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Huge effort from an exhausted Ali but Mohamed imperial

[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-1 [1] Ali Farag (EGY)  11-9, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9 (66m)

Mohamed knew exactly how Ali felt today, as he himself had had a few tough journeys to the finals they played this season. And he gave the CIB player all the respect due: the Rowe player knew that Ali was not going to fold, and that he would have to go and get the title out of Ali’s racquet.

Mohamed was very very very focused today. Ali, trying to do a Nick Matthew “I’m fine and I’m doing training exercises before the matches starts” was not fooling anybody. Even a “he woke up physically fine” from Nour managed to convince me that the world number 1 was hunky dory today… Still, the effort he produced up to 3/3 in the 3rd is remarkable, and Ali can lift his head high… He hold his rank today, and I’m sure made Mohamed doubt in the 2nd and at the bare end of the 4th… First game, mid pace, very constructed rallies from both players, 3/0 Mohamed but quickly 3/3, 4/4, 5/5. Mohamed takes the lead with excellent length, 7/5, 9/6. Two enormous rally 9/7; 9/8 and two pressure errors from Mohamed, it’s 9/9. It’s still possible for Ali to make a mark on the match, but it’s Mohamed, 11/9 in 18m.

5 errors, 7 winners for Mohamed, 4 winners Ali and 4 errors. “Ali could have done with that first game” comments Steve from the Allam family. “I had the same analysis” I reply. Yes, we all feel that Ali needed that game, if only from a mental point of view. But what a clever tactical game in the second, Ali methodically sent Mohamed in the four corners, showing why he is able to dispose of the best players in the world. 4/1, 8/3, 11/5 in 9m. 9m will be the length of the next game too, about the same domination but from Mohamed this time, from 3/3, Ali really nothing in the tank, 11/5… Would you believe that the fourth is 22m long… Ali had his second wind and was able to stay with Mohamed more or less point for point up to 6/7. But tired errors crept in, 10/6 match ball. 

Out of the blue, Mohamed changes his tactic, and instead of that gruelling slow/mid pace he’s been using the whole match, he goes for fast and furious. Ali only too happy to use Mo’s power saves 1 match ball at the back, then a second one with a stroke, and another one with a superb backhand volley drop shot. The crowd wants a fifth, on my dead body says Mohamed. A huge push from the Alexandria Pharaoh, and on a video decision, gets his third British Open title on a stroke. Lovely chat between the players, big smile, and showing why we are such a special sport. Sportsmanship at his best. Love my players.

Ali I am very proud of what I have achieved this week and the way I managed to push and dig in when I was very tired in the second game, against Mohamed who was playing so well and with so much experience of those situations. I have entirely happy with the way this season turned up to be. And I really want to thank a few people, Hossam Shadad, my fitness coach, who is helping us all year round, turning up at 7am if we need to, his support is second to none. This week also I need to thank Derek Ryan who helped me when I was very tired to keep my body in order and also my mental coach, Tim Hardness.

And thanks to Dr Allam, and all those in charge of running this amazing tournament…

Mohamed

Our last match last season in Dubai, he told me that what I did last season was inspirational. This time is it my turn to say that what he has done this season was inspirational. And I added that I wanted him to keep improving every single day because that’s what he was doing to me, making me improve.

You know, at the TOC and Grasshopper, I was the one with the tough draw. This one, he was the one with the tough draw. And like I fought for my life every single shot in those two tournaments, he fought today for every shot which show the character of the man. I have such respect for Ali. What he achieved this season is unbelievable.

I couldn’t play at the pace I used to play! I’m not the young player looking to beat the top guys anymore, when I used to hit hard and run. I’m the old generation now, and I have to be mechanical and economical with my movement now. The only time I allowed myself to play very fast and hit hard was when I got to 10/6 match ball, because I got too excited!! And you saw how he picked me! It really didn’t work…

It was very awkward for me to be the only one having won the trophy when I was arriving on an event, as the old generation has retired, the Nick, Ramy and Greg G – well, Greg, not sure but not here at the moment – and it was putting too much pression on me. The same way I had a rivalry with Ramy, I am really happy to have set a new rivalry with Ali. And now, when we arrive on an event, there will be two players having won the tournament, not just me. That said, I am 100% sure that Ali will put his name to the British Open trophy, because he is made with what makes a legend, and he deserves to put his name on there. Some people could say this was a bad season for me, but I actually won my 3rd US Open, my 4th HK and my 3rd British Open. And still that was not enough to keep my number 1 spot. That shows how amazing what Ali has achieved this year.

I need to thank my sponsors, Tecnifibre, Rowe and Red Bull, my parents, my brother. I can never repay what my parents have done for me over the years, but I hope this result is a little way of thanking them for the constant support.  Thanks also to Hadrian Stiff for being with me all week, who has been working with me for about 10 years now, and I hope for many more years to come. And of course, a huge thank you to Dr Allam and his family, they have been supporting us for 8 years now, they keep welcoming us here and we hope that we can come back again and again.

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Nouran was not to be denied...

[7] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-0 [4] Camille Serme (FRA)  11-3, 11-8, 11-3 (30m)

Twenty one years old. Her second British Open final – first one when she just turned 18. And her first title. And quel panache!!!

“It like being in a washing machine” confessed Camille. Yes, I was more thinking about a 15 round with Rocky Balboa, but a washing machine will do fine. 7m, 9m, 8 m. Length of the three games. 10 unforced errors in two games for Camille, 3 for Nouran, none in the third for the Egyptian. For the winners now, 4, 5 and 10 for Nouran in each game, 1, 6 and 3 for the French woman.

