At Manchester's National Squash Centre as the 2017 AJ Bell PSA World Championships continues into the second round of the men's event, while the women's main draw begins today.
Home hero Nick Matthew will aim to follow up a tight first round win over qualifier George Parker with victory against the dangerous Max Lee, while World No.1 Gregory Gaultier takes on Hong Kong's Tsz Fung Yip.
Title favourite Mohamed ElShorbagy is also in action against Joel Makin, with defending champion Karim Abdel Gawad and World No.3 Ali Farag also on show.
The women's event sees England No.1 Laura Massaro head up home interest against Belgian qualifier Nele Gilis, while World No.1 Nour El Sherbini begins her attempts to lift a third consecutive World Championship title against Australia's Donna Urquhart.
You can watch LIVE coverage on SQUASHTV and Eurosport Player.
Not able to watch live? Then check our live scoring page.
Here's the SQUASHTV & Eurosport Player Order of Play
(All times are local GMT)
12:00 [1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) v Donna Urquhart (AUS)
12:45 [1] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Tsz Fung Yip (HKG)
13:45 [Q] Nele Gilis (BEL) v [4] Laura Massaro (ENG)
14:45 [5] Nick Matthew (ENG) v Max Lee (HKG)
15:45 Joel Makin (WAL) v [3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)
16:30 [3] Camille Serme (FRA) v [Q] Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
17:15 [4] Ali Farag (EGY) v [Q] Youssef Soliman (EGY)
18:15 [Q] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) v [2] Raneem El Welily (EGY)
19:00 Alan Clyne (SCO) v [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
You can also catch live streaming from court five available on our YouTube channel.
Watch Court Five Streaming Below
Court Five Order of Play
12:00 Mariam Metwally (EGY) v [5] Nouran Gohar (EGY)
12:45 Greg Lobban (SCO) v [8] Paul Coll (NZL)
13:45 [8] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v Joey Chan (HKG)
14:30 [10] Ramy Ashour (EGY) v Omar Mosaad (EGY)
15:30 Millie Tomlinson (ENG) v [7] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
16:15 Zahed Mohamed (EGY) v [7] Tarek Momen (EGY)
17:15 [6] Nicol David (MAS) v [WC] Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
18:00 [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v Chris Simpson (ENG)
El Sherbini Starts Title Defence Strongly
Defending World Champion Nour El Sherbini got her PSA World Championship campaign off to a perfect start as she saw off Australia’s World No.17 Donna Urquhart in straight games.
The Egyptian World No.1 looked in full force at the start of the match as she found her length and range quickly. However, as the match wore on Urquhart – fresh from her victory at the Monte Carlo Squash Classic last week – found her way back into the first game to level the scores at 5-5 but the Egyptian managed to regain control to take the first game 11-8.
Great squash continued to flow between the pair with an epic rally coming to a close in game two as Uruqhart continued to make El Sherbini work for a place in the next round, with the 22-year-old taking the second game by an 11-5 scoreline to double her advantage.
However, the Egyptian produced a masterclass in the third to ensure she came off in straight games and move safely into the next round and take another step in defending her crown as she aims for a third successive World Championship title.
“We just played in Hong Kong second round,” said El Sherbini following the match.
“It is quite hard to play someone twice in the same month because you need to change your plan. I’m sure she was coming knowing what I was going to do and I knew what she was going to do, so it’s hard to change your game plan but I’m really happy with the way I played.
“The last two games, I felt I was getting better game by game and I’m just happy to be through in three.
“Winning in three lets you save some energy. I’m feeling good and looking forward to this week and hopefully it will be a good tournament.
“I’m just trying to focus on my game and my squash more and not put any pressure on myself and try to enjoy the game. I’m going to do my best and whatever happens it’s not the end of the world.”
Elsewhere, El Sherbini’s compatriot Nouran Gohar also came through in straight games as she dispatched fellow Egyptian Mariam Metwally by an 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 scoreline.
Result
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt Donna Urquhart (AUS) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 (24m)
[5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt Mariam Metwally (EGY) 3-0: 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 (25m)
Watanabe Sees off England's Whitlock
The Egyptian World No.1 looked in full force at the start of the match as she found her length and range quickly. However, as the match wore on Urquhart – fresh from her victory at the Monte Carlo Squash Classic last week – found her way back into the first game to level the scores at 5-5 but the Egyptian managed to regain control to take the first game 11-8.
Great squash continued to flow between the pair with an epic rally coming to a close in game two as Uruqhart continued to make El Sherbini work for a place in the next round, with the 22-year-old taking the second game by an 11-5 scoreline to double her advantage.
However, the Egyptian produced a masterclass in the third to ensure she came off in straight games and move safely into the next round and take another step in defending her crown as she aims for a third successive World Championship title.
“We just played in Hong Kong second round,” said El Sherbini following the match.
“It is quite hard to play someone twice in the same month because you need to change your plan. I’m sure she was coming knowing what I was going to do and I knew what she was going to do, so it’s hard to change your game plan but I’m really happy with the way I played.
“The last two games, I felt I was getting better game by game and I’m just happy to be through in three.
“Winning in three lets you save some energy. I’m feeling good and looking forward to this week and hopefully it will be a good tournament.
“I’m just trying to focus on my game and my squash more and not put any pressure on myself and try to enjoy the game. I’m going to do my best and whatever happens it’s not the end of the world.”
Elsewhere, El Sherbini’s compatriot Nouran Gohar also came through in straight games as she dispatched fellow Egyptian Mariam Metwally by an 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 scoreline.
Result
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt Donna Urquhart (AUS) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 (24m)
[5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt Mariam Metwally (EGY) 3-0: 11-4, 11-5, 11-9 (25m)
Watanabe Sees off England's Whitlock
Words by Fiona Tomas
Japan’s Satomi Watanabe will become the first Japanese player ever to appear in the second round of the PSA World Championships after she marked her maiden main draw appearance at the biggest tournament in squash with an impressive victory over England’s Emily Whitlock.
The qualifier raced into a two-game lead within 11 minutes, pulling off a variety of clinical shots as she stretched the No.12 seed, wrapping up an 11-3, 10-2, 5-11, 11-9 triumph.
