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Redemption and Revenge: Jonathon Power tells Commonwealth Games story
More than 15 years after retiring from the professional game, Jonathon Power is still one of the best known names in the squash public consciousness. The former World No.1, who last year had a dazzling new court named after him, captured the public imagination with his spectacular shotmaking and personality on and off the court.
The Canadian, who currently coaches Peru’s World No.5 Diego Elias, sat down with us for a Commonwealth Games Q&A session, looking back on his silver singles medal in the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur, the gold singles medal in the 2002 Games in Manchester, and looking forward to the upcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
What do you mean by misunderstood?
“So, I’d never been in a real multi-sport games and I think, leading into that tournament, I’d beaten Peter Nicol six or seven times on the trot. And we weren’t playing for any prize money, so my care factor was really low.
“I went to Bali with a bunch of guys and had a good time for 10 days before the event and played no squash and just did it because it was part of the Squash Canada mandate. I didn’t have any sort of understanding.
“But then I got there and was around all the other athletes and got a sense of the village and the environment and what it all meant.”
What changed the way you understood the Games?
“I was pretty young at the time, so I didn’t really have any understanding. But [it all changed] once I got the response from back home, and realised how much people cared.
“I played the final with Peter, and he won, and he played a great match. It was really well received and it was a close match. I realised that it was more important than typical tour events. So I really prioritised that, for Manchester.
“The difference between the Commonwealth Games back then and now, is all the best players in the world were from the Commonwealth. I think there were nine out of the top 10 in Manchester.
“Manchester [where Power beat Nicol, who was by this point representing England, in the final] was so special. I got to have a rematch with Peter in the final and played a great, great match and got some revenge there. So we both got to share in what it was like to win the gold and in different sort of time periods. And that was a great memory and different to any other event I played.
Is revenge something you were focusing on before that 2002 final?
“Oh yeah, the two of us were just ferociously competitive at that point. It was at the peak of our rivalry. Every tournament was me and him at that point. So yeah, definitely it was about avenging that. Plus it was in England and he was playing for England so it was meaningful for sure, in our rivalry.”
After you beat Peter Nicol in Manchester, the BBC did a roundup of the Commonwealth Games, going through all the sports, and listed you as the ‘Best Entertainer of the Games.’ Can you talk to that a little?
“That’s news to me – I just found out right now! Maybe on the dance floor after I won the goal that was the Entertainer of the Games’ moment. I’d say I’d give it that, as I definitely had a good time with the victory!
“But I think my style was very much that you never knew what you were going to get. You’d come in and it could be it could be anything. I think the the anticipation [for the crowd] of not knowing what was going to happen was fun. It’s fun in any sport to go to something and not know if it’s all going to kick off, or what can happen.
“I think I woke up every morning – and I still do in my life – and I don’t know what’s gonna happen! It could all blow up or it could all be great. I lived every match like that and I lived every day like that.”
World Doubles Finals: Two Historic Gold for India, One for England
Sports Bulletin Report
GLASGOW (Scotland):-India’s squash players enjoyed a fairytale day as they won India’s first – and then second – ever gold medals in the finals of the 2022 WSF World Doubles Squash Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. The country, the first in Asia to win a World Doubles title, beat England in the mixed and the women’s doubles, with England securing a gold of their own in the men’s doubles final.
India had been beaten finalists in the mixed doubles in 2016 and the men’s doubles in 2004. However, they may have felt confident in the mixed doubles final, with Ghosal and Pallikal Karthik No.2 seeds and their opponents, England’s Adrian Waller and Alison Waters, seeded fourth.
In an electric start, Ghosal and Pallikal Karthik blasted their way into a 9/1 lead in the first game, with Waller and Waters unable to cope with the combination of power and accuracy both Indians had in spades. While the English duo did eventually manage to find a foothold in the match, the lead India had was too great and the No.2 seeds took the first game 11/6.
In the second game, both sides went on scoring runs. India, though, were able to keep their noses ahead for the majority, with the duo eventually securing an 11/8 win to take the historic title.
Afterwards, Pallikal Karthik, who returned to the game after three years out and having become a first-time mother to twins last October, said: “It’s just been a long journey for me to be here. And I’m just very, very excited to be playing with Saurav and being with the whole Indian team. There’s a lot of gratitude from me just being here today.