Nouran overpowered Camille, like she did to Raneem and Nour El Tayeb. The French never found a way to contain the blistering energy coming from the CIB player today. Forced to make error upon error, she lost confidence in her squash, and could only see her opponent getting stronger and more assertive – if that’s possible. “Back to the drawing board”, concluded Camille, who is already planning her training session to match Nouran at the Power Game. Can’t wait for next seaon, me…

Camille i tried my best, but she was just too good today.

Even if the rallies are short the intensity is very high. I can only describe it as being in a washing machine. You try and take it, and take it but I just couldn’t impose my game at all and I found myself on the back foot constantly. I was trying to get a better length, but she was scotching me to the backwall and when I managed to create some opportunities I made the error. As Philippe commented, she really brings a new aspect to the women’s game. And she really showed me today what I have to work on. Which was in the pipeline anyway, but we have all summer to work on it now…

Nouran I can’t really describe it actually. I am out of words. It means so so much to me, especially that it is the British Open. When you have had tough times, it makes it extra special so yeah, I am over the moon right now.

When I won the Hong Kong Open, m mother was there as well. I think she might be my lucky charm, and there is also someone who is not always with me, but he is the main reason for what I have. My dad is the reason why I play squash because he loves it so much.

I was very weary of Camille, she has been playing so well this season, and she has so much experience as well, she know how to deal with every situation... I feel very comfortable at this court. I want to take it home! When I lost the last two years, it was on normal courts so can I please play just on the glass here so I can do this again! I feel very comfortable. The environment, the city itself, it feels a bit like home. It is very cosy here and it really helps me to feel good on court. To have the accuracy you have to be both relaxed and focussed. I feel this attitude and environment really helped me. This morning after my hit, I started crying. I never did that before. Even in Hong Kong I didn’t do that. I thin I was very young so maybe I couldn’t really comprehend how much it meant to me to be in the final of a major event. My mum kept telling me to enjoy the occasion and to relax. She told me to take the chance and if I played my best then I would take the win!

I want to thank my mum who has been there this week, every day, but also my Dad who is the one that made me start squash. I was doing gymnastic and swimming before but I hated it. I’m so glad I chose squash!!! I want to thank my fitness trainer Hossam who has been working with me for 5, 6 years now, and of course, Omar Abdel Aziz, who has been coaching me since I’m 15. He’s been there for the good times and the bad times. Karim Darwish, whwo is helping me handle the pressure and at last but not least, Mr Hussein Abaza and CIB for the constant support they are giving us in Egypt. They make a huge difference to us players, and for Egyptian Squash in general.

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Who will stop Shorbagy ???

[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-0 [5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)  11-9, 11-3, 11-9 (47m)

If in some recent events, Mohamed seems all over the place, tired, mentally lacking focus and looking drained, none of that here. His squash has been spotless, suffocating for his opponents, taking them by the jugular and never let go.

On the other hand, Karim looked flat from the start. I am not saying he didn’t try but his first shot was a return of serve in the tin. And that showed me that he already wanted to make it quick. Against Mohamed? Naaaa.

Still, first game was intense enough, 3/0 for Mohamed, then close all the way to 8/8, 10/8, 11/9 Mohamed, with lovely rallies. I couldn’t have remembering Nick Matthew’s quote “Shabana makes it look hard, I make it look hard”. Same here, Mohamed was working really hard, while Baby Shabana, like I used to call him, made it look easy. “I’m his biggest fan” always says Mohamed about Karim. “I don’t like playing against him, but I love watching him play”…

.I feel that after his match against Simon yesterday, Karim needed the first game, 15m with nothing to show for. He didn’t play much in the second, his right shoulder playing up a bit, 11/3 in 8m, with a three minute injury taken at the end of the game. “It’s when I dived yesterday” confessed Karim at the end.. Back he came, and gave it his best in the third, again a close game, never giving him, but I never felt Mohamed in danger of losing that match. 8/8, 9/9 some fast and gruelling rallies, but two errors from 9/8 up, and it’s Mohamed in the final, 11/9 in 16m…

Karim When I did my dive yesterday, I hurt my shoulder so certain movements were very painful. 

And Mohamed was just too good tonight...

Mohamed

When Gawad has a tough match, he is very dangerous to play against the next day because that is when everything releases.  That is when he knows he is not going to want a lot of long rallies so that is when he starts going for it and with his talent, he can win a lot of points very quickly.

I always say it but I’m Karim’s biggest fan. I don’t like playing against him, but I love the way he plays and I love watching him play. I had to make sure that I made it into a physical game, make it long, and I think I did well in the first game. Even though I could have lost that game, I felt like I put a lot of tough work in his legs. Ali had to go through a lot of tests today, and again he passed the test. At the end of the day, he is the one in the final and I am the one who has to face him. You have to forget the rest of the tournament and now there is one big match tomorrow and there will only be one winner.

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If Carlsberg did squash matches ...

[1] Ali Farag (EGY) 3-2 [4] Paul Coll (NZL)  10-12, 11-7, 11-4, 10-12, 11-7 (77m)

One thing I particularly love about my job is watching a player coming out of his chrysalid to become a complete player, adding layers to existing layers. Daryl Selby was one player I saw evolved from a sparring partner to a exhibition material. Paul Coll is another extraordinary example of how much a person can transform himself. From a so-so junior, Paul became Mr Fit and put us all to shame. His nickname Superman came I believe from that match in Canary Wharf where he dived like 4 times in the four corners against James. But he didn’t have much of a squash game, did he.