Whitlock, the 2016 British U23 National champion, came out fighting in the third set, and found her rhythm as she pinned Watanabe back at 11-5.
And despite level pegging 9-9 in the fourth, it was not enough as Watanabe maintained her composure to win several key rallies and secure her berth in round two.
“I can’t believe it, to come from the qualifying rounds to play Emily, it’s just really pleasing,” said an ecstatic Watanabe.
“I used to watch Emily as a junior, so I was really excited to play her.
“I think she’s so much better than me, she came back really well in the third game and I had to change my mind to play my own game.
“This is my first worlds as a senior – and I’m just so happy to have made it to round two.”
Result
[Q] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [12] Emily Whitlock (ENG) 3-1: 11-3, 11-2, 5-11, 11-9 (33m)
Waters Books Second Round Berth
Japan’s Satomi Watanabe will become the first Japanese player ever to appear in the second round of the PSA World Championships after she marked her maiden main draw appearance at the biggest tournament in squash with an impressive victory over England’s Emily Whitlock.
The qualifier raced into a two-game lead within 11 minutes, pulling off a variety of clinical shots as she stretched the No.12 seed, wrapping up an 11-3, 10-2, 5-11, 11-9 triumph.
Whitlock, the 2016 British U23 National champion, came out fighting in the third set, and found her rhythm as she pinned Watanabe back at 11-5.
And despite level pegging 9-9 in the fourth, it was not enough as Watanabe maintained her composure to win several key rallies and secure her berth in round two.
“I can’t believe it, to come from the qualifying rounds to play Emily, it’s just really pleasing,” said an ecstatic Watanabe.
“I used to watch Emily as a junior, so I was really excited to play her.
“I think she’s so much better than me, she came back really well in the third game and I had to change my mind to play my own game.
“This is my first worlds as a senior – and I’m just so happy to have made it to round two.”
Result
[Q] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [12] Emily Whitlock (ENG) 3-1: 11-3, 11-2, 5-11, 11-9 (33m)
Waters Books Second Round Berth
Alison Waters (right) v Yathreb Adel (right)
Words by Tom Harle
England's former World No.3 Alison Waters booked her place in the second round of the AJ Bell PSA World Championships with a straight-games win over qualifier Yathreb Abel.
The 33 year-old cruised to a 2-0 lead, allowing her Egyptian opponent just three and four points, respectively, inside just 10 minutes.
Waters, ranked 10th in the world, benefited from two stroke decisions in an attritional start to the first round clash, but momentum shifted slightly in the third game, with Adel assuming a 3-1 and then a 4-2 advantage.
Waters – who reached the semi-finals of the Ciudad de Floridablanca earlier in the year, battled back to 6-6 and made superb use of her drop shot to take the final game 11-8 to set up a second round clash with World No.5 Nouran Gohar, who beat Mariam Metwally.
“I’m really pleased with my performance, to win in three is really good in the first round,” said Waters
I knew that Yathreb had a tough match yesterday in qualifying, winning 3-2, so I made it tough from the start, and had some long rallies. I think physically she was feeling a bit tired. The third was pretty close, I won it 11-9.
“I'm looking forward to tomorrow’s match with Gohar on the glass court. I’ve played her a few times and she’s got the better of me in the last few matches, but we’ve got the home crowd here and I’m playing well today, so I'm really looking forward to it.”
Result
[10] Alison Waters (ENG) bt [Q] Yathreb Adel (EGY) 3-0: 11-3, 11-4, 11-9 (29m)
Coll Battles Through Tough Encounter with Lobban
England's former World No.3 Alison Waters booked her place in the second round of the AJ Bell PSA World Championships with a straight-games win over qualifier Yathreb Abel.
The 33 year-old cruised to a 2-0 lead, allowing her Egyptian opponent just three and four points, respectively, inside just 10 minutes.
Waters, ranked 10th in the world, benefited from two stroke decisions in an attritional start to the first round clash, but momentum shifted slightly in the third game, with Adel assuming a 3-1 and then a 4-2 advantage.
Waters – who reached the semi-finals of the Ciudad de Floridablanca earlier in the year, battled back to 6-6 and made superb use of her drop shot to take the final game 11-8 to set up a second round clash with World No.5 Nouran Gohar, who beat Mariam Metwally.
“I’m really pleased with my performance, to win in three is really good in the first round,” said Waters
I knew that Yathreb had a tough match yesterday in qualifying, winning 3-2, so I made it tough from the start, and had some long rallies. I think physically she was feeling a bit tired. The third was pretty close, I won it 11-9.
“I'm looking forward to tomorrow’s match with Gohar on the glass court. I’ve played her a few times and she’s got the better of me in the last few matches, but we’ve got the home crowd here and I’m playing well today, so I'm really looking forward to it.”
Result
[10] Alison Waters (ENG) bt [Q] Yathreb Adel (EGY) 3-0: 11-3, 11-4, 11-9 (29m)
Coll Battles Through Tough Encounter with Lobban
New Zealand’s Paul Coll ensured a safe passage through to round three of the PSA World Championships as he manoeuvred past a resilient Greg Lobban in a gruelling encounter that lasted 73 minutes.
Going into the encounter, the two players head-to-head records were equal – playing each other twice on the PSA World Tour and winning one apiece – and there was not much between the two players throughout the match at Manchester’s National Squash Centre.
The opening encounter proved to be a tight battle as Scotland’s Lobban – who beat Germany’s Raphael Kandra in round one yesterday – refused to make things easy for the number eight seed. However, Coll – who is one of the fittest players on the Men’s Tour – put his game plan to full effect as he lengthened the rallies.
In the third game, Lobban fought back to reduce the gap between him and Coll to bring the scores to 7-7. The Scotsman continued to crank up the pressure on Coll as the game wore on, with the World No.8 forced to bring out his trademark dive as Lobban pushed him to all four corners of the court.
Lobban’s hard work eventually paid dividends as he took the third game by an 11-9 margin. However, a handful of unforced errors cost Lobban in the fourth as Coll managed to keep his composure to come through by an 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 scoreline.
“It was very tough,” said Coll.
“I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t close it out in three, I had a pretty good lead in the third and he went a bit passive and then stepped it up and reversed the lead a bit but I was happy with the win.