“The plan was to always come back [to squash]. But in between it didn’t really seem likely. But I think I just had the right people with me, Saurav kept pushing me wherever he was in the world! And then obviously my husband [IPL cricketer Dinesh Karthik], my in-laws, my parents, all just making me be back here and playing again.”
Ghosal added: “I think India is an emerging country. We are trying to do our best to put our foothold on the world squash map. Of course, countries like England and Australia and now Egypt have done exceedingly well and their history is very rich. This generation is trying to create create some history so that the next generations can follow us.”
No sooner had Pallikal Karthik completed her post-match interviews than the 30-year-old was back on court, this time securing India’s second gold medal of all time and of the afternoon.
Alongside Joshna Chinappa, Pallikal Karthik once again put England to the sword.
After taking the first game 11/9, India were pegged back by an 11/4 second-game loss to women’s No.2 seeds Sarah-Jane Perry and Alison Waters.
Although Perry and Waters had already beaten the Indian pair back in the group stage of the tournament, today there was to be no repeat, with Chinappa and Pallikal Karthik recovering to take the third 11/8.
Chinappa said afterwards: “I feel great. After we lost to them a few days back, we really wanted to come out with a very strong plan. Fortunately, I have a very strong partner, so that helps me quite a bit on court!”
Pallikal Karthik added that it was incredible to win her second gold medal of the day and that she would use the experience of the tournament as a springboard for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
After two demoralising defeats for England, there was joy for them in the last final of the day, as top seeds Declan James and James Willstrop broke home hearts with a 2-0 win over Scottish No.6 seeds Greg Lobban and Rory Stewart.
At 10/8 down in the first game, the prospect of England’s long hunt for a championship gold – which they hadn’t won since 1997 in Hong Kong – seemed looming. James and Willstrop recovered spectacularly, though, saving the game balls and taking the first game 11/10 before winning the second 11/6 to take the title.
“That was tremendous,” Willstrop said after the match. “We knew that we had to just be absolutely on it. We gave them full respect because they deserve it. And hopefully we deserve it. We’re chuffed to bits.
“It’s a huge event, it’s a world title. We’re so grateful to Scottish Squash, to the WSF and for everyone who’s joined together to put this together and make it a huge event.
“It’s a great facility, isn’t it? And it’s good memories from Glasgow [where the 2014 Commonwealth Games were played] for some of the old geezers in the team. So yeah, we’re thrilled with it. And we’re glad to be up here playing!”
Lobban, meanwhile, reflected on the positives of a week in which Scottish teams played above their seedings and won silver and bronze medals in the men’s draw, a bronze medal in the mixed, and secured impressive fifth-place finishes in the mixed and women’s draws.
He said: “The tournament was fantastic. I had a good run in the men’s with Rory and with Lisa [Aitken] in the mixed draw. Tonight, we came really close.
“It’s tough to take but looking at the bigger picture, getting to the world championships is a big achievement that we’re very proud of. This is the first time Rory and I have played together in a major competition, so to come second in the men’s draw is a great achievement. We knew coming in we were one of the best teams and had a really good chance, so I’m pleased we came away with something.”
Elsewhere, there were a number of other matches to decide final positions, including both South Africa and Australia ending the day with two wins apiece.
At the medal ceremony, WSF President Zena Wooldridge and Scottish Squash President Mark Adderley thanked the players, partners, volunteers and everyone else who had made the tournament a success.
Wooldridge added: “I think you’ll agree this has been an absolutely fabulous week of squash. Having been denied World Championships for nearly two and a half years, it’s just fantastic to be back.”
