Qatar Classic 2015


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Final   Semi Finals   Quarter Finals   2nd Round   1st Round   Qualifying   Preview
Final

Elshorbagy And Massaro Are 2015 Qatar Classic Champions

Egyptian Men’s World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy and England’s Women’s World No.3 Laura Massaro prevailed in their respective finals at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha today to become the 2015 Qatar Classic, PSA World Series tournament, champions.

After triumphing at the first PSA World Series tournament of the season, the Delaware Investments U.S. Open, just two weeks ago in Philadelphia Massaro, the 32-year-old from Preston, continued to enjoy the form-of-her life as she came through a breath-taking five-game 73 minute battle with Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini.

With the pairing sharing the first four games between them to force a title-decider it was the 20-year-old World No.8 who raced into an early lead before a succession of lets and strokes halted her rhythm and allowed Massaro to find her way back into the match. Massaro hit a delightful volley drop at championship ball to wrap up an enthralling 11-8, 12-14, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 victory - a win that sees her strengthen her lead at the top of the PSA Road to Dubai Standings and cut down the gap between herself and Worlds No.1 and 2 Raneem El Welily and Nicol David, respectively.

“There’s a lot of great names on that trophy so it’s a great feeling to know that my name will go along side them now,” said Massaro.

“It’s amazing to win another major trophy - I’m over the moon. Physically and mentally I feel in a really good place at the moment.

“I think that there was a little bit of a change in tactical plan in the end and then a bit of a momentum shift and it was enough to carry me over the line in that fifth game. There was only three or four points left at that point and I don’t think that there was enough time for her to adjust to that.”

24-year-old Elshorbagy claimed a second consecutive Qatar Classic title with an assured 3-1 triumph over World No.3 Gregory Gaultier, to avenge his defeat against the Frenchman at the semi-final stage of the U.S. Open - a tournament Gaultier went on to win.

Elshorbagy reached the final without dropping a single game all tournament and he capitalised on his freshness to pounce on a tired looking Gaultier, who had flirted with elimination against Karim Abdel Gawad in the quarter-final, recovering from a 2-0 deficit, and against Mazen Hesham in the semi-finals.

The victory now sees Elshorbagy go into the biggest tournament of the year, the PSA Men’s World Championship which begins on November 15 in Bellevue, Washington, approaching peak form.

“This is my fourth year in a row to make it to the final in Qatar [2012 & 2014 World Championship, 2013 Qatar Classic],” said Elshorbagy.

“I’m just glad I was able to play the whole week here and I’m glad I could win the title just one week before the World Championship. It’s an important win and for sure it’s a confidence boost for me for that tournament.”
 


The court in Doha

Men's Draw
Women's Draw

REPORTS
Preview
Qualifying
1st Round
2nd Round
Quarter Finals
Semi Finals (Women)
Semi Finals (Men)
Final


Egyptian Men’s World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy and England’s Women’s World No.3 Laura Massaro prevailed in their respective finals at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha


“This is my fourth year in a row to make it to the final in Qatar [2012 & 2014 World Championship, 2013 Qatar Classic],” said Elshorbagy


“There’s a lot of great names on that trophy so it’s a great feeling to know that my name will go along side them now,” said Massaro

 

Event History
 2013  2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Men's Draw
Qatar Classic 2015
29 Oct - 06 Nov, Doha, Qatar, $150k
Round One
31 Oct/01 Nov
Round Two
02/03 Nov
Quarters
04 Nov
Semis
05 Nov
Final
06 Nov
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY)
11-9, 11-4, 11-9 (42m)
[WC] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
Mohamed Elshorbagy
11-6, 11-8, 11-3 (39m)
Mohamed Abouelghar
Mohamed Elshorbagy
14-12, 11-7, 11-7 (36m)
Max Lee
Mohamed Elshorbagy
11-7, 11-4, 11-9 (39m)
Ryan Cuskelly
 






Mohamed Elshorbagy
11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10 (59m)Gregory Gaultier

James Willstrop (ENG)
5-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-9 (74m)
[Q] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)
Max Lee (HKG)
4-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-4 (51m)
[Q] Greg Lobban (SCO)
Max Lee
11-5, 11-8, 11-9 (37m)
Simon Rösner
Stephen Coppinger (RSA)
11-7, 12-14, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 (86m)
[5] Simon Rösner (GER)
[7] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
3-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 (49m)
[Q] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)
Ryan Cuskelly
11-4, 11-6, 11-7 (47m)
Chris Simpson
Ryan Cuskelly
9-11, 7-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-2 (88m)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY)
13-11, 6-11, 11-3, 14-12 (65m)
Chris Simpson (ENG)
Adrian Waller (ENG)
11-9, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7 (46m)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI)
Adrian Waller
(Walkover)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Cameron Pilley (AUS)
11-7, 11-8, 12-14, 11-5 (63m)
[3] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
[4] Omar Mosaad (EGY)
11-9, 11-3, 11-9 (46m)
[Q] Leo Au (HKG)
Omar Mosaad
12-10, 13-11, 11-7 (51m)
Mazen Hesham
Mazen Hesham
11-8, 12-10, 11-8 (42m)
Ali Farag
Mazen Hesham
4-11, 12-10, 11-9, 14-12 (59m)
Gregory Gaultier
Mazen Hesham (EGY)
11-7, 11-6, 11-9 (50m
[Q] Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS)
Daryl Selby (ENG)
11-9, 11-9, 11-9 (60m)
[Q] Alan Clyne (SCO)
Daryl Selby
11-7, 11-8, 11-2 (36m)
Ali Farag
[Q] Ali Farag (EGY)
11-5, 7-11, 11-3, 11-3 (33m)
[6] Peter Barker (ENG)
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY)
5-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7 (75m)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Karim Abdel Gawad
11-8, 4-11, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8 (81m)
Gregoire Marche
Karim Abdel Gawad
7-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 (63m)
Gregory Gaultier
Tom Richards (ENG)
11-6, 11-2, 11-6 (40m)
[Q] Gregoire Marche (FRA)
Fares Dessouki (EGY)
11-7, 11-8, 11-3 (40m)
Saurav Ghosal (IND)
Fares Dessouki
11-4, 12-10, 11-9 (48m)
Gregory Gaultier
Borja Golan (ESP)
11-5, 11-8, 11-4 (42m)
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)