“I knew he was going to be tough and he wasn’t going to give it to me. I know him quite well, we are good friends and so I know he’s a tough player and that he wasn’t going to give me anything.
“I’m feeling good, my body is feeling good. I’ve recovered well from last week and I’m enjoying my time here.”
Result
[8] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-1: 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 (73m)
James Comes Back to Beat Salazar
Going into the encounter, the two players head-to-head records were equal – playing each other twice on the PSA World Tour and winning one apiece – and there was not much between the two players throughout the match at Manchester’s National Squash Centre.
The opening encounter proved to be a tight battle as Scotland’s Lobban – who beat Germany’s Raphael Kandra in round one yesterday – refused to make things easy for the number eight seed. However, Coll – who is one of the fittest players on the Men’s Tour – put his game plan to full effect as he lengthened the rallies.
In the third game, Lobban fought back to reduce the gap between him and Coll to bring the scores to 7-7. The Scotsman continued to crank up the pressure on Coll as the game wore on, with the World No.8 forced to bring out his trademark dive as Lobban pushed him to all four corners of the court.
Lobban’s hard work eventually paid dividends as he took the third game by an 11-9 margin. However, a handful of unforced errors cost Lobban in the fourth as Coll managed to keep his composure to come through by an 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 scoreline.
“It was very tough,” said Coll.
“I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t close it out in three, I had a pretty good lead in the third and he went a bit passive and then stepped it up and reversed the lead a bit but I was happy with the win.
“I knew he was going to be tough and he wasn’t going to give it to me. I know him quite well, we are good friends and so I know he’s a tough player and that he wasn’t going to give me anything.
“I’m feeling good, my body is feeling good. I’ve recovered well from last week and I’m enjoying my time here.”
Result
[8] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-1: 11-7, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 (73m)
James Comes Back to Beat Salazar
Declan James
England’s
Declan James battled from two games and match ball down to produce a
scintillating victory over Mexico’s World No.20 Cesar Salazar and extend
his run at the AJ Bell PSA World Championships.
The English qualifier discovered his fighting spirit as he fought back to win 8-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-4 in 74 minutes.
The opening game was characterised by several long rallies, but when James made an unforced error to hand Salazar the edge at 9-8, the Mexican took control.
Nottingham-born James was forced to use every inch of his 6ft 5 frame as he saved four game balls from Salazar in the second, who looked to be in the driving seat when he closed it out at 11-7.
But the momentum switched when James, the World No.28, claimed a pulsating third at 13-11, saving a match- ball when Salazar was just inches from victory.
And the fighting spirit stayed with James in the fourth and fifth games as he frustrated his opponent to savour a memorable 3-2 victory.
“I’m feeling a mix of emotions, it was physically brutal,” said James, who booked his second-round place for the first time ever at a World Championships.
“Being 2-0 and match ball down, I was trying to think about staying in the match, I wasn’t thinking about winning, I was thinking about my squash.
“Towards the end of the third and the fourth, the momentum started to change and I thought all I care about now is just to satisfy myself and before I knew it, it was match ball in the fifth. I just had to keep my spirits high and show a strong mentality.
“I just can’t wait to experience another match, these types of occasions are what we train for. I just have to enjoy it, that’s all I care about, having fun on the court and not worrying about the results.”
James will face World No.1 Gregory Gaultier in round three.
Result
Declan James (ENG) bt [15] Cesar Salazar (MEX) 3-2: 8-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-4 (74m)
Gaultier Overcomes Fung Yip to Register Third Round Place
The English qualifier discovered his fighting spirit as he fought back to win 8-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-4 in 74 minutes.
The opening game was characterised by several long rallies, but when James made an unforced error to hand Salazar the edge at 9-8, the Mexican took control.
Nottingham-born James was forced to use every inch of his 6ft 5 frame as he saved four game balls from Salazar in the second, who looked to be in the driving seat when he closed it out at 11-7.
But the momentum switched when James, the World No.28, claimed a pulsating third at 13-11, saving a match- ball when Salazar was just inches from victory.
And the fighting spirit stayed with James in the fourth and fifth games as he frustrated his opponent to savour a memorable 3-2 victory.
“I’m feeling a mix of emotions, it was physically brutal,” said James, who booked his second-round place for the first time ever at a World Championships.
“Being 2-0 and match ball down, I was trying to think about staying in the match, I wasn’t thinking about winning, I was thinking about my squash.
“Towards the end of the third and the fourth, the momentum started to change and I thought all I care about now is just to satisfy myself and before I knew it, it was match ball in the fifth. I just had to keep my spirits high and show a strong mentality.
“I just can’t wait to experience another match, these types of occasions are what we train for. I just have to enjoy it, that’s all I care about, having fun on the court and not worrying about the results.”
James will face World No.1 Gregory Gaultier in round three.
Result
Declan James (ENG) bt [15] Cesar Salazar (MEX) 3-2: 8-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-4 (74m)
Gaultier Overcomes Fung Yip to Register Third Round Place
Gregory Gaultier (right) v Tsz Fung Yip (left)
Worlds by Alex Mason
World No.1 Gregory Gaultier defeated Hong Kong’s Tsz Fung Yip in the second round of the 2017 AJ Bell PSA World Championships to win it 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 in 35 minutes.
The duo were squaring off for only the second time on the PSA World Tour – with Gaultier winning 3-0 in round three of last year’s World Championship – and it was the Frenchman’s firepower that forced Fung Yip to move around the court tirelessly.
The man from Hong Kong struggled to build up momentum as the 24-year-old fell 11-5 in the first game.
Yip came into the match more in the second, but Gaultier, the 2015 World Champion, conquered the World No.32 to take it 11-6.
Unforced errors continued to get the better of Fung Yip in the final game and Gaultier took full advantage, moving on to win it comfortably in straight games.
34-year-old Gaultier will face England’s Declan James for a place in the last three after James came back from two games down to oust Mexico’s Cesar Salazar.
“I'm happy to get the win in three today and get through to the next round,” said Gaultier.
“I felt like I was moving better than yesterday and I was seeing the ball better and finding my range better, so I’m happy. I just need to keep improving that level tomorrow.”