Oh. My. Lord. Now he has. Gregory Gaultier told me in Gouna last year after playing him all the good he thought about Paul, how hard he worked, how amazing he was, and how far he believed the NZ would go. He was right. Nour El Tayeb told me how much Ali respected Paul, as he always made his game better and better. And today, Ali really had to dig and dig and dig to contain Superman. Spiderman won – yes, that’s my nickname for Ali – but it all came down to a few errors at the far end of the match. A few too many errors from Ali in the first game, 4, at the start of the match, gave I believe confidence to Paul. If Ali didn’t make another one from 5/5, damaged was done, Paul was in control at the front, dispatching both length – superb – and volley drop shots exquisite alike. 10/7 for Paul, Ali finding some great retrievals and attacks but finally bows 12/10 in 19m. Same amount of winners for both, 8, difference comes from errors, 4 against 2.

Ali managed to impose this length patient game in the 2nd, from 5/5, 9/5 then 11/7, 11m. Drop in the number of winners for Paul, 3, increase of errors, 4. Same for Ali, 3 winners, 3 errors. The difference comes from the strokes!

Third makes us believe that Ali has dismantled Paul, 11/4 in 10m…. And at 2/0 in the 4th, Ali looked very good indeed. But no, Paul wasn’t dismantled AT ALL!!! That game is truly splendid. Nothing between them, it’s point for point. At 7/8, a rally with Ali retrieving a shot that I would never have thought retrievable. And in my mind, that’s when I knew Ali wouldn’t lose the match. I cannot explain, you’ll have to watch the replay. Two match balls 10/8 for Ali, but Paul just cannot be stopped, 12/10. 10 winners 3 errors Paul, 6 winners 2 errors 1 stroke Ali.

The fifth sees something I haven’t seen often: Paul finally got tired at 5/5. He kept pushing of course, but a few errors crept in from that point on, 2 errors followed by two strokes, that’s 4 points at the business end, and Ali was able to close 11/7 in 14m. Ali just collapsed on the floor. And wouldn’t come up. I remember matches where he cramped. I believe he was very, very very close. The quality of the rallies, the accuracy of the drives and width, from both, the attacking skills and the retrievals. One only sees that lever of squash, of intensity, once, maybe twice a year. Hats off. To both. Chapeau.

Paul I have a huge respect for the man…. I made too many errors at the end, and gave him too many strokes. Ali was not going to fold, he is so smart and was not going to falter. I had to take the game to him and be aggressive. I always try and get better….

Ali

I never wanted so much to lay down and sleep right after a match… ever… the tank was empty at the end, and I just was just so tired, not enough energy. But I fed myself off with his energy, and I told myself, if I lose this match, I will lose having left everything on the court, and he did the same and that’s why we played a match that I think the audience enjoyed watching. Paul has been pushing the top players for a long time, every time he gets on court, he has a different game plan and it’s very difficult to get into any kind of rhythm with him because as soon as you have a rhythm, he changes his strategy, and you have to keep adapting, he is such a smart player. But luckily enough I have a very smart coach too. We talked about how he started to use the lob and how to counter attack it. Not going to reveal it all but I was able to adapt…

It is unfair to talk about it this match in just a few sentences. It is one of those matches that you are going to remember forever. Win or lose, you would have been proud to have been a part of it. I think Paul and I represented our sport very well and we did our sport proud. Also, what an occasion to do it, on semi finals day at the British Open!

And even if I’m going to die on court tomorrow, I’ll give it my 100% and see where it gets me…

It was very tough on there, neither of us wanted to lose. Even if I had lost, I wanted to give it 200%, because 100% would not have done it justice.

The British Open carries a lot of history, lots of legends are associated with it and the fact that I can at least be a part of the history, even if it just a small part of it, it makes me very proud.

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Sarah-Jane so close but Camille into her second BO Final

[4] Camille Serme (FRA) 3-1 [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)  12-10, 7-11, 11-6, 13-11 (52m)

It’s a bit of a cliché, but sue me: the first game was crucial and SJ will hate herself for not clinching it “I had my chances and I didn’t take them” she told me at the end of the match.

It’s a very harsh analysis, but I see where she is coming from. The first game was a close as it comes, nothing between them the whole way, 8/8, 9/9, and the English lady having a game ball at 10/9, saved by a winner, 10/10, a tin from SJ and another winner, at the front this time, the first one being a nice length. 14m of hard work that paid off in my opinion at the latter stage of the match. 10 winners Cam, and 9 SJ, with only one error from SJ, on 10/10…. Camille was overplayed in the second, Sarah-jane superb really, 6/2, 10/4, Camille staging a come back, but stopping at 11/7, 8m. Still 9 winners for SJ, only 6 for Cam. I thought that SJ looked pale and flat in the third, the legs must have felt a bit heavy, it’s not like if she beast a world champ the day before… oh wait… Camille in control all the way, 5/2, 6/3 11:6 in 7m. The 4th will be the one SJ will regret for a long time: up 4/0, 7/2, she gets caught up 7/7 thanks to a few unforced errors creeping in. Camille match ball 10/7, some gutsy winners coming from the magical racquet of the English, 10/10, and even 11/10, game ball! But it wasn’t to be and it’s Camille that closes the longest game of the match, 15m, 13/11…

SarahJane

I had my chances but I didn’t take them.