RESULTS: PSA World Series Qatar Classic, Doha, Qatar

Qualifying finals:

[1] Alan Clyne (SCO) bt [12] Joe Lee (ENG) 3-0: 11-4, 11-4, 11-4
[6] Leo Au (HKG) bt Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW) 3-2: 6-11, 11-4, 10-12, 11-9, 11-2
[10] Greg Lobban (SCO) bt [7] Zahed Mohamed (EGY) 3-2: 11-9, 8-11, 5-11, 11-7, 13-11
[14] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [4] Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5
[3] Gregoire Marche (FRA) bt [13] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) 3-1: 8-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7
[5] Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) bt [15] Olli Tuominen (FIN) 3-0: 11-7, 11-4, 11-7
[8] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt [9] Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-2: 11-5, 10-12, 11-8, 9-11, 11-4
[2] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt Charles Sharpes (ENG) 3-0: 15-13, 11-5, 11-6

 

Women's Draw
Qatar Classic 2015
29 Oct - 06 Nov, Doha, $150k
Round One
31 Oct/01 Nov
Round Two
02/03 Nov
Quarters
04 Nov
Semis
05 Nov
Final
06 Nov
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY)
11-9, 11-6, 4-11, 11-9 (37m)
Joshana Chinappa (IND)
Joshana Chinappa
16-14, 11-8, 11-8 (37m)
Yathreb Adel
Joshana Chinappa
11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 12-10, 11-6 (50m)
Omneya Abdel Kawy
Omneya Abdel Kawy
11-7, 11-4, 11-6 (25m)
Laura Massaro
Laura Massaro
11-8, 12-14, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 (73m)
Nour El Sherbini
Yathreb Adel (EGY)
11-5, 11-7, 11-7 (26m)
[12] Dipika Pallikal (IND)
[10] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
11-6, 11-4, 11-6 (14m)
Habiba Mohamed (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry
11-9, 11-7, 15-13 (38m)
Omneya Abdel Kawy
Line Hansen (DEN)
11-7, 16-14, 4-11, 11-6 (47m)
[5] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY)
11-8, 11-7, 11-5 (27m)
[Q] Nadine Shahin (EGY)
Nouran Gohar
11-2, 11-5, 11-2 (23m)
Amina Yousry
Nouran Gohar
11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6 (43m)
Laura Massaro
[Q] Amina Yousry (EGY)
13-11, 14-12, 9-11, 9-11, 11-7 (67m)
[13] Emily Whitlock (ENG)
[15] Salma Hany Ibrahim (EGY)
7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-5 (33m)
[Q] Fiona Moverley (ENG)
Fiona Moverley
14-12, 11-9, 5-11, 11-9 (51m)
Laura Massaro
[Q] Menna Nasser (EGY)
11-8, 11-7, 11-3 (22m)
[4] Laura Massaro (ENG)
[3] Camille Serme (FRA)
11-5, 11-7, 11-6 (35m)
[Q] Coline Aumard (FRA)
Camille Serme
4-11, 13-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-9 (57m)
Amanda Sobhy
Camille Serme
13-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8 (52m)
Nour El Sherbini
Nour El Sherbini
11-6, 10-12, 5-11, 11-4, 11-9 (59m)
Nicol David
[Q] Hania El Hammamy (EGY)
11-4, 11-3, 11-0 (18m)
[14] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[9] Rachael Grinham (AUS)
11-6, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 (44m)
Heba El Torky (EGY)
Rachael Grinham
13-11, 11-7, 11-6 (23m)
Nour El Sherbini
[Q] Olivia Blatchford (USA)
8-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-4 (36m)
[6] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
[7] Annie Au (HKG)
11-9, 11-13, 8-11, 12-10, 11-7 (55m)
Joey Chan (HKG)
Annie Au
14-12, 12-10, 11-9 (35m)
Jenny Duncalf
Annie Au
11-7, 11-4, 11-3 (23m)
Nicol David
[Q] Mayar Hany (EGY)
6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 (51m)
[11] Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
[16] Victoria Lust (ENG)
13-15, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 (65m)
Tesni Evans (WAL)
Victoria Lust
11-5, 11-5, 11-5 (32m)
Nicol David
Nicolette Fernandes (GUY)
11-4, 11-4, 11-5 (31m)
[2] Nicol David (MAS)