Result
Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 (35m)
Selby Through to Round Two After Taking Out Grayson
World No.1 Gregory Gaultier defeated Hong Kong’s Tsz Fung Yip in the second round of the 2017 AJ Bell PSA World Championships to win it 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 in 35 minutes.
The duo were squaring off for only the second time on the PSA World Tour – with Gaultier winning 3-0 in round three of last year’s World Championship – and it was the Frenchman’s firepower that forced Fung Yip to move around the court tirelessly.
The man from Hong Kong struggled to build up momentum as the 24-year-old fell 11-5 in the first game.
Yip came into the match more in the second, but Gaultier, the 2015 World Champion, conquered the World No.32 to take it 11-6.
Unforced errors continued to get the better of Fung Yip in the final game and Gaultier took full advantage, moving on to win it comfortably in straight games.
34-year-old Gaultier will face England’s Declan James for a place in the last three after James came back from two games down to oust Mexico’s Cesar Salazar.
“I'm happy to get the win in three today and get through to the next round,” said Gaultier.
“I felt like I was moving better than yesterday and I was seeing the ball better and finding my range better, so I’m happy. I just need to keep improving that level tomorrow.”
Result
Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 (35m)
Selby Through to Round Two After Taking Out Grayson
Daryl Selby (right) v Campbell Grayson (left)
Worlds by Tom Harle
England’s Daryl Selby reached the third round of the AJ Bell PSA World Squash Championships for the second successive year, beating New Zealand’s Campbell Grayson in straight games.
The Harlow-born player never once trailed in his 3-0 victory, despite a lengthy third game that drained both competitors.
After a convincing win over Mahesh Mangoankar in his first-round opener, Selby took the first game 11-8 – storming into the lead after being backed by his home crowd.
Kiwi Grayson, ranked 40 in the world, faded in the second game and only managed to take five points off Selby.
But a thrilling third game was locked at 7-7, 8-8 and 9-9, with several points replayed due to let decisions.
Whereas early on Selby had managed to keep play in the centre of the court, in the third there was plenty of work down the line for him to do as Grayson stretched the court.
The World No.15 home favourite got a drop shot to die on Grayson at 9-9 though, opening up a crucial lead to seal the straight-games triumph.
Selby, beaten by Ramy Ashour and Mohamed El Shorbagy in his last two appearances at the Worlds, will play New Zealand’s Paul Coll tomorrow.
Result
[13] Daryl Selby (ENG) bt Campbell Grayson (NZL) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (49m)
Massaro Moves Past Gilis to Reach Round Two
England’s Daryl Selby reached the third round of the AJ Bell PSA World Squash Championships for the second successive year, beating New Zealand’s Campbell Grayson in straight games.
The Harlow-born player never once trailed in his 3-0 victory, despite a lengthy third game that drained both competitors.
After a convincing win over Mahesh Mangoankar in his first-round opener, Selby took the first game 11-8 – storming into the lead after being backed by his home crowd.
Kiwi Grayson, ranked 40 in the world, faded in the second game and only managed to take five points off Selby.
But a thrilling third game was locked at 7-7, 8-8 and 9-9, with several points replayed due to let decisions.
Whereas early on Selby had managed to keep play in the centre of the court, in the third there was plenty of work down the line for him to do as Grayson stretched the court.
The World No.15 home favourite got a drop shot to die on Grayson at 9-9 though, opening up a crucial lead to seal the straight-games triumph.
Selby, beaten by Ramy Ashour and Mohamed El Shorbagy in his last two appearances at the Worlds, will play New Zealand’s Paul Coll tomorrow.
Result
[13] Daryl Selby (ENG) bt Campbell Grayson (NZL) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (49m)
Massaro Moves Past Gilis to Reach Round Two
Laura Massaro (left) v Nele Gilis (right)
Words by Fiona Tomas
England No.1 Laura Massaro overcame Belgium’s Nele Gilis in a comfortable three-game salvo to book her place in round three, where she will take on Tesni Evans in a repeat of their quarter-final clash at last month’s Hong Kong Open.
Massaro, the 2013 World Champion, was ruthless against the Belgian qualifier as she gave her little room to attack and 11-4 victories in games one and three bookended a tighter 11-7 triumph in the second to send the 34-year-old Lancastrian through to round two.
“It just felt really good to get my World Championships underway,” said Massaro.
“With all the build-up and with it being in Manchester, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about the event, not only for the last few weeks but the last few months, so it was great to get it going.
“I’d never played Nele before, so I had to think about what I was going to do. I’m really glad to come through with a 3-0 win over someone I’ve never played before.
“It feels nice playing back in Manchester, because I know this centre so well. I’ve spent half of my career training down here since the Commonwealth Games in 2002.
“I’ve got to be careful it doesn’t feel too homely, like I’m just rocking up for a practice match, so it was nice to have some home support and I’m sure it’ll be the same again tomorrow.”
Result
[4] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [Q] Nele Gilis (BEL) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 11-4 (30m)
Ashour Comfortably Reaches Round Three
England No.1 Laura Massaro overcame Belgium’s Nele Gilis in a comfortable three-game salvo to book her place in round three, where she will take on Tesni Evans in a repeat of their quarter-final clash at last month’s Hong Kong Open.
Massaro, the 2013 World Champion, was ruthless against the Belgian qualifier as she gave her little room to attack and 11-4 victories in games one and three bookended a tighter 11-7 triumph in the second to send the 34-year-old Lancastrian through to round two.
“It just felt really good to get my World Championships underway,” said Massaro.
“With all the build-up and with it being in Manchester, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about the event, not only for the last few weeks but the last few months, so it was great to get it going.
“I’d never played Nele before, so I had to think about what I was going to do. I’m really glad to come through with a 3-0 win over someone I’ve never played before.
“It feels nice playing back in Manchester, because I know this centre so well. I’ve spent half of my career training down here since the Commonwealth Games in 2002.
“I’ve got to be careful it doesn’t feel too homely, like I’m just rocking up for a practice match, so it was nice to have some home support and I’m sure it’ll be the same again tomorrow.”