It was fine in patches, it’s all there but it’s not consistent enough. And I kept crosscourting right into her racquet, over and over and over again..  when I won against her, I didn’t do that…

Camille It was difficult today, she had a lot cheering, but the crowd were very fair, they enjoy good squash, and even though the English player didn’t win, they clapped at the end. It’s great to have my coach and my physio. It’s the end of the season, everyone is a bit tired and to have this extra recovery helps a lot.

Sarah-Jane was playing better [in the fourth], she was finding her length and I was trying to get in front of her again. It seems I play better when I’m behind.

Nouran has been playing very well for the last few months and she’s in very good form. I’m looking forward to a good battle, and I’ll be ready for it.

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Nouran picks up where she left off yesterday

[7] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-1 [3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)  11-9, 11-2, 6-11, 11-9 (45m)

I wonder who will be able to stop Nouran in this event. She is in a blistering form, truly and utterly. “I was too passive” told me Nour. “I was trying to stay calm but in fact, I didn’t find the right balance between relaxed and aggressive”... The first game could be 11/3 as Nouran set up 8 match balls in that opener! It’s not as if Nour went tin crazy or was not focus. Nouran was just as sharp and relentless AND accurate today than she was in her quarters against Raneem. 10m first game.

The second was about the same, this time Nour just didn’t come back and avoid the bagel 9/0, 11/2 in 5m but finally found her game as Nouran dropped her length ever slow slightly in the third, allowing the Heliopolis lady to recover score wise, taking the third in 8m, being truly dominant from 5/5. The 4th was nailbitting, much closer than the previous three, and at 5/5, 6/6, 7/7, we thought we were in for the 5th! But it’s a match ball 10/8 for Nouran, enormous rally, a stroke awarded against Nouran – thought it was a bit harsh, confirmed by the video ref, but it’s a final point for Nouran 11/9 in 16 long minutes, 9 winners for Nouran and only 4 for Nour… Back in the final for Nouran, last time she was 18 as in 3 years ago…. Mum must be stoked and Dad at home as well…

Nouran

I had it in my mind that when I beat Nour, it’s always 3-2, I’m always 2-0 up, and she always comes back.  She did it two days ago here, she saved match balls, so it actually put pressure on me being two games up. She played really well in the third, all credit to her, she changed her tactics and I had to adapt in the fourth, even if I wasn’t feeling comfortable, I had to find some solutions and adapt to the game.

We play the complete opposite way, she hits really beautiful shots, she has really good racket skills, while I have a good technique and I hit the ball with pace. It was a contrast today and all about who would impose their game. “We had some patches in the match where she was playing better than me in the third for example, I was playing better than her in the first two, and that last game was 50-50. It could have gone either way, and I’m glad it went my way today. I had my final exams before coming here, so I wasn’t playing that much squash, I was just studying a lot. I think it helped today and throughout the week. Sometimes when you don’t play so much squash, you’re really fresh, moving on court fast and have new ideas. I think that was the case today. I have really good memories here, and it helps you when you have those memories. It makes you feel comfortable and in the zone, and that’s been the case at this tournament. Hopefully it will be a better result tomorrow than three years ago.”

[britishopensquash]

Annnd the Palme d’Or for the upset of the tournament goes to… SJP!!!!

[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (Eng) 3-1 [2] Nour El Sherbini (Egy)   8-11, 14-12, 11-7, 11-8 (49m)

A first game dominated by the Egyptian, on fire would be a way to describe it accurately, way ahead in the second, 7/2 up. Sarah Jane, carried by a very supportive crowd got it back, tookt that crucial third and put a lot of pressure on the Egyptian in the 4th, 4 errors in 5 points, 7/2 up. The World Champion tried a come back, but SJ was too much in confidence with her shots, no pressure, and she closed out from 9/8 up to 11/8 for the delight of the Hull crowd...

Sarah Jane

I don’t really know how I won that. As everyone saw I was very down in that second game, I actually told myself ‘don’t worry about this game, just play your way back in like you did in the first game’ and then every time I won a point the crowd was right behind me and that helped.

Everyone is a fighter on the tour and you just have to try and keep pushing. I told myself to keep pushing, I was a bit tired at the end of the third and fourth but the less I think about the squash the better I play.

I just wanted to keep the home crowd happy and have some home cheering on tomorrow. I’ve got a tough match tomorrow but it’s great to see the crowd packed. We don’t get to play in England that much so it’s fantastic and thank you to everyone who has put the tournament on.

[britishopensquash]

Mohamed/Miguel: A game of two halves...

[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-0 [6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL)  11-6, 11-5, 11-9 (43m)

First two games, Mohamed was just too good and fast on the ball, taking every shot very early and forcing so many errors out of Miguel in particular in the first game (6 and 3 in the second). The Egyptian was not making that many winners, he didn’t have to, not forcing anything, just gliding through while I feel Miguel’s mental strength was eroded last night by the extreme intensity of his match against Cesar.