RESULTS: PSA World Series Qatar Classic, Doha, Qatar

Qualifying finals:

[12] Mayar Hany (EGY) bt [1] Donna Urquhart (AUS) 3-2: 7-11, 12-10, 11-6, 9-11, 11-8
[6] Coline Aumard (FRA) bt [11] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-1: 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 12-10
[9] Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt [5] Milou van der Heijden (NED) 3-0: 11-7, 11-7, 11-8
[3] Olivia Blatchford (USA) bt [15] Lee Ka Yi (HKG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-7, 11-9
[10] Fiona Moverley (ENG) bt [4] Mariam Metwally (EGY) 3-0: 12-10, 11-5, 11-8
Amina Yousry (EGY) bt [13] Sina Wall (GER) 3-0: 11-6, 11-4, 11-8
[14] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [7] Nouran El Torky (EGY) 3-2: 11-9, 11-6, 3-11, 6-11, 11-4
[16] Menna Nasser (EGY) bt [2] Misaki Kobayashi (JPN) 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 3-4 retired
 

Semi Finals (Men)

Gaultier And Elshorbagy To Meet In Qatar Classic Final

The final of the 2015 Qatar Classic, Men’s PSA World Series tournament, will see World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy renew his rivalry with World No.3 Gregory Gaultier in a highly anticipated showdown at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.

The duo, seeded to meet in the semi-finals of the forthcoming PSA World Championship which begins on November 15, have met 15 times previously on the PSA World Tour with Gaultier prevailing on ten occasions, including their most recent encounter during the semi-finals of the first World Series event of the season, the Delaware Investments U.S. Open, just two weeks ago.

With vital PSA Road To Dubai Standings points on offer, as well as the prospect of gaining a mental edge ahead of an anticipated World Championship showdown, the pair will give no quarter as they bid to win one of the most prestigious titles on the PSA World Tour.

“It’s great for me to get to final without dropping a game,” said Elshorbagy, who dismissed Australian challenger Ryan Cuskelly in a comfortable straight-games semi-final win.

“I will be fresh for tomorrow. It’s the fourth year in a row that I’ve made it to the final here on my favourite court and it’s great confidence before the World Championship. I can’t wait to play the final tomorrow in front of the crowd here.”

After being forced to dig deep to secure his place in the last four after going two-games down to Karim Abdel Gawad in the quarters, Gaultier was once again required to call upon his reserves against 21-year-old maverick Mazen Hesham to book his place in the final.

Hesham shot out of the blocks to take the first game 11-4 as he strung together a series of un-returnable winners but the 32-year-old from Aix-en-Provence put his wealth of experience to use to enforce his authority on the match and win out 4-11, 12-10, 11-9, 14-12 after 59-minutes.

“He’s been flying all week and I really had to give my best today to get through,” said Gaultier.

“In the first game he was on fire and controlling things so I had to pinch myself and tell myself to push again like yesterday and get out of his rhythm. I had to make him work and extend the rallies and then I felt like I played the big points really well.

“My shots came in at the right time but I maybe relaxed a little too much in the fourth and he came back and that’s something I cannot afford to do tomorrow against Mohamed because if I give him a chance then he will take it.

“Mohamed is a very tough opponent but there’s a lot of respect between us as well. I’m really happy to be back in the final of a major tournament and hopefully we can put on a good show tomorrow.”
 


“It’s great for me to get to final without dropping a game,” said Elshorbagy, who dismissed Australian challenger Ryan Cuskelly in a comfortable straight-games. "I will be fresh for tomorrow."


“He’s been flying all week and I really had to give my best today to get through,” said Gaultier. "In the first game he was on fire so I had to pinch myself and tell myself to push again like yesterday and get out of his rhythm."

Semi Finals (Women)

Massaro And El Sherbini To Meet In Mouthwatering Qatar Finale

#PSAWorldTour

England’s World No.3 Laura Massaro will go head-to-head with three-time World Junior Champion and World No.8 Nour El Sherbini in the final of the 2015 Qatar Classic tomorrow in what promises to be a block-buster encounter between two of the most in-form players on the PSA World Tour.

2013 World Champion Massaro, who defeated El Sherbini to lift that prestigious title in Penang, came into the tournament at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex in the form of her life having already collected two titles, including the Delaware Investments U.S. Open, so far this season while El Sherbini tasted success at the Carol Weymuller Open in September.

Massaro will now be gunning for a second consecutive PSA World Series title to extend her lead at the top of the PSA Road To Dubai Standings but will have her work cut out against the 20-year-old Egyptian, who downed legendary Nicol David in a gripping 59-minute semi-final.

“I can’t believe that I won that match,” said an elated El Sherbini. “Nicol is one of the best players ever, she’s a legend and there will never be someone like her again.

“But I kept telling myself to keep pushing and keep attacking until the end and just give everything today and it’s amazing to be in the final - I’m really happy.

“At the end I was really tired but the support of the crowd was amazing and gave me confidence. I felt like I was playing in Egypt not Qatar and that support is everything and I think that’s the reason I won today- but I’m not finished yet.

“There’s still one more match to go.”

Massaro meanwhile booked her place in the showpiece event after comfortably dispatching Egyptian World No.6 Omneya Abdel Kawy in an assured straight games triumph.