Result
[4] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [Q] Nele Gilis (BEL) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 11-4 (30m)
Ashour Comfortably Reaches Round Three
Three-time
World Champion Ramy Ashour made light work of fellow Egyptian Omar
Mosaad as he progressed through to round three at Manchester’s National
Squash Centre.
The two Egyptians have faced each other a total of 15 times on the PSA World Tour, with Ashour claiming 13 of those victories and the former World No.1 once again looked in complete control as he dispatched Mosaad – who beat Egyptian qualifier Karim El Hammamy in straight games in round one – by an 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 margin.
30-year-old Ashour – who beat tournament wildcard Joshua Masters 3-0 in the previous round – looked back in dominant form after his recent disappointment at the Hong Kong Open as Mosaad struggled to contain ‘The Artist’ on court to really test him.
“It’s not good to play people who are your friends on tour and that you are close to,” said Ashour.
“As Egyptians we are close and we train together so there is a matter of respect and decency on court because we are together all the time. I thought he played well and I thought I played well so it was a good match.
“Back home we all train together, it’s like one family but obviously when you come here, everyone has to be selfish and everyone wants to win so it’s kind of confusing. But you have to be professional about it because everyone is fighting for their life. Every single person is thinking about being the World Champion so it makes it quite an event.
“Every round for me in the World Championships is a dream for me to win and I’m just going to give it 100%.”
Result
[10] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Omar Mosaad (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 (41m)
The two Egyptians have faced each other a total of 15 times on the PSA World Tour, with Ashour claiming 13 of those victories and the former World No.1 once again looked in complete control as he dispatched Mosaad – who beat Egyptian qualifier Karim El Hammamy in straight games in round one – by an 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 margin.
30-year-old Ashour – who beat tournament wildcard Joshua Masters 3-0 in the previous round – looked back in dominant form after his recent disappointment at the Hong Kong Open as Mosaad struggled to contain ‘The Artist’ on court to really test him.
“It’s not good to play people who are your friends on tour and that you are close to,” said Ashour.
“As Egyptians we are close and we train together so there is a matter of respect and decency on court because we are together all the time. I thought he played well and I thought I played well so it was a good match.
“Back home we all train together, it’s like one family but obviously when you come here, everyone has to be selfish and everyone wants to win so it’s kind of confusing. But you have to be professional about it because everyone is fighting for their life. Every single person is thinking about being the World Champion so it makes it quite an event.
“Every round for me in the World Championships is a dream for me to win and I’m just going to give it 100%.”
Result
[10] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Omar Mosaad (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 (41m)
Nick Matthew (right) v Max Lee (left)
Words by Tom Harle
Three-time World Champion Nick Matthew came through his second-round test, beating Hong Kong’s Max Lee 3-1 in a frantic glass court tussle.
Matthew won 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, a result which didn’t quite provide a true reflection of the competitiveness of the hour-long contest.
The former World No.1 received more of a scare from compatriot George Parker in the first-round, with the qualifier taking him to a fifth game – an outcome never in prospect here.
Sheffield-born Matthew took on a 6-2 lead in the first the but energetic Lee pulled it back to 7-5 with three successive points.
The pair stayed in touch for some time but the home favourite soon found himself with four game balls, with Lee taking two from him before the third was converted.
The 29 year-old, who joined the PSA World Tour in 2007, impressed with his sharp backhand play around the corner and imposed himself on the second game, going 8-4 up.
Matthew couldn’t quite hit his targets with Lee four clear on game ball as a stunning drop shot drew the man from Hong Kong level at 1-1.
The third game featured some outstanding rallies, particularly the point that put Matthew 6-5 up, the 37 year-old winning four straight points to seal the game.
Matthew, whose last World Championship title came in Manchester back in 2013, cantered through the fourth, going 6-2, then 9-3 up before taking the fourth 11-7 to claim a fourth successive win over Lee.
Matthew has achieved a quarter-final finish or better in the last nine years and has a third-round tie with Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi tomorrow at 17:00 local time (GMT).
“I’m really excited to be in the third round,” said 37-year-old old Matthew, who is making his last appearance at the historic tournament.
“My big goal was to get to Manchester Central [where the quarter-finals onwards will be held] and reassess from there. It feels like two separate events and I’m a step closer to achieving that initial goal.
“I had to do it the hard way yesterday. I felt like my hitting and movement was in a good place but mentally I needed to turn up the dial. I felt like I did that.
“Maybe I went too far at times. I needed to feel the other extreme of it, so I could then find the right mindset to take forward for the rest of the week. Max is a tough competitor, so I’m happy to get through four in the end.”
Al Tamimi, meanwhile, will be the first Qatari ever to appear in round three of the World Championships after his win over Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet.
Result
[5] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Max Lee (HKG) 3-1: 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5 (63m)
Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) bt Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 3-1: 11-5, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7 (57m)
ElShorbagy and Ashour to Meet in Mouthwatering Third Round Clash After ElShorbagy Beats Makin
Three-time World Champion Nick Matthew came through his second-round test, beating Hong Kong’s Max Lee 3-1 in a frantic glass court tussle.
Matthew won 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5, a result which didn’t quite provide a true reflection of the competitiveness of the hour-long contest.
The former World No.1 received more of a scare from compatriot George Parker in the first-round, with the qualifier taking him to a fifth game – an outcome never in prospect here.
Sheffield-born Matthew took on a 6-2 lead in the first the but energetic Lee pulled it back to 7-5 with three successive points.
The pair stayed in touch for some time but the home favourite soon found himself with four game balls, with Lee taking two from him before the third was converted.
The 29 year-old, who joined the PSA World Tour in 2007, impressed with his sharp backhand play around the corner and imposed himself on the second game, going 8-4 up.
Matthew couldn’t quite hit his targets with Lee four clear on game ball as a stunning drop shot drew the man from Hong Kong level at 1-1.
The third game featured some outstanding rallies, particularly the point that put Matthew 6-5 up, the 37 year-old winning four straight points to seal the game.
Matthew, whose last World Championship title came in Manchester back in 2013, cantered through the fourth, going 6-2, then 9-3 up before taking the fourth 11-7 to claim a fourth successive win over Lee.
Matthew has achieved a quarter-final finish or better in the last nine years and has a third-round tie with Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi tomorrow at 17:00 local time (GMT).
