (38m)
Gaultier Moves Onwards
Greg
Gaultier managed to do just enough get through his latest challenge on
the road from recovery, dealing with the threat posed by rising Egyptian
talent Zahed Mohamed to record a 3-0 win to reach the last eight.
After a shaky start in the first Mohamed grew into the match and was able to test Gaultier and force the Frenchman into a defensive game, pushing and pulling him into all four corners.
But Gaultier showed just why he's the World No.1, using his experience and guile to get out of trouble.
“I came here with no expectations, everybody knows I’ve been injured – I'll just give whatever I have on the court,” said Gaultier.
“I don't have the same ease as I did last season, I cannot expect to feel like I did then, I felt like a bomb! The injury interrupted my preparation but you have to deal with it.
“It was tough today, he's a good player with good shots and these matches are needed to help me get back to where I want to be. I managed to win which is the most important thing at the end of the day.”
Result:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Zahed Mohamed (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-8 (47m)
Momen Outlasts Pilley
After a shaky start in the first Mohamed grew into the match and was able to test Gaultier and force the Frenchman into a defensive game, pushing and pulling him into all four corners.
But Gaultier showed just why he's the World No.1, using his experience and guile to get out of trouble.
“I came here with no expectations, everybody knows I’ve been injured – I'll just give whatever I have on the court,” said Gaultier.
“I don't have the same ease as I did last season, I cannot expect to feel like I did then, I felt like a bomb! The injury interrupted my preparation but you have to deal with it.
“It was tough today, he's a good player with good shots and these matches are needed to help me get back to where I want to be. I managed to win which is the most important thing at the end of the day.”
Result:
[1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Zahed Mohamed (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-8 (47m)
Momen Outlasts Pilley
It
took multiple match balls and almost 90 minutes of squash but Tarek
Momen managed to do just enough to come through a testing and demanding
roller-coaster match with Cameron Pilley to book his first quarter-final
spot since 2012.
The Egyptian Viper started slower of the two, losing the opening game as Pilley attacked at rampant pace to come through 11-8. The next two game though saw Momen crank through the gears, pulling out a series of delightfully struck unorthodox winners that took Pilley out of his rhythm and changed the dynamic of the match.
It was all Momen going into the fourth as well as he surged ahead, sexting up match point with two balls in hand. But Pilley hadn't given up and stormed back into it, saving both before coming through to seal a 12-10 tie-break and force a fifth to swing momentum back in his favour after looking down and out.
The Australian continued to hit his stride in the fifth, opening up a 7-4 lead as Momen looked to later. But the Egyptian mounted his own resistance, drawing on what happened to him in the fourth to come from behind and steal the game from under the nose of Pilley, and with it, the match.
“Halfway through the fifth I thought he had me but I decided not to give up,” said Momen.
“Until the very last point I tried to make sure I didn't give anything away and make it as hard as possible for him to win so I'm pleased.
“I think it was a good match but I wasn't as sharp as yesterday and it cost me the first game. In the fourth I had a strong lead and was disappointed to lose it and that can get into your head.
“But I'm very glad with how I blocked that out, went for less risky shots while still being as aggressive as possible. It worked – I don't know how but it worked.
“And it feels awesome to be back in the quarters. Getting past the second round was becoming a bit of a mental barrier so I needed this win to take that pressure off. Tomorrow I'll do as much as I can to be ready.”
Result:
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 3-2: 8-11, 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7 (82m)
Matthew Breaks Castagnet In 3
The Egyptian Viper started slower of the two, losing the opening game as Pilley attacked at rampant pace to come through 11-8. The next two game though saw Momen crank through the gears, pulling out a series of delightfully struck unorthodox winners that took Pilley out of his rhythm and changed the dynamic of the match.
It was all Momen going into the fourth as well as he surged ahead, sexting up match point with two balls in hand. But Pilley hadn't given up and stormed back into it, saving both before coming through to seal a 12-10 tie-break and force a fifth to swing momentum back in his favour after looking down and out.
The Australian continued to hit his stride in the fifth, opening up a 7-4 lead as Momen looked to later. But the Egyptian mounted his own resistance, drawing on what happened to him in the fourth to come from behind and steal the game from under the nose of Pilley, and with it, the match.