“I’ve started the season really well and can’t believe how good I’ve been playing,” said Massaro.

“I’ve made three finals and won two tournaments so I’m feeling confident at the moment – every final is a big day and my goal is obviously to win big titles so I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m really happy to make another final and even happier that I managed to get off 3-0. I was expecting a tough match after our semi-final in Philadelphia but I think she made a lot of unforced errors and wasn’t at her best but the most important thing is getting two feet into the final and I’ll do that whatever way I have to.”
 

 

 

 

 

 


“I can’t believe that I won that match,” said an elated El Sherbini. “Nicol is one of the best players ever, she’s a legend and there will never be someone like her again

 


“I’ve started the season really well and can’t believe how good I’ve been playing,” said Massaro. “I’ve made three finals and won two tournaments so I’m feeling confident at the moment – every final is a big day and my goal is obviously to win big titles".

Quarter Finals 

Cuskelly And Hesham Book Maiden World Series Semi Spots In Qatar

Australian Ryan Cuskelly wrote his name into the squash history books in Doha by becoming the first male player since 2001 to come through qualification and progress all the way to the semi-finals of a prestigious PSA World Series tournament to join fellow last four debutant Mazen Hesham in the line-up for the penultimate day of action at the 2015 Qatar Classic.

28-year-old Cuskelly continued his recent red-hot form in Doha to come from two-games down to record an unlikely victory over World No.5 Miguel Angel Rodriguez that sees him become the first player since Englishman Chris Waker, who made it to the final of the 2001 British Open, to come all the way through the draw.

“I can’t believe I’m in the semi-finals of a World Series tournament - it’s unreal,” said Cuskelly, who lifted the biggest title of his career just one week ago at the PSA M35 Welaptega Bluenose Squash Classic in Canada.

“I don’t know how I came back from two-love down against someone like him. He’s one of the fittest guys on the tour so I’m over the moon with that result and to be in the semi-finals.

“When I came here from Canada I was just trying to get through qualification. It was a 24 hour journey and I got here a day before qualifying started so I was tired from the tournament and the travel and I just scraped through. But I’ve felt better each day and I’ve played some of my best ever squash in the last few rounds.

“These opportunities don’t come often and you never know what will happen tomorrow. I’ve got nothing to lose so I’ll be pushing again as hard as I can.”

Cuskelly will face World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy for a place in the title-decider while the second semi-final sees another last four debutant, Egyptian Mazen Hesham, face World No.3 Gregory Gaultier. The Frenchman narrowly avoided a shock exit at the hands of Karim Abdel Gawad, coming from 2-0 down to keep his title hopes alive.

“Today I was flat and I was struggling and credit to him he was playing well and I couldn’t read his game - he was taking it early and putting it in the corner well,” said Gaultier.

“At 2-0 Camille (Serme) found some words to wake me up and it clicked in my head and made me wake up and from that point I pushed myself and tried to be more patient and make him work and work even if it was burning inside.

“Once I started to feel confident in that third I knew it would be possible so I just tried to make him work hard. There are days like this when you have to deal with it and get a win so I’m happy, not with my game, but with the fighting spirit I found.”

In the women’s draw World No.2 Nicol David and World No.3 Laura Massaro edged closer towards setting up a mouth-watering title-decider after coming through their respective quarter-final encounters in dominant fashion against Annie Au and Nouran Gohar, respectively.

David in particular was in ruthless fashion as she dismissed World No.10 Au in just 23-minutes to keep alive her hopes of defending the Qatar crown she won in 2011, the last time the tournament was staged.

“I’m really pleased to win in three especially because Annie is always a dangerous opponent,” said David.

“I knew I couldn’t give her any opportunities, as a lefty she’s very hand to read and is very strong on her forehand so I just attacked when I could and focused on playing my game. I knew I had to close the court well and I’m happy my shots came in.

“Tomorrow in the semis I’m going to go in there and try and step up my game again. I’m so happy to be enjoying being on court, playing my game and being in the semi-finals. If you perform well the results and the rankings will come so my focus is just on performing well and on doing what I need to do and enjoying the atmosphere of being out there.”
 

 

 

 


“I can’t believe I’m in the semi-finals of a World Series tournament - it’s unreal,” said Cuskelly


Egyptian Mazen Hesham (above in black) will face World No.3 Gregory Gaultier (below)


World No.2 Nicol David (above) and World No.3 Laura Massaro (below) edged closer towards setting up a mouth-watering title-decider

 

 

2nd Round Lower Half

Farag And Hesham Impress To Reach Qatar Quarters

Rising Egyptian talents Mazen Hesham and Ali Farag produced two of the most impressive and dominant performances of the tournament so far to progress to the quarter-finals of the 2015 Qatar Classic in Doha.

The duo will meet each other in a highly anticipated encounter tomorrow after 21-year-old Hesham produced a sensational performance to overcome World No.6 Omar Mosaad, the Delaware Investments U.S. Open runner-up, in straight-games while Farag showed class and maturity beyond his 23-years as he ran proceedings against experienced English campaigner and World No.16 Daryl Selby.

“Today is a very, very good day,” said Farag, who graduated from Harvard University last year.

“I knew I could win and I believed I could win but I didn’t expect to put in a performance like that - that is the best I have played all week and the best I have played in a long time.