“I’m really excited to be in the third round,” said 37-year-old old Matthew, who is making his last appearance at the historic tournament.
“My big goal was to get to Manchester Central [where the quarter-finals onwards will be held] and reassess from there. It feels like two separate events and I’m a step closer to achieving that initial goal.
“I had to do it the hard way yesterday. I felt like my hitting and movement was in a good place but mentally I needed to turn up the dial. I felt like I did that.
“Maybe I went too far at times. I needed to feel the other extreme of it, so I could then find the right mindset to take forward for the rest of the week. Max is a tough competitor, so I’m happy to get through four in the end.”
Al Tamimi, meanwhile, will be the first Qatari ever to appear in round three of the World Championships after his win over Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet.
Result
[5] Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Max Lee (HKG) 3-1: 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5 (63m)
Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) bt Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 3-1: 11-5, 11-6, 6-11, 11-7 (57m)
ElShorbagy and Ashour to Meet in Mouthwatering Third Round Clash After ElShorbagy Beats Makin
Mohamed ElShorbagy (left) v Joel Makin (right)
Words by Alex Mason
Egyptian duo Mohamed ElShorbagy and Ramy Ashour will meet in a blockbuster third round clash – a repeat of the 2012 and 2014 World Championship finals – after World No.2 ElShorbagy dispatched Welshman Joel Makin to reach the last 16.
ElShorbagy worked Makin tirelessly throughout the 58-minute clash. Both players were positive and aggressive but it was ElShorbagy’s superior control in the middle of the court that helped the World No.2 to a 15-13 win in the first game.
The Egyptian capitalised on any mistakes to come from Makin’s racket, punishing the Welshman with some faultless drop shots to close the second game out at 11-5.
A handful of unforced errors then cost Makin in the third as ElShorbagy kept his composure to come through by a 15-3, 11-5, 12-10 scoreline.
“It was a tough match as he fought hard,” said ElShorbagy.
“It’s a long tournament and you’re not going to feel at your best every single day, but its more important that for those difficult days you find a way to win and that’s what I did.
“Matches like this sharpen you up and it was important for me to get a hard match before I play a big match against Ramy.
“We [him and Ramy] are both athletes and we both want to win.”
ElShorbagy and Ashour have met nine times on the PSA World Tour – with Ashour winning seven of them.
After winning five of his last six tournaments though, ElShorbagy is in red-hot form and is arguably the favourite to avenge his two World Championship defeats to his long-term rival.
Result
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Joel Makin (WAL) 3-0: 15-13, 11-5, 12-10 (58m)
Serme Comes Through in Three Against Mickawy
Egyptian duo Mohamed ElShorbagy and Ramy Ashour will meet in a blockbuster third round clash – a repeat of the 2012 and 2014 World Championship finals – after World No.2 ElShorbagy dispatched Welshman Joel Makin to reach the last 16.
ElShorbagy worked Makin tirelessly throughout the 58-minute clash. Both players were positive and aggressive but it was ElShorbagy’s superior control in the middle of the court that helped the World No.2 to a 15-13 win in the first game.
The Egyptian capitalised on any mistakes to come from Makin’s racket, punishing the Welshman with some faultless drop shots to close the second game out at 11-5.
A handful of unforced errors then cost Makin in the third as ElShorbagy kept his composure to come through by a 15-3, 11-5, 12-10 scoreline.
“It was a tough match as he fought hard,” said ElShorbagy.
“It’s a long tournament and you’re not going to feel at your best every single day, but its more important that for those difficult days you find a way to win and that’s what I did.
“Matches like this sharpen you up and it was important for me to get a hard match before I play a big match against Ramy.
“We [him and Ramy] are both athletes and we both want to win.”
ElShorbagy and Ashour have met nine times on the PSA World Tour – with Ashour winning seven of them.
After winning five of his last six tournaments though, ElShorbagy is in red-hot form and is arguably the favourite to avenge his two World Championship defeats to his long-term rival.
Result
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Joel Makin (WAL) 3-0: 15-13, 11-5, 12-10 (58m)
Serme Comes Through in Three Against Mickawy
France’s World No.3 Camille Serme got her PSA World Championship off to a dream start as she recorded a straight-games victory over Egypt’s Zeina Mickawy.
The Frenchwoman looked relaxed on court in her first meeting against Mickawy – who recently finished runner-up at the Monte Carlo Squash Classic – on the PSA World Tour as she claimed victory by an 11-3, 11-7, 11-8 scoreline in 28 minutes.
Serme found her length and range quickly to quell Mickawy’s attacking threat as she safely manouvered a safe passage through to the next round where she will face USA’s Olivia Blatchford at Manchester’s National Squash Centre.
“It wasn’t easy,” said Serme.
“She has just made the final in Monaco, so I knew it could be tricky. I saw her play in Monaco against Coline [Aumard] in the first round, so I kind of expected what she was going to do on court.
“I’m very happy to be through in three, the last one was close and I didn’t want to let it go.
“With my staff we have been working very hard for this event and we said at the start of the season that this would be the target and that we wanted to be ready and have my best form for this tournament.
“I’m feeling good and ready and I’m really happy to be here. When I’m happy and just focus on every match then hopefully that means I can go far.
“I have played Olivia before and she has been improving a lot. She is fit and I’m looking forward to a good battle.”
Serme’s next opponent, Blatchford, went 2-1 up in a tense encounter against India’s Dipika Pallikal Karthik, before the Indian levelled the scores to take it to a tense fifth game, which Blatchford was able to close out to ensure a place in the next round.
Results
[3] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [Q] Zeina Mickawy (EGY) 3-0: 11-3, 11-7, 11-8 (28m)
[13] Olivia Blatchford (USA) bt Dipika Pallikal Karthik (IND) 3-2: 11-7, 5-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-8 (56m)
Lust Resists Moverley Challenge
The Frenchwoman looked relaxed on court in her first meeting against Mickawy – who recently finished runner-up at the Monte Carlo Squash Classic – on the PSA World Tour as she claimed victory by an 11-3, 11-7, 11-8 scoreline in 28 minutes.