The third was more balanced, with Mohamed dropping the shoulders a bit, while Miguel gave it all he had, making the rallies harder and played at a more sustainable pace. 7/7, 8/8, 9/9. Mohamed didn’t want to waste energy on the 4th game and gets the two last winners, 11/9 in 16m of hard game, while Miguel, leaving everything on court as he always does, flew a last time in vain, bowing off as the British Open Champion…

Miguel

The plan was for me to take my chances every time I had the opportunity, I didn’t want to be stuck at the back behind him, but errors crept in… I was always maybe hoping for a few errors from him, normally, he can go 60/40 but today was more like 90/10! In the third, I changed my strategy, and made the rallies longer, slowed down the pace, and it worked for a while. But just a few points, he played better at the crucial times, and it made all the difference. It’s always very challenging to play Mohamed, and if I want to have a chance to beat him, I have to be 100% focused but I feel that today Mohamed wants really to finish the season with a big win…

Mohamed 

Miguel is, of course, a very dangerous opponent, and when he is playing well, he is one of the toughest opponents to play on tour.

I had to be really sharp from the first point. I controlled it really well for the first two games, but I felt like he was getting back into it at the end of the second. He was getting sharper and he was starting to put me under more pressure, so I knew at the start of the third, I had to dig in deep.

Every situation is different and I have been in a lot of situations in my career where I have had to perform differently to try and get the best result possible to be able to come back the next day and still be able to perform at my best.

Of course, playing the last match of the evening, and especially with all the matches before it being delayed, I had to make sure I was sharp from the first point onwards. I had to make sure that I took my opportunities when they came. 

[britishopensquash]

An incredible match, played by two gentlemen, ending by a very controversial call...

[5] Karim Abdel Gawad (Egy) 3-2 [3] Simon Rosner (Ger)  11-8, 11-6, 14-16, 10-12, 11-9 (89m)

What an incredible match. Two fair players, playing every shot, no blocking, no cinema, no drama queen, just incredible pure talent, flair, only to be tainted by a decision at the right end…

Two first games, Karim – new trend – nowadays, he wins the first two games – was flying over the court, untouchable really, 8/8 11/8 in 15m for the first game, 9/5 11/6 in 9m for the second. If the German looked a bit slower than Gawad, it all changed in the next three. Speed, the four corners, reflexes, volleying, hitting hard, delicate winners, the whole panel. 8/5 8/8 for Simon, 9/9, game ball 10/9, 11/10, 12/11… Then Karim’s turn, match balls 13/12, 14/13, but it’s finally Simon getting a stroke at the back of a ridiculous rally, then a lovely winner at the front, 16/14 in 17m.

The fourth was as nail bitting, 6/2 up for Simon, Karim clawing back, 6/6, 8/8, 9/9. This time, it’s the Egyptian that’s got the first blood, 10/9 third match ball, but two errors turn tables on the Egyptian and it’s 12/10 for Simon 16m. 7 errors from Karim, 2 winners, 4 strokes… 5 winners for Simon, 4 errors…

The fifth… Karim has got his nose in front for the whole game, 4/2, 8/5, 10/6 match ball (4th!). Nerves creeping in, Simon giving it the push of his life, playing at his best level, matching Karim’s incredible pace and panache, change of angles… one match ball saved, two, three… 

10/9, Karim is looking drained and really nervous, goes for a deep drive on the forehand side, Simon goes for it, it’s a simple let. “No let”. WHAAAAATTTT???? Simon is livid, we are stunned. “There is a line to the back” goes the ref “you don’t have a review”… 

I looked at the video replay. Couldn’t see a line me. But what do I know.

Simon (on twitter) Frustrating how the match ended today. A bit speechless to be honest. But what a match, what a fight. Proud to have been part of this amazing match even when going down in 5. Thank you all for cheering me on, really helped me push through even when being Matchball down a few times

Karim

He made me work really hard. He really fought for every point and for the match. I can’t even remember how many match balls I had in this match, but I would have been very disappointed if I had have lost this one. All credit to Simon, the first two games I played really well and then lost the two games and he played absolutely amazing.

In the fifth we both played well and I panicked on my match ball, when you have had a lot of match balls and you couldn’t win any of them, then you have another match ball you start to panic, especially in the fifth. I’m really glad to win and get through this and play the semi-finals tomorrow.

Mentally today was really important and not to focus on how many match balls I had. In the third game I had a lot of match balls and a lot of winners that I missed and that made me panic a little in the match. It’s a new experience for me, I have been in matches where I had match ball and lost but, today in the quarter finals of the British Open it’s different.

It will be a tough match, it is the defending champion and Mohamed, the most experienced player on the tour now, and it will be a tough match. I will focus on myself and my body as to how it recovers and be ready for tomorrow.

[britishopensquash]

Camille will be relieved to win in three against up and coming Nele

[4] Camille Serme (FRA) 3-0 Nele Gilis (BEL)  11-4, 14-12, 13-11 (51m)

I have been watching Nele since the juniors and I have to say she truly and utterly impressed me today, even more than usual. She’ll always been a fighter, fit and a stunning athlete. But today, she impressed me with the accuracy of her all around game. 

She didn’t go Egyptian, and she didn’t go for silly shots, she just played superb squash, perfect drives and width, patient and constructed squash. She was a bit unlucky not to take any games. “the tank was empty” she smiled at the end. Five tournaments in a row, not much rest and about 70m more squash in the legs than Camille at the start of the match. All that taken in consideration, my admiration is even bigger!!!