“It’s my first time in the second round of a World Series tournament and now I’m into the quarters for the first time and that feels amazing. I’m really happy with how disciplined I played as I didn’t go for many silly shots and that is pleasing.”

Meanwhile Karim Abdel Gawad overcame Gregoire Marche of France in an enthralling 81-minute battle that ranks as one of the tournaments standout encounters so far to set up a last eight match up with French number one Gregory Gaultier.

In a back-and-forth battle Gawad came from 7-3 down in the fifth game, notching up seven consecutive points, to defeat the acrobatic Marche.

“Even when i was 7-3 down I still believed that I could win because he still had to win four points to make it,” said Gawad.

“So I tried hard not to think about the score and just told myself to push as hard as I can on each point because that was absolutely critical, especially as I need to be even more constant to keep my top ten ranking and keep improving.

“I didn’t play my best today so I’m happy to win and I know that’s what the top players do - they win on bad days - so I’m very happy I was able to do that.”

In the women’s draw defending champion Nicol David, who lifted the trophy when the tournament last took place in the Emirate in 2011, led the charge into the last eight with a straightforward victory over Victoria Lust to keep alive her hopes of winning a first PSA World Series title since the 2014 U.S. Open.

“It was a bit of an up and down match but I am happy to get through in three,” said David.

“In the middle of each game she was doing her own things so I had to reassess and make sure that I worked to impose my own game. I have been working hard on improving my strength in training to get lower on the ball, be faster onto the ball and also to be more assertive with my shots.”

Elsewhere Egyptian Nour El Sherbini came through a battle of sharp-shooters with Rachael Grinham while Frenchwoman Camille Serme prevailed in a battle of wills with American number one Amanda Sobhy.
 

 

 

 


Ali Farag ran proceedings against experienced English campaigner and World No.16 Daryl Selby


Mazen Hesham produced a sensational performance to overcome World No.6 Omar Mosaad


Nicol David, led the charge into the last eight with a straightforward victory over Victoria Lust

2nd Round Top Half

Cuskelly And Lee Book Maiden World Series Quarter-final Berths In Qatar

Australian Ryan Cuskelly and Hong Kong’s Max Lee will compete in the quarter-finals of a PSA World Series tournament for the first time in their careers after coming through their second round encounters at the 2015 Qatar Classic at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.

Just one week after collecting the biggest PSA World Tour title of his career at the Welaptega Bluenose Classic and in the midst of his best ever form Cuskelly produced a stunning performance, hitting scintillating winners from all angles, as he swept aside England’s Chris Simpson in straight-games.

“I maybe didn’t have the confidence before that I could beat anyone in the world and I’ve had a few good wins and results in big tournament so I’ve got that belief now,” said Cuskelly.

“There was a time when I was stuck at 40 in the world for nine years or so and I thought maybe I wouldn’t actually make it but I stuck in and worked really hard and the last six months have been really good.

“I can’t believe I’m in the quarter-finals. I’ve been coming here for a few years and I’ve always watched the quarters and the semis so to be part of it now is awesome and I think I have a good chance in the next round as well.”

Cuskelly will face Colombian World No.5 Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the quarters while Lee will face World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy after downing German World No.6 Simon Rösner 3-0 to book his maiden last eight appearance.

“I can’t believe I came through in three,” said Lee. “The last few times we have played he has won so I’m very happy to make the quarter-finals of a World Series tournament for the first time.

“I feel fresh so I focused on trying to play at a fast pace and move him around the court and I think I had a good performance. I really wanted to win today so I tried very hard not to think too far ahead and make sure I got my plan right and played with good length and attacked to take the ball early.”

In the women’s draw England’s World No.3 Laura Massaro, winner of the first PSA World Series tournament of the season two weeks ago at the Delaware Investments U.S. Open, celebrated her 32nd birthday by booking a place in the last eight of the tournament in Doha.

She was forced to work hard for her berth in the quarters by compatriot Fiona Moverley who blended delicate hands and court craft to trouble Massaro from the off but the experience 2013 World Champion managed to find enough in her tank to hang in and see out the match.

“I didn’t play 100 per cent at my best and when you do that against someone as dangerous as her you can get hurt but I felt like I worked her game out as the match went on,” said Massaro.

“Every game was tight so I’m pleased to get off in four games. My first round match was quick and then I had a rest day yesterday so I feel like I’ll be better for the remainder of the tournament after having a tough test today.”

Massaro will take on Egyptian teenager Nouran Gohar, the World Junior Champion, in the quarter-finals which will also feature India’s number two Joshana Chinappa, who followed up her first round win over World No.1 Raneem El Welily to defeat Yathreb Adel and reach the last eight of a World Series tournament for the first time since 2013.

“It was hard to reset for today’s match after beating Raneem in the first round but I tried hard not to overthink anything and to just play simple,” said Chinappa.

“That’s what I did against Raneem and I knew Yathreb would be tough because she had a great win over Dipika in the first round so I’m happy I managed to stay focused on and not think too far ahead and put in a good performance.”