Serme found her length and range quickly to quell Mickawy’s attacking threat as she safely manouvered a safe passage through to the next round where she will face USA’s Olivia Blatchford at Manchester’s National Squash Centre.
“It wasn’t easy,” said Serme.
“She has just made the final in Monaco, so I knew it could be tricky. I saw her play in Monaco against Coline [Aumard] in the first round, so I kind of expected what she was going to do on court.
“I’m very happy to be through in three, the last one was close and I didn’t want to let it go.
“With my staff we have been working very hard for this event and we said at the start of the season that this would be the target and that we wanted to be ready and have my best form for this tournament.
“I’m feeling good and ready and I’m really happy to be here. When I’m happy and just focus on every match then hopefully that means I can go far.
“I have played Olivia before and she has been improving a lot. She is fit and I’m looking forward to a good battle.”
Serme’s next opponent, Blatchford, went 2-1 up in a tense encounter against India’s Dipika Pallikal Karthik, before the Indian levelled the scores to take it to a tense fifth game, which Blatchford was able to close out to ensure a place in the next round.
Results
[3] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [Q] Zeina Mickawy (EGY) 3-0: 11-3, 11-7, 11-8 (28m)
[13] Olivia Blatchford (USA) bt Dipika Pallikal Karthik (IND) 3-2: 11-7, 5-11, 11-9, 12-14, 11-8 (56m)
Lust Resists Moverley Challenge
Victoria Lust (right) v Fiona Moverley (left)
Words by Fiona Tomas
England’s Victoria Lust resisted an stern challenge from compatriot Fiona Moverley to seal her place in the second round of the World Championships.
The No.15 seed from Luton triumphed 11-6, 11-2, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6 in the second entertaining all-English female battle of the afternoon after World No.7 Sarah-Jane Perry had beaten Millie Tomlinson earlier on in the day.
After dropping six points in the opener, Lust upped her tactics in the second game and dominated proceedings as she played a variety of intelligent cross-court shots, but Moverley showed more resolve in the third, enjoying the upper hand over Lust’s volleys to pull a game back at 11-3.
And the momentum stayed with world No.22 Moverley in the fourth as she made Lust pay for further unforced errors.
But it was Lust – the 2011 British U23 National champion – who mustered enough strength to see off her East Yorkshire opponent in a competitive fifth game, having the final word after a 44-minute intense battle.
“I started well but then Fi came back and managed to scrape it out in five. I’m happy – I always seem to go to five with Fi,” said Lust, who will face April’s World Championship runner-up Raneem El Welily in the next round.
“It was pretty tight, but I’ll take it.”
Result
[15] Victoria Lust (ENG) bt Fiona Moverley (ENG) 3-2: 11-6, 11-2, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6 (44m)
Farag Controls Second Round Match Against Soliman
Words by Alex Mason
World No.3 Ali Farag dispatched Egypt’s Youssef Soliman as his strong start to the AJ Bell PSA World Championships in Manchester continues.
It was the first meeting between the pair on the PSA World Tour as Farag booked his place in the next round, winning 11-8, 11-2, 11-6 in 28 minutes.
The 25 year-old, who saw off home player Adrian Waller in round one, cruised to a 3-0 lead, ruthlessly putting away Soliman’s mistakes and allowing his Egyptian opponent just two points in a particularly one-sided second game.
“I’m quite happy with the way I played today,” said Farag.
“In the first game, I was still testing my way out there and I think I started hitting my targets better in the second and third games. It’s never easy playing such a good friend.
“He’s more than a friend to me, we play with each other almost every day in Egypt. I’m happy to get a 3-0 win.
“Next up is Cameron Pilley, who’s another tough opponent. We’ve only played once on the PSA World Tour, it was back in April, and he strikes the ball very well, I admire the way he plays.
“I’m looking forward to a good match together.”
Result
[4] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 11-2, 11-6 (28m)
El Welily Defeats World Junior Champ Elaraby as David and Au Set up Round Two Clash
Words by Alex Mason
World Championship runner-up Raneem El Welily came through her first test at the 2017 edition of the iconic tournament after she beat World Junior Champion Rowan Elaraby 3-0 in a convincing display from the Egyptian shot-making sensation.
The strenuous rallies started early as both players battled to keep the ball alive, but it was 28-year-old El Welily who had the edge to clinch the first game 11-7.
El Welily executing her tactics skilfully and effectively to claim the second 11-8 and kept the momentum in the third to wrap up an 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 victory in just 23 minutes.
“Rowan is a tough up-and-coming opponent so its good to be through,” said El Welily.
“I’m trying to enjoy the atmosphere and take it all in.
“It’s a big positive to be through in three games because on Wednesday I’m playing Victoria Lust, who played five games today.”
El Welily will play England’s Victoria Lust in the next round, while Malaysia’s eight-time World Champion Nicol David and Hong Kong’s Annie Au will meet for the third tournament in succession after they managed wins over tournament wildcard Jenny Duncalf and 2007 World Champion Rachael Grinham, respectively.
Result
[2] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt [Q] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (23m)
[6] Nicol David (MAS) bt [WC] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 3-0: 11-2, 11-7, 11-6 (23m)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) bt [Q] Rachael Grinham (AUS) 3-0: 11-3, 11-3, 11-7 (21m)
Ghosal Books Last 16 Spot
Words by Fiona Tomas
India’s Saurav Ghosal booked his last 16 place with a straight-games victory over England’s Ben Coleman.
It was a commanding display from World No.16 Ghosal, who eased to an 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 victory to end qualifier Coleman’s last 16 hopes.
But a bloody injury sustained by the Chelmsford-born Englishman midway through the second set did nothing to aid the 26-year-old’s prospects of pulling the match back.
In an unfortunate incident, Ghosal’s racket innocently caught Coleman’s left hand during a rally at 5-5 and the player was given time out for it to be strapped.
Coleman – who might have wondered what could have been had the injury not occurred – continued to fight valiantly, thwarting Ghosal with a number of intelligent drop shots in the second.
But the world No. 53 relinquished a long-fought rally at 4-1 in the third, which paved the way for Ghosan to pounce.
The 31-year-old produced an impressive mid-air backhand to catch his opponent off his guard as the 12-time Indian Nationals winner moved on to set up a last 16 clash with defending champion Karim Abdel Gawad.