“Halfway through the fifth I thought he had me but I decided not to give up,” said Momen.
“Until the very last point I tried to make sure I didn't give anything away and make it as hard as possible for him to win so I'm pleased.
“I think it was a good match but I wasn't as sharp as yesterday and it cost me the first game. In the fourth I had a strong lead and was disappointed to lose it and that can get into your head.
“But I'm very glad with how I blocked that out, went for less risky shots while still being as aggressive as possible. It worked – I don't know how but it worked.
“And it feels awesome to be back in the quarters. Getting past the second round was becoming a bit of a mental barrier so I needed this win to take that pressure off. Tomorrow I'll do as much as I can to be ready.”
Result:
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 3-2: 8-11, 11-6, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7 (82m)
Matthew Breaks Castagnet In 3
A
masterclass in patient, physical squash and a display of relentless
tenacity from Nick Matthew saw the 37-year-old Wolf break the French
resistance of Mathieu Castagnet in a high quality three-game affair.
Up against one of the best movers in the game Matthew displayed supreme patience, biding his time and extending the opening rallies in a display of probing squash in its purist form.
Coming from behind the Englishman showed every ounce of stubbornness he possess to squeeze a tight tie-break 13-11 and he continued to offer the Frenchman absolutely nothing in the second, coming back from four points behind to dent Castagnet's confidence and double his lead on the scoreboard.
That surge was enough to break the spirit of Castagnet as the Frenchman fell off at the start of the third as Matthew continued to turn the screw to complete an impressive win that takes him through to face Tarek Momen.
“Physiologically that second game was massive but only if you go on to rubber stamp it,” said Matthew.
“I had to get a good start in the third and put him on a downer. It was a bit of a role-reversal from yesterday. I felt like I was ahead yesterday and then lost points and focus, so today I showed that I can get those quick points and runs of momentum as well.
“He's got great skill – people underestimate that. His mentality, he's a fighter, he's strong physically and mentally so I knew the points wouldn't come quick. I had to be aggressive yet patient and I want to thank Jon Kemp who came down and helped keep my head together.
“At 2-0 I used my experience to come through because I want to be as fresh as possible tomorrow. I think this court suits Tarek's game – his drops are up there among the best. I'll have to get my game plan right and execute and improve again to be in with a chance.”
Result:
[4] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 3-0: 13-11, 11-9, 11-3 (47m)
Rosner Scores Huge Win To Knock Out Gawad
Up against one of the best movers in the game Matthew displayed supreme patience, biding his time and extending the opening rallies in a display of probing squash in its purist form.
Coming from behind the Englishman showed every ounce of stubbornness he possess to squeeze a tight tie-break 13-11 and he continued to offer the Frenchman absolutely nothing in the second, coming back from four points behind to dent Castagnet's confidence and double his lead on the scoreboard.
That surge was enough to break the spirit of Castagnet as the Frenchman fell off at the start of the third as Matthew continued to turn the screw to complete an impressive win that takes him through to face Tarek Momen.
“Physiologically that second game was massive but only if you go on to rubber stamp it,” said Matthew.
“I had to get a good start in the third and put him on a downer. It was a bit of a role-reversal from yesterday. I felt like I was ahead yesterday and then lost points and focus, so today I showed that I can get those quick points and runs of momentum as well.
“He's got great skill – people underestimate that. His mentality, he's a fighter, he's strong physically and mentally so I knew the points wouldn't come quick. I had to be aggressive yet patient and I want to thank Jon Kemp who came down and helped keep my head together.
“At 2-0 I used my experience to come through because I want to be as fresh as possible tomorrow. I think this court suits Tarek's game – his drops are up there among the best. I'll have to get my game plan right and execute and improve again to be in with a chance.”
Result:
[4] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 3-0: 13-11, 11-9, 11-3 (47m)
Rosner Scores Huge Win To Knock Out Gawad
Germany’s
Simon Rösner scored one of the biggest wins of his career to defeat
World No.2 Karim Abdel Gawad in the second round and end the Egyptian’s
title-defence in a win that will simultaneously boost both Rösner’s
confidence and ranking while damaging Gawad’s ranking in the same
process.