Results: WSF World Doubles Squash Championships Finals
Mixed Doubles Final: [2] Saurav Ghosal/Dipika Pallikal Karthik (IND) (11/6 11/8 22mins) [4] Adrian Waller/Alison Waters (ENG)
Women’s Final: [3] Joshna Chinappa/Dipika Pallikal Karthik (IND) (11/9 4/11 11/8 40mins) [2] Sarah-Jane Perry/Alison Waters (ENG)
Men’s Final: [1] Declan James/James Willstrop (ENG) (11/10 11/6 51mins) [6] Greg Lobban/Rory Stewart (SCO)
All Other Results
Mixed – Third/Fourth Playoff [5/6] Joel Makin/Tesni Evans (WAL) (8/11 9/11 28mins) [7/8] Greg Lobban/Lisa Aitken (SCO)
Mixed – Position 01-08 [13/16] Rory Stewart/Georgia Adderley (SCO) (4/11 11/7 11/8 43mins) [5/6] Ryan Cuskelly/Rachael Grinham (AUS)
Mixed – Position 09-16 [9/10] Vikram Malhotra/Joshna Chinappa (IND) (4/11 6/11 14mins) [9/10] Mohammad Syafiq Kamal/Aifa Azman (MAS)
Women’s – Position 09-12 [11/12] Alexandra Fuller/Cheyna Wood (RSA) (11/10 10/11 11/10 34mins) [11/12] Abbie Palmer/Kaitlyn Watts (NZL)
Women’s – Position 05-08 [5/6] Georgina Kennedy/Lucy Turmel (ENG) (5/11 11/3 4/11 25mins) [7/8] Georgia Adderley/Lisa Aitken (SCO)
Men’s – Third/Fourth Playoff [5] Alan Clyne/Douglas Kempsell (SCO) (11/9 10/11 11/9 61mins) [2] Daryl Selby/Adrian Waller (ENG)
Men’s – Position 01-16 [10/12] Rhys Dowling/Rex Hedrick (AUS) (11/9 9/11 11/10 63mins) [13/15] Tsz Kwan Lau/Henry Leung (HKG)
Men’s Position 01-16 [16/18] Jean-Pierre Brits/Christo Potgieter (RSA) (10/11 11/7 11/3 33mins) Bernat Jaume/Joel Jaume Izcara (ESP)
Men’s – Position 01-16 [7/9] Peter Creed/Emyr Evans (WAL) (11/5 11/5 23mins) [13/15] Addeen Idrakie/Sai Hung Ong (MAS)
Men’s – Position 01-16 [3] Zac Alexander/Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) (11/7 11/8 23mins) [4] Eain Yow Ng/Ivan Yuen (MAS)
Men’s – Position 17-32 [7/9] Vikram Malhotra/Ramit Tandon (IND) (11/7 11/10 37mins) Elliot Morris/Owain Taylor (WAL)
Mohammad Asim Khan wins the Crown of Islamabad International Squash Championship
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD:-Top seed Mohammad Asim Khan has won the title of DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship after overcoming Noor Zaman 3-2 in the final at Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad on Wednesday. The final score-line was 10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 7-11 and 11-6, as the championship match wasted 43 minutes.
World No. 58 and top seed Mohammad Asim Khan had to struggle hard in the court to win the final, as his opponent Noor Zaman was also in farm. Noor Zaman, who defeated high ranked player in the semifinal and was full confidence to claim another upset victory. Both local players displayed top quality squash in the first game that went up neck-t-neck and Zaman finished at tie-break 12-10.
Mohammad Asim won the second game at 11-5 and leveled the match score 1-1. He maintained the same pace in the third game by showing some quick work in the court and won at 11-7. Noor Zaman bounced back in the match after thrashing Asim 11-7 in the second last game of the match. However, in the fifth and final game, Mohammad Asim got rid of Noor Zaman 11-6 to become the champion.
At the end in the closing ceremony, chief guest, former World Champion and squash icon Jehangir Khan distributed the trophies and cash prizes among the players and appreciated the game of young lads. Before this, tournament secretary Inam-ullah Khan presented the report of the DHA International Squash Championship 2022.
ISLAMABAD INTERNATIONAL SQUASH: Mohammad Asim and Noor Zaman reach in final
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD:-Top seed Mohammad Asim and Noor Zaman have qualified for the final of the DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship after winning their semifinals at Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad on Tuesday.
In the first semifinal, World No. 58 and top seed Asim Khan from Pakistan defeated compatriot lad World No. 90 Israr Ahmad with a game score of 8-11 (Retired Hurt). After 11 minutes Israr Ahmed Khan could not continue his match owing to injury problems despite of starting the match with confidence and played some good strokes too against Asim.