“I think overall I did what I wanted to do on court in terms of executing,” said Ghosal.
“It’s the first time I have played Ben so I just wanted to impose my game and play how I wanted to from the beginning and I think for the majority of the match I was able to do that and handled the match well.
“It’s unfortunate that Dipika and Joshna lost today but they all tried their best and that’s what I’m doing. I think this has been the biggest contingent of Indians at a World Championship ever and we had three guys in the main draw and I don’t think that has happened before so it’s good omens for Indian squash and hopefully in this tournament I can go further.”
Result
Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt Ben Coleman (ENG) 3-0: 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 (45m)
England’s Victoria Lust resisted an stern challenge from compatriot Fiona Moverley to seal her place in the second round of the World Championships.
The No.15 seed from Luton triumphed 11-6, 11-2, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6 in the second entertaining all-English female battle of the afternoon after World No.7 Sarah-Jane Perry had beaten Millie Tomlinson earlier on in the day.
After dropping six points in the opener, Lust upped her tactics in the second game and dominated proceedings as she played a variety of intelligent cross-court shots, but Moverley showed more resolve in the third, enjoying the upper hand over Lust’s volleys to pull a game back at 11-3.
And the momentum stayed with world No.22 Moverley in the fourth as she made Lust pay for further unforced errors.
But it was Lust – the 2011 British U23 National champion – who mustered enough strength to see off her East Yorkshire opponent in a competitive fifth game, having the final word after a 44-minute intense battle.
“I started well but then Fi came back and managed to scrape it out in five. I’m happy – I always seem to go to five with Fi,” said Lust, who will face April’s World Championship runner-up Raneem El Welily in the next round.
“It was pretty tight, but I’ll take it.”
Result
[15] Victoria Lust (ENG) bt Fiona Moverley (ENG) 3-2: 11-6, 11-2, 6-11, 6-11, 11-6 (44m)
Farag Controls Second Round Match Against Soliman
Words by Alex Mason
World No.3 Ali Farag dispatched Egypt’s Youssef Soliman as his strong start to the AJ Bell PSA World Championships in Manchester continues.
It was the first meeting between the pair on the PSA World Tour as Farag booked his place in the next round, winning 11-8, 11-2, 11-6 in 28 minutes.
The 25 year-old, who saw off home player Adrian Waller in round one, cruised to a 3-0 lead, ruthlessly putting away Soliman’s mistakes and allowing his Egyptian opponent just two points in a particularly one-sided second game.
“I’m quite happy with the way I played today,” said Farag.
“In the first game, I was still testing my way out there and I think I started hitting my targets better in the second and third games. It’s never easy playing such a good friend.
“He’s more than a friend to me, we play with each other almost every day in Egypt. I’m happy to get a 3-0 win.
“Next up is Cameron Pilley, who’s another tough opponent. We’ve only played once on the PSA World Tour, it was back in April, and he strikes the ball very well, I admire the way he plays.
“I’m looking forward to a good match together.”
Result
[4] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 11-2, 11-6 (28m)
El Welily Defeats World Junior Champ Elaraby as David and Au Set up Round Two Clash
Words by Alex Mason
World Championship runner-up Raneem El Welily came through her first test at the 2017 edition of the iconic tournament after she beat World Junior Champion Rowan Elaraby 3-0 in a convincing display from the Egyptian shot-making sensation.
The strenuous rallies started early as both players battled to keep the ball alive, but it was 28-year-old El Welily who had the edge to clinch the first game 11-7.
El Welily executing her tactics skilfully and effectively to claim the second 11-8 and kept the momentum in the third to wrap up an 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 victory in just 23 minutes.
“Rowan is a tough up-and-coming opponent so its good to be through,” said El Welily.
“I’m trying to enjoy the atmosphere and take it all in.
“It’s a big positive to be through in three games because on Wednesday I’m playing Victoria Lust, who played five games today.”
El Welily will play England’s Victoria Lust in the next round, while Malaysia’s eight-time World Champion Nicol David and Hong Kong’s Annie Au will meet for the third tournament in succession after they managed wins over tournament wildcard Jenny Duncalf and 2007 World Champion Rachael Grinham, respectively.
Result
[2] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt [Q] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (23m)
[6] Nicol David (MAS) bt [WC] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 3-0: 11-2, 11-7, 11-6 (23m)
[11] Annie Au (HKG) bt [Q] Rachael Grinham (AUS) 3-0: 11-3, 11-3, 11-7 (21m)
Ghosal Books Last 16 Spot
Words by Fiona Tomas
India’s Saurav Ghosal booked his last 16 place with a straight-games victory over England’s Ben Coleman.
It was a commanding display from World No.16 Ghosal, who eased to an 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 victory to end qualifier Coleman’s last 16 hopes.
But a bloody injury sustained by the Chelmsford-born Englishman midway through the second set did nothing to aid the 26-year-old’s prospects of pulling the match back.
In an unfortunate incident, Ghosal’s racket innocently caught Coleman’s left hand during a rally at 5-5 and the player was given time out for it to be strapped.
Coleman – who might have wondered what could have been had the injury not occurred – continued to fight valiantly, thwarting Ghosal with a number of intelligent drop shots in the second.
But the world No. 53 relinquished a long-fought rally at 4-1 in the third, which paved the way for Ghosan to pounce.
The 31-year-old produced an impressive mid-air backhand to catch his opponent off his guard as the 12-time Indian Nationals winner moved on to set up a last 16 clash with defending champion Karim Abdel Gawad.
“I think overall I did what I wanted to do on court in terms of executing,” said Ghosal.
“It’s the first time I have played Ben so I just wanted to impose my game and play how I wanted to from the beginning and I think for the majority of the match I was able to do that and handled the match well.
“It’s unfortunate that Dipika and Joshna lost today but they all tried their best and that’s what I’m doing. I think this has been the biggest contingent of Indians at a World Championship ever and we had three guys in the main draw and I don’t think that has happened before so it’s good omens for Indian squash and hopefully in this tournament I can go further.”
Result
Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt Ben Coleman (ENG) 3-0: 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 (45m)
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