Camille managed to contain the young contender beautifully. The first game was a formality, Nele scoring only 3 winners, 11 for Camille, 7m. But from the second on, we had a match on our hands. Patiently, calmly, relentlessly, Nele sent the French lady to the back, and always kept in touch with the score, 3/3, 5/6, 7/7, 8/8. Two superb backhand drives and it’s 10/8, game ball to the Belgium. “Go and get it back” says Philippe Signoret, Camille’s coach. The French woman does just that, saving another game ball, she’ll close the second game, 14/12 on her second attempt. But talk about a come back, Camille really made her mark in the third, down 8/3 thanks to a few errors creeping in, and a solid, simple and effective squash from the young lady. Experience came to play, with Camille coming back, 8/9, still, game ball against 10/8 for the Belgium. Two errors from the young girl, 10/10, another chance at 11/10, but it’s the French on her first match ball that clinches her seat in the semi, 13/11. “I am very proud of myself” says Nele at the end. You can be girl, you should be. Amazing performance, and I have no doubt, plenty more to come.

Nele The tank was empty at the end. I had a tough mental end of the season, 5 tournaments with I think 3 days of rest overall. But I guess I kept the best for last, although I didn’t win, I am proud of what I achieved. Knowing that I can push those girls with heavy legs give me a big push for next season. And I’m super excited to start my summer training, hopefully, I can start next season where I finished this one…

Camille

It was great squash today. She showed why she made it to the quarters and this tournament she has played top ten for sure. I’m really pleased to be through in three because it was a tough battle.

With my mental coach we noticed that every time I am behind in the score then I play better, which is weird. I wish I could play that well when I’m leading, it’s good to come back and win in three.

Nothing against the Egyptians but there are so many and they are so talented and strong, so it’s nice to see the Gilis sisters coming strongly. We’ve seen them on the European tour and you can see they are coming strong.

It’s a special event for everyone. Everyone says how it’s prestigious, after the World Championships, it’s the one everyone wants to win. I’m just happy to make it through to the semis and hopefully I can go one better this year than the previous one.

[britishopensquash]

Amazing Mazen is back and it feel so good...

[4] Paul Coll (NZL) 3-2 Mazen Hesham (EGY)  11-3, 5-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6 (74m)

 What a battle, how fair, so few decisions, played cleverly, relentless squash with great attacks, Paul retrieving superb attacks, but also finding his own, flashy yet patient, both serving squash today, to make our game that bit more special. As one of the sponsors mentioned “two contrasting style, and a great show”. Exactly.  To be honest I didn’t think Mazen would last more than 20m at the relentless pace Paul is playing. But the work Mazen has done with both Omar Abdel Aziz and Gary Nesbitt on the physical side is showing, and paying off.

First game saw a very attacking and going for the jugular Paul, 11/2 in 7m, only to have a taste of his own medicine in the second, 8/1, 11/5, but in 13m. Lots of work already produced. Third, both making a lot of errors - wanting to close it out quickly, and it’s Paul that dominated, 5/1, 7/3, 9/4, 11/6 in 10m. But the 4th is a beauty. Nothing between them from 1/1 tà 8/8, with some gruelling, punishing rallies, not the up and down style no, but a mid pace to the four corners, again and again, and it’s the Egyptian on top, 11/8 in 20 long minutes. The 5th is the one too many for Mazen, Paul just too fresh physically, Mazen making error upon error, 10/3. A good pride push, with the Egyptian saving 3 game balls, finally bowing 11/6.  Loved every minute of it.

Mazen To be honest, I have trained about 20% this year compared to the 100% of what Paul has trained and worked. So he deserved the win, he deserves his position, I have so much respect, and I love the way he plays the game, the way he pushes himself all the time. I am so disappointed, right now, I don’t see anything positive. Maybe in two or three days, I’ll stop and think, you’ve done ok. But not right now…

Paul It was interesting… We have played a couple of times in League and he’s very hard to read and makes you very unsettled on court. I was fighting myself a bit in the head, almost seeing the finishing line too soon and got caught up in a bit too much frantic stuff up front, where he thrives.

Once I stuck to my game plan and sorted myself out in the head then I was alright, but there was too many lapses for a player of his calibre. I thought I was going to close out the fourth but I got too ahead of myself and he is such a talented player, he can hit shots out of nowhere, so credit to him for fighting. Everyone sees the fancy stuff, but the dug in deep today, credit to him because he has had a good tournament.

Physically I’m feeling good and it was more in the head today. Coming towards the end of the season and my body is one piece and feeling match fit and so taking each day as it comes and just trying to keep it together and keep pushing and I’m looking forward to my next semi-final today.

I have massive respect for Ali, he has achieved so much, on and off court he is a deserving No.1 but that doesn’t mean tomorrow that I’m not going to come out and try and smash him.

[britishopensquash]

First BO semis for Nour ET and her husband...

[3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) 3-0 [5] Joelle King (NZL) 11-8, 11-3, 11-6 (28m)

First game was crucial I feel today. Nour was playing very very relaxed, although she had like 20m warm up only as her hubby was playing right before her. I was impressed by the fluidity of her shots, how accurate she was especially as the back.

Joelle looked good too, excellent length and width, nothing between those two, 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, 6/6, 8/8. But on this one, Nour found more winners, 9 for 6 Joelle, same errors 2 each, 8m and 11/8.

In the second though, Joelle looked tired from 5/2, three uncharacteristic errors in 4 points, and it’s 11/3 in 8m. The third sees our New Zealander – by the way, she can be a model if she wants a change of career, what a stunningly beautiful lady inside and out – with her second wind, and the game is very close in the middle of the it. Nour is nervous when she is 2/0 at the moment, after her two losses against Amanda and Tesni, I’m reminded. And a few tentative shots. 4/4, 6/4 (Nour) are two massive rallies but it’s the Egyptian that gets on top, 10/6, match ball. A cheeking ask for a let from Nour, which gets a no let, and a big smile from both Ali and Nour, 6/10, but the next one is the one, with an error, 11/6 Nour in 9m….