Later, in the second semifinal, World No 149 Noor Zaman from Pakistan toppled World No 86 Addeen Iddrakie from Malaysia 3-1 and claimed an upset victory to reach in the final. Noor Zaman tackled his opponents brilliantly and did not allow Adden to put any pressure on him in the first two games, which Noor won at 11-5 and 11-9. Malaysian guy did some well in the third game and succeeded to makr match score 2-1. Noor won the fourt game at 11-6 to confirm his place in the final.
The final will be played on Wednesday (March 30, 2022) at the same venue between Mohammad Asim and Noor Zaman at 3:00pm.
Results (Semifinals):
Mohammad Asim (Pakistan) beat Israr Ahmed Khan (Pakistan) 8-11 (Retired Hurt)
Noor Zaman (Pakistan) beat Adden iddrakie (Malaysia) 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6 (34 minutes).
Islamabad International Squash: Asim, Israr, Addeen and Noor Zaman qualify for semifinals
Sports Bulletin Report
ISLAMABAD:-Top seed Asim Khan (Pakistan), Israr Ahmad (Pakistan), Addeen Iddrakie (Malayisa) and Noor Zaman (Pakistan) have book their berths in the semifinals of the DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship after defeating Ahsan Ayaz (Pakistan), Seif Shenaway (Egypt), Yassin Elshafei and Edwin Clain (France) respectively in the quarterfinals Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad on Monday.
The DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship is being organized at Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad that carries a prize purse of US$ 12,000. The semifinals will be played on March 29 while final on March 30 at the same venue.
Results (Quarterfinals):
Asim Khan (Pakistan) beat Ahsan Ayaz (Pakistan) 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (33 Min)
Israr Ahmad (Pakistan) beat Seif Shenaway (Egypt) 11-9, 15-13, 11-5 (37 Min)
Addeen Iddrakie (Malayisa) beat Yassin Elshafei (Egypt) 11-8, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5 (41 Min)
Noor Zaman (Pakistan) beat Edwin Clain (France) 11-13, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 12-10 (50 Min)
Semifinals (Fixtures):
1st semifinal: Asim Khan (Pakistan) vs Israr Khan (Pakistan)
2nd semifinal: Adden Iddrakie (Malaysia) vs Noor Zaman (Pakistan)
Islamabad Open Squash Championship: Four Pakistani reach in the quarterfinals
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-Four Pakistani, as well as four foreigner player including two from Egypt and each one from Malaysia and France moved into the quarterfinals of the DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship after winning their respective matches at Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad on Sunday. The quarterfinals will be played on Monday as in the first quarterfinal, top seed Asim Khan will meet compatriot Ahsan Ayaz from Pakistan at 2:00 pm at the same venue.
On Sunday, in the first match of the second round, top seed Asim Khan defeated Alireza Shameli 3-0 in straight games after showing sparking performance, as his game was blend of powerful forehand, backhand drives and classic drop shorts. Asim posted a comprehensive victory against Iranian guy. Top seed will take on Ahsan Ayaz in the first quarterfinal of the DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship 2022.
Noor Zaman overpowered Darren Rahul Pragasam from Malaysia 3-2 after struggling hard against heavyweight squash player. Despite of losing first game at 8-11 he displayed his natural and aggressive game and snatches the second game at 11-3 to level the match 1-1. Third game saw a nail and bite contest that Pakistani player Noor Zaman at tie-break 12-10 and earned a vital lead 2-1. The final score-line was 8-11, 11-3, 12-10, 3-11 and 11-5, as the match wasted 38 minutes.