For the German Tree-Chopper it was a break-through win, ending a lengthy period that has seem him come agonisingly close to important wins over top four ranked players at major World Series events only to fall short time and time again. But today, in Doha, he proved he has both the on court game and the n court mentality to mix it with the very best in the world on the biggest stage.
The opening game went swiftly in the German’s favour to little surprise, with Gawad maintaining his reputation as one of the slowest starters on the Tour. But Rösner maintained his advantage throughout the second, combining patient approach play with deadly shot striking when the opportunities became available, a mix that made him worth every bit of the 2-0 lead.
With the ball dying and playing into Gawad’s favour in the third, the rails looked to be coming off the challenge. With Gawad hitting nick after nick, Rösner’s shoulders slumped and he saw his lead halved courtesy of a swift 3-11 game.
But the fourth saw a return to the squash of the first two games and Rösner, now competing against a full-flowing Gawad, stuck with the title defender through some blistering exchanges. And he showed the mental strength, no doubt buoyed by his win over Gawad at the World Series Finals, to finally see out the deal at the World Series stage and notch up one of the most significant wins of his career to date.
“I had to be like a man possessed to come through today,” said Rösner.
“I think the key today was I kept my focus at all times. Even when I was up 2-0, I didn’t panic and stayed focused instead of getting excited.
“I had to put out my best squash – I’m so happy I was able to actually play the way I know I can. I’ve struggled to get these big wins against top four guys in the past but today I managed to keep my head and I’m just so, so happy
“He played better squash in the third and I was struggling to get the ball into the corners. Then I don’t know how I managed to come back from 6-2 in the fourth.
“It was all about staying focused, even when he got a few lucky bounces, I thought it was bound to stop at some point. And I just tried not to have any negative thoughts, my body language was still good, every time I would lose a point, I would hit the reset button and start from new.
“Winning against him at the World Series Finals was big. You need that one win against the big guys to have that belief in yourself. It was a big thing in my head and a big thing for me so I went in today with the belief that I could beat him and I’m delighted.”
Result:
Simon Rösner (GER) bt [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9 (57m)
For the German Tree-Chopper it was a break-through win, ending a lengthy period that has seem him come agonisingly close to important wins over top four ranked players at major World Series events only to fall short time and time again. But today, in Doha, he proved he has both the on court game and the n court mentality to mix it with the very best in the world on the biggest stage.
The opening game went swiftly in the German’s favour to little surprise, with Gawad maintaining his reputation as one of the slowest starters on the Tour. But Rösner maintained his advantage throughout the second, combining patient approach play with deadly shot striking when the opportunities became available, a mix that made him worth every bit of the 2-0 lead.
With the ball dying and playing into Gawad’s favour in the third, the rails looked to be coming off the challenge. With Gawad hitting nick after nick, Rösner’s shoulders slumped and he saw his lead halved courtesy of a swift 3-11 game.
But the fourth saw a return to the squash of the first two games and Rösner, now competing against a full-flowing Gawad, stuck with the title defender through some blistering exchanges. And he showed the mental strength, no doubt buoyed by his win over Gawad at the World Series Finals, to finally see out the deal at the World Series stage and notch up one of the most significant wins of his career to date.
“I had to be like a man possessed to come through today,” said Rösner.
“I think the key today was I kept my focus at all times. Even when I was up 2-0, I didn’t panic and stayed focused instead of getting excited.
“I had to put out my best squash – I’m so happy I was able to actually play the way I know I can. I’ve struggled to get these big wins against top four guys in the past but today I managed to keep my head and I’m just so, so happy
“He played better squash in the third and I was struggling to get the ball into the corners. Then I don’t know how I managed to come back from 6-2 in the fourth.
“It was all about staying focused, even when he got a few lucky bounces, I thought it was bound to stop at some point. And I just tried not to have any negative thoughts, my body language was still good, every time I would lose a point, I would hit the reset button and start from new.
“Winning against him at the World Series Finals was big. You need that one win against the big guys to have that belief in yourself. It was a big thing in my head and a big thing for me so I went in today with the belief that I could beat him and I’m delighted.”
Result:
Simon Rösner (GER) bt [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9 (57m)
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