She is in her first semi of the British “I matched up Ali, no one is better than the other one”… Bless her…

Nour

Joelle has been playing really well recently. That’s why I went into the match with no pressure. I think she has been playing better than I have throughout the whole season and only Raneem and Nour have done that this season.

I thought that I had to keep it simple and not over complicate things. The last few times I have been 2-0 up I have lost and so I needed to not see the finish line too soon. Throughout the third game I kept trying to look at Ali to relax, you’re playing against one of the best players in the world and I just needed to relax. Thankfully I was able to hold onto my level, I don’t think Joelle was playing at her best today and I took full advantage of that.

I had to re-watch my last match so many times to believe that I actually won it. It gave me a lot of belief that I have this fighting spirit because I haven’t done it in a while and it gave me a lot of confidence that I can do it on a not so good day or when my opponent is playing well and today was a bonus really.

Nouran’s head-to-head with me is that she is winning by a margin. If Nouran can beat Nour El Sherbini and Raneem El Welily in the space of three weeks then she has got something and I don’t feel the pressure. I am happy to be in the semis, my first ever semis at the British Open, now I match Ali – he’s not better than me anymore! I’m very happy to be in the semi-final.

[britishopensquash]

Ali slow off the block, but containing Abou nicely in the end…

[1] Ali Farag (EGY) 3-0 [7] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)  11-8, 11-9, 11-4 (37m)

It was so nice to see Wael El Hindi back on the Tour, advising Abouelghar. Abou, having done a lot of work on the fitness side with his coach Gorg, to stop the tin festivals he was producing when tired, seemed every focused and controlling at the start of the match , 4/1, 8/3.

But a huge rally at 7/3 – lost by Ali on a tin – still got a Nour El Tayeb seal of approval as it made the Bullet work extremely hard. Rewad, 2 errors, giving Ali some heart, and before we knew it, we were back at 8/8 and 11/8, the world number 1 having won 8 points in a row. Game was 12m. Ali went on with the momentum in the second, 4/0, 6/1, 7/2, but a couple of errors crept in, and slowly, patiently, Abou clawed back to 9/9. Nour next to me was getting more fidgety,  but a superb winner and a stroke, 11/9 in 13m. With two games under his belt, Ali let go of the arm, 5/0, 6/1, 7/2, like in the previous game but no come back this time, 7m 11/4.

Ali

The first game, he came out firing. I thought I was a bit too passive and with Mohamed you have to find that balance to not be too passive but also not too erratic. He is more skilful than I am and I had to find that balance, which I couldn’t at the beginning and I pushed to at least get into the game and I was rewarded by winning it In the second it was the opposite way around and I was 7-2 up and made some errors to allow him back in and squash is all about those fine margins. You really want to keep pushing on but overall I am very pleased with how things unfolded today.“I think it’s natural to relax more at 2-0 up, the shoulders start to get bigger in a way and you see him not as intense as the first two. If it had have been 1-1 or 2-0 to him, which could have been the case, then it would have been a totally different story. Stepping up is something that I have been working on for the past few years with Karim Dariwsh, he was the master at it so I’m trying to emulate it, but it takes years and doesn’t change overnight but I’m pleased it’s starting to pay off. Thanks to the Allam finally to always getting us back here, you make us feel at home and hopefully I can win two more matches.”

[britishopensquash]

Blistering form for a relentless Nouran

[7] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-0 [1] Raneem El Welily (EGY)  11-9, 11-7, 11-5 (36m)

“This is huge for me”, commented Nouran after beating her club team mate from Wadi Degla in a blistering performance. “I don’t think Nouran has played anybody else all season” smiled Nouran’s mum before the match. Yes, and Raneem had beaten Nouran in PSA each time – not in the Nationals though… Today, the words are truly blistering and relentless. Nouran just had all the answers to Raneem’s exquisite winners, counterattacking extraordinary well, and finding winners out of irretrievable winners!!! In the first game, a great start from Nouran, 4/1, zooming to game ball 10/7, with Raneem nearly catching her up, but it’s 11/9 in 10m.

The second sees a similar good start but for Raneem, 4/1, caught out 4/4 and making then 3 uncharacteristic out of court shots in a row. Again it’s game ball 10/7, stroke, 11/7, Nouran is incredibly 2/0 up. Let us remind ourselves that Raneem has not lost a match in three events…

What I loved in the third, was that Raneem never stopped believing, never stopped fighting. Her COME ONNNNNNN at 8/2, going to 3/8, should be a lesson to us all. A huge rally at that point, and Nouran obviously very tired., asks her racquet to be changed – “it’s broken inside” she shows the ref, who allows her to go off court. Raneen is livid and expresses her discontentment to the ref. We are at 5/8. Refreshed, Nouran gets two winners out of the backwall, with two no lets against Raneem, not impressed neither by the calls or the confirmation of the call, that leads to a match ball. Tin, game and match Nouran…

Raneem (on twitter) Never really found a way in today, against an opponent who was very sharp and hungry, and who played very well. Disappointed with my performance today, but hopefully better things to come inshallah.