Results (Round-II):
Asim Khan (Pakistan) beat Alireza Shameli (Iran) 11-5, 11-9, 11-8 (37 Min)
Ahsan Ayaz (Pakistan) beat Khaled Labib (Egypt) 11-4, 11-6, 11-7 (23 Min)
Israr Ahmad (Pakistan) beat Farhan Mehboob (Pakistan) 13-11, 11-1, 11-8 (23 Min)
Seif Shenaway (Egypt) beat Mohammed Syafiq Kamal (Malaysia) 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-8 (42 Min)
Addeen Iddrakie (Malaysia) beat Ong Sai Hung (Malaysia) 11-2, 2-11, 11-6, 11-6 (43 Min)
Yassin Elshafei (Egypt) beat Amaad Fareed (Pakistan) 7-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6 (51 Min)
Noor Zaman (Pakistan) beat Darren Rahul Pragasam (Malaysia) 8-11, 11-3, 12-10, 3-11, 11-5 (38 Min)
Edwin Clain (France) beat Syed Azlan Amjad (Qatar) 11-5, 11-9, 11-7 (25 Min)
Quarterfinal Fixtures:
Asim Khan (Pakistan) vs Ahsan Ayaz (Pakistan)
Israr Ahmad (Pakistan) vs Seif Shenaway (Egypt)
Addeen Iddrakie (Malaysia) vs Yassin Elshafei (Egypt)
Noor Zaman (Pakistan) vs Edwin Clain (France)
DHA INTERNATIONAL SQUASH: Farhan Mehboob thrashes Farhan Zaman 3-0
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-Farhan Mehboob outclassed compatriot Farhan Zaman in straight games 3-0 in the DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship that started Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Islamabad on Saturday. The final score-line was 13-11, 11-8 and 14-12, as match wasted 28 minutes.
Besides top seed Asim Khan total six top seeding player got bye in the first round. The third match of day between Farhan Mehboob and Farhan Zaman was a close contest of three games thrillers, as 1st and 3rd games decided on tie-break. Farhan Mehboob, who had recently won the tournament with the prize money of 4US6000 at Mushaf Squash Complex, was in good form and played some marvelous strokes and classic drop & nicks shots.
The tournament carries the prize money of US$ 12,000. Apart from Pakistan world ranking players from Egypt, France, Iran, Malaysia and Qatar are also fighting for top honour. Former world champion Qamar Zaman graced the ceremony as chief guest.
Results (Round-I):
Asim Khan (Pakistan) Got Bye
Alireza Shameli (Iran) beat Khushal Riaz Khan (Pakistan) 11-9, 11-4, 11-9 (24 Min)
Ahsan Ayaz (Pakistan) beat Hamza Sharif (Pakistan) 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-8 (33 Min)
Khaled Labib (Egy) Got Bye
Israr Ahmad (Pak) Got Bye
Farhan Mehboob (Pakistan) beat Farhan Zaman (Pakistan) 13-11, 11-8, 14-12 (28 Min)
Seif Shenaway (Egypt) beat Zahir Shah (Pakistan) 11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-5 (28 Min)
Mohammed Syafiq Kamal (Malaysia) Got Bye
Adeek Idrakie (Malaysia) Got Bye
Ong Sai Hung (Malaysia) beat Saeed Abdul (Pak) 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 (30 Min)
Amaad Fareed (Pakistan) beat Mohammad Ammad (Pakistan) 11-1, 11-5, 11-5 (15 Min)
Yassin Elshafei (Egypt) Got Bye
Darren Rahul Pragasam (Malaysia) Got Bye
Noor Zaman (Pakistan) beat Salman Saleem (Pak) 11-6, 13-11, 11-9 (25 Min)
Edwin Clain (France) beat Waqas Mehboob (Pak) 9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6 (32 Min)
Syed Azlan Amjad (Qatar) Got Bye.
DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship from March 26: Asim Khan top seed
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-Besides host Pakistan five countries will participate in the 1st DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship, which will commence from Saturday (March 26, 2022) at Jacaranda Family Club (JFC) Squash Complex Defense Housing Authority (DHA) Islamabad.
According to an official, local guy Asim Khan is top seeded player of the championship while Syed Azlan Amjad from Qatar and Mohammad Syafiq Kamal from Malaysia on second and third seed respectively. There will be a draw of 32, as the championship is pursuing prize money of US$ 12000.
The final of the championship will be played on March 30 at the same venue. As many as 14 local and 10 international ranked players will fight for the top honour during the 5-day DHA Islamabad International Squash Championship. The prize money will be disbursed amongst the players according to rules of international squash rules
Players from five different countries including France, Iran, Malaysia, Qatar and Egypt will participate in the squash event. Squash legend and former world champion Jahangir Khan will grace the final match as chief guest to distribute the prizes among the players.