 

 

 

 


Mohamed Elshorbagy into quarter finals in straight games




Australian Ryan Cuskelly (above) and Hong Kong’s Max Lee (below) will compete in the quarter-finals of a PSA World Series tournamnet for the first time

 




Joshana Chinappa, who followed up her first round win over World No.1 Raneem El Welily to defeat Yathreb Adel
 




World No.3 Laura Massaro
will take on Egyptian
teenager Nouran Gohar,
the World Junior Champion

 

 1st Round Bottom Half

Egyptian Quintet Lead Charge On Day Two Of Qatar Classic

Delaware Investments U.S. Open runner-up Omar Mosaad led a quintet of Egyptian stars into the second round of the 2015 Men’s Qatar Classic, PSA World Series tournament, during the second day of first round action at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.

Number four seed Mosaad dominated his encounter with Hong Kong’s Leo Au, winning 3-0, to set up a second round clash with compatriot Mazen Hesham while Fares Dessouki, Ali Farag and Karim Abdel Gawad completed the set after pulling off a trio of impressive wins.

World No.33 Farag, who came through qualification to earn his man draw spot, downed World No.11 Peter Barker in a composed 3-1 triumph and will take on Gawad on Tuesday after the 24-year-old celebrated breaking into the top ten for the first time in his career with a dogged 3-2 win over Tarek Momen.

“It feels like my birthday today by becoming a top ten player because ever since I was a small child I wanted to be a top squash player - I have focused my whole life on being the best,” said Gawad.

“I feel like my career is starting again now and I hope I can keep on improving my game and I will push myself as hard as I can and beating Tarek is a great result for me.

“He’s such a dangerous player and one of the quickest and most talented guys on the tour so I’m very proud and very happy that I was able to come through.”

Elsewhere Dessouki impressed as he halted India’s World No.17 Saurav Ghosal in straight game and will line up against World No.3 Gregory Gaultier in the next round.

After a trio of seeds in the form of World No.1 Raneem El Welily, World No.14 Dipika Pallikal and World No.18 Emily Whitlock suffered shock defeats on day one of action in the women’s draw there was a restoration in balance as all eight matches on day two went in favour of the higher seeded player.

World No.2 Nicol David, winner of the last women’s Qatar Classic which was staged in 2011, led the field as she easily saw off Nicolette Fernandes in straight-games while number three seed Camille Serme enjoyed an equally straightforward win over compatriot Coline Aumard.

Former World No.2 Jenny Duncalf was forced to use every ounce of her experience as she came from two-games down to overcome 18-year-old Egyptian talent Mayar Hany to progress to the second round.

Hany, the 18-year-old from Cairo, stunned top seeded Australian Donna Urquhart in the final round of qualification to book her place in the main draw and showed no signs of nerves as she picked up where she left off, taking the game to Duncalf from the off but the Englishwoman withstood a late barrage to seal the match 6-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 11-7.

“In those first two games she was playing so well and it surprised me a little and I just wasn’t playing the right game,” said Duncalf.

“So in the third I tried to play a much more attacking style and I was rewarded for it. She came back strong again at the end and I was getting a little edgy so I’m happy I seen it through.

“It’s a long time since I came from two-games down to win but I’m very pleased to come through today.”
 


 


 


Nicol David, winner of the last Qatar Classic easily saw off Nicolette Fernandes in straight-games

 


Nour El Sherbini has a 3-1 win over USA's Olivia Blatchford

 


World No.33 Farag, who came through qualification to earn his man draw spot, downed World No.11 Peter Barker in a composed 3-1

 


World No.3 Gregory Gaultier will play Fares Dessouki in round 2

 

 
1st Round Top Half

Seeds Crumble In Qatar Classic First Round

The opening day of main draw action at the 2015 Qatar Classic, PSA World Series tournament, saw half a dozen of the tournament’s top seeds crash out at the first hurdle as the form book got ripped apart in both the men’s and women's draws at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha.

In the women’s draw India’s Joshana Chinappa set the scene for what was to follow as she dismissed World No.1 Raneem El Welily 3-1 to record one of the biggest wins of her career in the day’s opening matchup. The 29-year-old from Chennai came into the second PSA World Series tournament of the season in form and shot out of the blocks to establish an early two-game lead over an out-of-sorts El Welily - who’s performance was littered with errors throughout - from which the 26-year-old from Alexandria couldn’t recover.

“This is by far the best win of my career - it doesn’t get any better than beating the player at the top of the world rankings,” said Chinappa.

“I’ve not been looking at my rankings or anything like that of late and I think that’s showing through in my game. I’m more relaxed on court and hopefully I can keep my momentum going now and take that into my next match and see how far I can go.”

Chinappa will face Egyptian Yathreb Adel in the second round after she upset the odds to record an emphatic 3-0 win over World No.19 Dipika Pallikal before fellow Egyptian Amina Yousry overcame a gap of over 120 places on the World Rankings to defeat England’s Emily Whitlock in a five-game thriller.

Yousry edged the first two games courtesy of tie-breaks in what was an evenly contested and intense battle before Whitlock responded to level the match at 2-2. But 15-year-old Yousry dug deep to take the fifth and record a huge upset.

“I’m so happy to have won this match - it’s an amazing feeling,” said Yousry.

“It was my first time playing Emily and up until recently I never though my game would be good enough to beat someone of her calibre!”

In the men’s tournament qualifiers Ryan Cuskelly and Mohamed Abouelghar stole the headlines as they dispatched World No.9 Mathieu Castagnet and former World No.1 James Willstrop, respectively.