Nouran There are some days when you wake up and feel in a really good mood. You are feeling well and moving well on court and all that helps when you are playing against Raneem because she will punish anything you do wrong and that is why she is World No.1. You have to be on your toes every second and I’m really pleased with what I did today. She has beaten me in the last three tournaments on her way to winning the tournaments. It has been so long since I have beaten Raneem, and I think the head-to-head shows that. I’ve beaten her one or two times on the PSA Tour so it is huge for me today. I just tried to keep it simple and play the basic things because if you make it too complicated then it is so hard against her, so I just tried to straighten it up and play the normal game.

My mum’s support means the world to me. She’s the main reason for everything I have achieved right now and the whole team behind me as well. Omar Abdel Aziz has been training me since I was 15 and everyone, my fitness coach Hussein, Karim Darwish, the head coach of our club. It’s huge, I have had some tough times but at the same time I’m having a good time right now, so I’m really happy with it.

[britishopensquash]

Sherbini and Shorbagy get to the Quarters of the British Open in 22m....

[2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-0 [13] Victoria Lust (ENG) 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 (22m)

[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-0 Daryl Selby (ENG)  11-3, 11-4, 11-2 (22m)

Nour

I wanted to start well and make sure that every shot was good. I’m happy with my performance and it’s a good win for me. This is the last event and it has been a long season. The defeat in El Gouna won’t change anything, I just want to keep going and try to do my best this week.

SJ has been playing good since she has been playing well since coming back from her injury and I think I’m the only one that hasn’t played her since she has come back. I’m looking forward to that match and hopefully it will be a good one.”

Mohamed I’ve played with Daryl so many times over the years. I think the first time I played him I was 16-years-old, it was in a BSPA event, when Tim Garner used to run them and I beat him and that was a big thing and then a month later we played again in the Canary Wharf qualification and he gave me a big big lesson.

He comes from a generation, which is a brutal generation, and he stayed with them for many years and I watched him play the British Nationals this year and him winning 3-2, just shows how tough him and his British generation were and still are. I learned a lot from them, Peter Barker, Daryl, Nick and James. They are probably the best generation that England ever had and they are the reason why Daryl and James  are playing today and I’m happy to be on court with them on more time. I felt maybe I was physically stronger playing him today and if he was physically fine today then we would have had a much harder match. Tomorrow, Miguel. We had a great battle last year, I was very disappointed to lose but at the same time he was a great winner. We are really good friends and his mum and my mum are actually hanging out with each other in Alexandria right now. Even the families are good friends with each other, so I was happy for him last year. We have met four times already this season and I’m sure this one will be another great one.

Daryl (on twitter) Sorry to anyone watching, gave it all I could but very annoyingly wasn’t anywhere near 100% tonight (although Mo was still on ). Really disappointing way to end the season as wanted to give it a good go this evening..

[britishopensquash]

Flamboyant, Fair, Fiesty and with Flair…

[6] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 3-1 Cesar Salazar (MEX)  11-8, 10-12, 11-6, 11-8 (61m)

I loved it. What a match, what an incredible match. Two lunatics, playing off balance to retrieve amazing irretrievable shots, find incredible angles, jump, dive, fly, you name it.

Change of angles, height, hit, smooth, the whole panel. You need a winner, unfortunately, and today, Miguel, “as calm as a fridge” Mostafa Asal dixit, was the fitter one, and in the fourth, Cesar kept giving his all but was running on fumes. Just watch the replay, take a packet of marshmallows, a cupper, and enjoy…

Miguel 

It was like an exhibition match. This is our kind of Latin style. We know each other’s game and he is very talented and he is a top 10-15 player when he is at his best. I think maybe the mental and the experience paid off at the end. I had to play my best and he played better in the second game and I had to find that momentum and consistency throughout the game.

I’m happy and I enjoyed the game. We are good friends on and off court, it was a great match and is maybe the squash we should play every day. I’m very grateful and happy to win this match.

We are Latins and he used to be a soccer player, so he is really rapid as well and you have to be smart to play against him.

This is a special tournament for me, last year I won my biggest title here in Hull and I’m taking it one match at a time and will enjoy my match tomorrow again."

[britishopensquash]

SJ lost it in Blackball, wins it in Hull…

[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 3-1 [15] Joshna Chinappa (IND)  11-6, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8 (47m)

 It was about the same length of the match, (50 for 47m) and 3/1 as well, but this time, SJ just edged it in the 4th from 8/8, finding some lovely winners to close it 11/8.

Pretty much balanced the whole way, few errors from each (12 for SJ, 9 for Joshna) and a fair amount of winners. It was more of a mental battle I thought, both players wanting it, and fighting hard for the control of the T, a lot of volleying and movement around the T area… Great battle, SJ just finding her best squash at the end…

Sarah Jane

Joshna has been playing really well. You could see that anything loose she was putting away and so I had to be really disciplined. Unfortunately at the start of the second I lost that discipline and she played some really good squash. I had to fight back and find a way back into the match, which I did, so I’m really pleased. She beat me a few weeks ago and I’ve just been trying to improve and get back to where I was before I had my injury and I think I’m getting there, so I’m pleased. I’m just getting my fitness back and everyone else is looking forward to the end of the season, so it’s almost a bit of a bonus being here. I hate losing and I always want to win, I’ve been on the end of four really tough losses recently and I’m really pleased to close that out in the end against a really tough opponent. 2017 was my biggest final to date, so I’m looking to push on and whoever I will face will be tough and if my run takes me to the final then that would be amazing, but I’m just looking at each match.