Tournament Seeding (Top Eight):
Asim Khan (Pakistan)
Syed Azlan Amjad (Qatar)
Mohammad Syafiq Kamal (Malaysia)
Adeen Idrakie (Malaysia)
Israr Ahmed (Pakistan)
Khaled Labib (Egypt)
Yassin Elshafei (Egypt)
Darren Raual Pragasam (Malaysia)
WSF announces officials for Commonwealth Games 2022
Sports Bulletin Report
BIRMINGHAM:-The World Squash Federation (WSF) has announced the team of squash referees and other officials for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Two of squash’s most experienced and respected referees have been designated as Tournament Referees and will be tasked with leading officiating throughout the Games.
For the singles competition, the Tournament Referee will be Wales’ Roy Gingell, while England’s John Massarella will oversee the doubles. Both are prominent referees who are actively involved in World Squash Officiating and in developing the next generation of referees.
WSF President Zena Wooldridge said:
“Every now and again we need reminding how critical referees are to the sport. For Birmingham, we made a conscious decision to work with a smaller team of referees, which we believe will deliver a more effective solution for this and future games, whilst providing a better experience for referees and players.
“Globally, squash is entering a new era, where the role of referees is given greater prominence and more investment to drive a more diverse and high-quality future referee workforce. Birmingham 2022 is an initial stage of that journey and we congratulate those referees who are part of the team.”
Seven Commonwealth nations are represented in the officiating pool. As the home nation, England is the most represented with ten officials, many of whom have come through the Mission 2022 referee development programme, which was established in 2018 with the purpose of creating a younger and more diverse refereeing community.
Andrea Santamaria will referee her first Commonwealth Games:
Commenting on her selection, England’s Andrea Santamaria said: “It’s great to be chosen. Refereeing at the Commonwealth Games is a great privilege; I’m excited to referee at the Games for the first time and am really looking forward to being there.”
England Squash CEO Mark Williams said:
“Congratulations to all these referees. Their selection rewards their commitment over the last four years to improve their refereeing skills and application. They have achieved this despite the impact of Covid on the events programme and the limited opportunities to practice.
“There is no doubt the creation of the Mission 2022 project has led to a line-up of home referees more reflective of the next generation of referees, replacing those loyal referees who has served our sport so well over the last 30 years. Our aim is to ensure British referees feature strongly amongst the world’s best in future. We still have work to do, but the Birmingham 2022 project has been a critical catalyst on that journey and an important part of the sport’s legacy from the Games.”
Names of officials:
Nik Adriana Aida (Malaysia), Mike Campbell (England), Glen Carson (New Zealand), Mike Collins (South Africa), Steve Eccles (England), Jason Foster (England), Peter Hindmarsh (England), Phil Rea (England), Andrea Santamaria (England), Srikanth K. Seshadri (India), Ashley Smith (England), Mekhala Srivasta (India), Lucy Townley (England), Janet Udy (New Zealand) and Russell Weatherburn (Australia), with Judy Williams (England) appointed as Assistant Tournament Referee.
Karachi Open Squash: Egyptian lads Karim & Youseef set to meet in final
Sports Bulletin Report
KARACHI:-Duo of Egyptian lads, Karim Abdel Gawad and Youssef Soliman set to meet in the final of Men’s Singles event of the Karachi Open Squash Championship 2022 after beating their respective opponents in the semifinals at DHA Asif Nawaz Squash Complex, Creek Club Karachi.
In the first semifinal, Karim Abdel Gawad outclassed his compatriot Omar Mosaad in straight games 3-0 in just 28 minutes. The final score-line was 11-5, 11-4 and 11-4. However, in the second semifinal Youssef Soliman from also Egypt had to toil hard to overcome Mexican guy 3-1. The final score was 11-2, 11-4, 4-11 and 11-8 and match wasted 44 minutes. Final will be played on Saturday at the same venue.
Results (Men’s Semi Finals):
[1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) beat [3] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 11-5, 11-4, 11-4 (28 min)
[2] Youssef Soliman (EGY) beat [9/16] Leonel Cardenas (MEX) 11-2, 11-4, 4-11, 11-8 (44 min)
Results: (Women’s Semi Finals)
[8] Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) beat [5] Georgia Adderley (SCO) 11-5, 11-4, 11-7 (25 min)
[9/16] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) beat [7] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) 11-3 11-1 Retired (12 min)
Saturday’s Fixtures:
[8] Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) Vs [9/16] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) 1330 Hrs
[1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) Vs [2] Youssef Soliman (EGY) 1430 Hrs
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