Less than a week since winning the biggest title of his career to date at the Welaptega Bluenose Squash Classic in Canada Cuskelly continued to enjoy his rich vein of form on the other side of the world as he dominated from the outset against Castagnet to record one of the best wins of his career.

“That’s a massive win for me,” said Cuskelly. “He’s such a tough guy but once I started to get my rhythm going I was able to attack and that was my game plan.

“I came here straight from Canada where I picked up the biggest title of my career so playing two qualification matches and then Mathieu was pretty tough and I can’t really believe I’ve come through. I’m in a good section of the draw and if I keep playing well I could cause a few more upsets so hopefully I can keep that momentum going.”

Cuskelly will face England’s Chris Simpson in the second round after the 28-year-old World No.23 eliminated World No.10 Marwan Elshorbagy while Abouelghar will face current World No.1 and Egyptian compatriot Mohamed Elshorbagy.

Abouelghar came from two games down against Willstrop to record a 5-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-9 win and will be hoping to carry his form into Monday’s encounter with Elshorbagy.

“I am more than happy with my performance today and to come from 2-0 down against someone like James and win is huge for me,” said Abouelghar.

“He came out determined in the fifth and I’m really happy I managed to hang on and I’m looking forward to playing against Mohamed now. I know how tough he is but I feel like I can compete at this level so I’ll give it everything.”

 




 



Joshana Chinappa dismisses World No.1 Raneem El Welily

 


Egyptian Yathreb Adel  upset the odds defeating Dipika Pallikal

 


Mohamed Elshorbagy Safely through first round




Mohamed Abouelghar beats former World No.1 James Willstrop

 


Miguel Angel Rodriguez into round 2 after beating Cameron Pilley

 

Qualifying

Upsets Abound As Egyptian's Storm Qatar Classic Qualification

The main draws for the 2015 Qatar Classic, PSA World Series Men’s and Women’s tournaments, have been finalised following a climactic day of qualification encounters that was overflowing with shock victories and huge upsets from the off.

In the women’s draw, the first elite level women’s tournament to take place in Qatar since 2011, top seeded qualifier and former World No.13 Donna Urquart of Australia was the first shock casualty, bowing out after a gripping five-game encounter with 18-year-old Egyptian World No.57 Mayar Hany.

“It’s my first time at at a major tournament and I never thought I would qualify for such a big event especially against a player of Donna’s calibre,” said Hany.

She was joined by fellow compatriots and surprise victors Hania El Hammamy, Nadine Shahin, Amina Yousry and Menna Nasser, who all upset the seedings to book their berths in the first round - the first time that any of the quintet will have appeared in a PSA World Series main draw.

England’s Fiona Moverley was also a surprise winner, defeating fancied Egyptian player Mariam Metwally 3-0 while in the men’s draw Ali Farag produced the biggest upset of the day, overcoming compatriot Omar Abdel Meguid, ranked seven places higher than him at No.28, 3-1 to make the main draw.

Scotland’s Greg Lobban also prospered at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex, defeating talented Egyptian Zahed Mohamed in a bruising 3-2 battle to join fellow Scotsman Alan Clyne in the main draw after the top seeded qualifier eased past Joe Lee.
 

Previews

Nick Matthew Out Of Qatar Classic

World No.2 Nick Matthew has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming 2015 Qatar Classic, PSA World Series tournament, due to an abdominal injury.

As a result top ranked Swiss player Nicolas Mueller moves into the main draw automatically where he will face England’s Adrian Waller when the action gets underway on Saturday October 31 while World No.3 Gregory Gaultier moves up to occupy the number two seeding and will face Spaniard Borja Golan in the first round.

35-year-old Matthew will now face a race against the clock in order to recover fully to compete in the 2015 Men’s World Championship which gets underway in Bellevue, Washington in less than three weeks.

Draw: Men’s Qatar Classic - PSA World Series
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [WC] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
James Willstrop (ENG) v [Qualifier]
Max Lee (HKG) v [Qualifier]
Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v [5] Simon Rösner (GER)
[7] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) v [Qualifier]
Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) v Chris Simpson (ENG)
Adrian Waller (ENG) v Nicolas Mueller (SUI)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [3] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
[4] Omar Mosaad (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Mazen Hesham (EGY) v [Qualifier]
Daryl Selby (ENG) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [6] Peter Barker (ENG)
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) v Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Tom Richards (ENG) v [Qualifier]
Fares Dessouki (EGY) v Saurav Ghosal (IND)
Borja Golan (ESP) v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
 

Nour El Tayeb And Alison Waters Out Of Qatar Classic

World No.5 Alison Waters and World No.8 Nour El Tayeb have both withdrawn from competing at the upcoming 2015 Qatar Classic, PSA World Series tournament, due to injury.

Recent Delaware Investments U.S. Open runner-up El Tayeb has pulled out after failing to recover from a shoulder injury sustained following a heavy fall during her impressive quarter-final win over World No.1 Raneem El Welily while Waters will no longer compete in the Middle East after aggravating a lower back injury.

As a result, Tesni Evans of Wales and Yathreb Adel of Egypt have moved into the main draw automatically to face Nouran Gohar and Dipika Pallikal, respectively.

Revised Draw - Women’s 2015 Qatar Classic
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Joshana Chinappa (IND)
Yathreb Adel (EGY) v [13] Dipika Pallikal (IND)
[11] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Habiba Mohamed (EGY)
Line Hansen (DEN) v [5] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
[8] Emma Beddoes (ENG) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [14] Emily Whitlock (ENG)
[16] Salma Hany Ibrahim (EGY) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [4] Laura Massaro (ENG)
[3] Camille Serme (FRA) v [Qualifier]
[Qualifier] v [15] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[10] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v Heba El Torky (EGY)
[Qualifier] v [6] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
[7] Annie Au (HKG) v Victoria Lust (ENG)
[Qualifier] v [12] Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
[9] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Tesni Evans (WAL)
Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) v [2] Nicol David (MAS)
 

Ramy Ashour Out Of Qatar
Classic


World Champion Ramy Ashour has withdrawn from the upcoming 2015 Qatar Classic, PSA World Series tournament, set to take place at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar - the scene of his dramatic 2014 World Championship victory twelve months ago.

The 28-year-old Egyptian was forced to concede his second round match at the recent Delaware Investments U.S. Open against Mathieu Castagnet due to a hamstring injury and has failed to recover in time for the Qatar Classic, which starts on October 31.

As a result, England’s Adrian Waller comes into the main draw to face a qualifier in the first round while Castagnet moves up to occupy the number eight seeding in the draw.

Amended Qatar Classic Main Draw:
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [WC] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
James Willstrop (ENG) v Qualifier
Max Lee (HKG) v Qualifier
Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v [6] Simon Rösner (GER)
[8] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) v Qualifier
Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) v Chris Simpson (ENG)
Adrian Waller (ENG) v Tarek Momen (EGY)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [4] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Qualifier
Mazen Hesham (EGY) v Qualifier
Daryl Selby (ENG) v Qualifier
Qualifier v [7] Peter Barker (ENG)
[5] Omar Mosaad (EGY) v Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Tom Richards (ENG) v Qualifier
Fares Dessouki (EGY) v Saurav Ghosal (IND)
Borja Golan (ESP) v [2] Nick Matthew (ENG)
 

Classic Encounters
Guaranteed In Qatar

Three-time World Squash Champion Ramy Ashour is set to return to the scene of his latest and greatest world-title triumph when the PSA World Series makes its second stop of the 2015/16 season in Doha this October for the 2015 Qatar Classic.

Ashour defied all logic and belief as he completed his hat trick of World Championship crowns following a mesmerising encounter with World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy in front of a capacity crowd at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex and the duo will both be looking to recapture the form of that event when they set foot in Qatar again on October 31, for what will be the 14th consecutive year of PSA World Tour action in Doha.

With all of the world’s top players, including Nick Matthew, Gregory Gaultier and Miguel Angel Rodriguez, in the draw the 2015 Qatar Classic has the potential to deliver the same drama and excitement witnessed in the venue 12 months ago and this season will also see the return of top level women’s squash to Doha - with the women’s PSA World Series returning to the Khalifa Stadium for the first time since 2011.

2011 champion Nicol David will be aiming to continue her dominant form, having taken six of the previous seven titles available in Qatar, but will be up against new World No.1 Raneem El Welily in what looks to be a compelling women’s draw.

The joint-event will bring over 100 of the world’s finest squash practitioners to Doha for a jam-packed week that will see over 100 matches played out over six days to the delight of the tournament organisers.

“We’re very pleased to welcome the best squash players in the world to Doha once again for what promises to be a fantastic tournament, building on the success of last year’s astounding World Championship, and to welcome the best female players back to Doha for the first time since 2011,” said Qatar Squash Federation president Nabeel Bin Ali.

“Qatar continues to grow as a squash nation year-on-year and we are delighted to continue our support of the PSA World Tour for another year in what is a brand new era of joint-governance for the sport.”

Draw - Men’s Qatar Classic: PSA World Series
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [WC] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
James Willstrop (ENG) v Qualifier
Max Lee (HKG) v Qualifier
Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v [7] Simon Rösner (GER)
[5] Ramy Ashour (EGY) v Qualifier
Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) v Chris Simpson (ENG)
Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) v Tarek Momen (EGY)
Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [4] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
[3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Qualifier
Mazen Hesham (EGY) v Qualifier
Daryl Selby (ENG) v Qualifier
Qualifier v [8] Peter Barker (ENG)
[6] Omar Mosaad (EGY) v Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Tom Richards (ENG) v Qualifier
Fares Dessouki (EGY) v Saurav Ghosal (IND)
Borja Golan (ESP) v [2] Nick Matthew (ENG)

Draw - Women’s Qatar Classic: PSA World Series
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v Joshana Chinappa (IND)
Amanda Sobhy (USA) v [15] Dipika Pallikal (IND)
[13] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Habiba Mohamed (EGY)
Line Hansen (DEN)v [6] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
[5] Laura Massaro (ENG) v Qualifier
Qualifier v [16] Emily Whitlock (ENG)
[10] Emma Beddoes (ENG) v Qualifier
Qualifier v [4] Alison Waters (ENG)
[3] Camille Serme (FRA) v Qualifier
Qualifier v [9] Annie Au (HKG)
[12] Rachael Grinham (AUS) v Heba El Torky (EGY)
Qualifier v [7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
[8] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v Victoria Lust (ENG)
Qualifier v [14] Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
[11] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v Salma Hany Ibrahim (EGY)
Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) v [2] Nicol David (MAS)
 

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