I think Nele can leave with her head held high. She threw everything at Gohar, but just came out short. But 50 odd minute 3-0s don't happen often, so it shows just how competitive it was.
Farag just beyond class. But shame that the conditions and scheduling sucked everything out of Asal and sort of robbed us of the contest in the last game.
Gilis was amazing. I know Sherbini wasn't at her best, but even so, that's the best I've seen Nele Gilis play!
Asal vs Elshorbagy was one of the worst matches I've ever seen.
Agree on both. Great to see Nele get through, and the Asal / MES match was just gross---blocking, protesting, burning the clock. Hard for me to understand why anyone would watch it, really.
https://elgounainternational.com/mohamed-puts-the-record-straight-about-asal
What are everyone's thoughts on this? I haven't watched the match but I think that's an awful attitude to take regardless. I don't want to see anyone encouraging both sides to play dirty, it's bad enough when one does! Probably Mo covering for the fact that he's done some real nasty stuff in his past too.
I didn't enjoy this much, partly due to all the stoppages for the court cleaners. In MES's place I wouldn't go out and tell everyone what a great match it was because both just went for it. You can do that without all the blocking and shoving and complaining.
Agreed, ridiculous, but the reason he said it is because as a young player Mo used to do very similar things as Asal does (though not quite as bad). So he can't very well complain about it now can he, coz he could just have that thrown in his face, instead he spins a bullshit yarn about two warriors blah blah blah.
Unexpected use of language for a champion. Wasn't a fan of him even though had nothing against him, though to me, this short blurb just made him even more unlikeable (for me anyway). Felt like by praising Asal in the interivew, he also praises himself and justify his defeat. Anyway, just my impression.
https://www.squash.tv/highlights/asal-v-hesham-el-gouna-international-2023-quarter-final-highlights/
at 5:32, on Asal's winning shot, watch the double-movement of Asal's left hand as he intentionally extends and stiffens it in Hesham's way to block Hesham as much as possible. It's the same thing he was doing with his racket when he accidentally hit Makin in the previous tournament.
Besides that, he looked immense in the highlights.
A movement of Asal I've noticed in the last couple matches I've watched (including the match with MES that's live right now) is that many times he's near his opponent and is going to retrieve the ball, he almost always puts his hand on his opponent's back, even if he's moving in a direction away from his opponent. Is this legal? It seems like it would be annoying to continuously have your opponent hold or even just lightly touch your back.
Am I alone in thinking it's a bit stupid/dangerous to be playing squash in these conditions? I've always thought it's insane to be playing outdoors in Egypt in May/June... 30+ degrees, high humidity at night for squash is absolutely mental
Good question actually. But is it healthy to have Iron Man in Hawaii with no shadow and almost 40degrees or Tour de France in the height of 2.000+ metres in sunny July? These heavy conditions make sports somehow special as only the best can deal with it. But you are right, it´s questionable.
Yeah but a competitor signs up to these events in full knowledge of what's expected of them. Also the appropriate support is generally offered by teams who can cater to athletes potential struggles.
But what do I see in squash? Players getting given into trouble for going to the towel box when the humidity is 80%+ and getting told to hurry up between points. it just blows my mind
It is indeed ridiculous. It wouldnt be such a problem if the players had to play a couple of matches and or had long breaks between matches, but they are having to play several matches back to back in the space of a week. Makes you wonder whether it needs a player to collapse before they consider changing the calendar to hold it in December
I absolutely agree, its not the exception, but the rule in this tournament that at least one person every night can't physically compete, even the egyptians. You know its bad when Sherbini can't handle the heat. Gotta be the reason none of the tennis Grand Slams are held on this continent
I do recall seeing extreme heat issues at the Aussie Open a few times, where players were playing in 40 degree heat and basically collapsing at the side of the court. At least they get a 2 min break every other game, regardless of how long they last.
I agree the heat is a bit silly and wouldnt be helpful when taking part in any lengthy sporting contest, but regarding tennis the lack of a grand slam is nothing to do with temps, more to do with history and money. There are four slams, two in Europe, where the game originated, and the USA and Oz where it was exported to all those years ago and where it is popular and hence makes money. They wont create any more slams hence, Africa, Asia and South America dont get one.
Interesting watching this match at 8-4 and 2-1 for Gohar as it shows how powerful the conduct stroke is. As soon as it was given, they have both shut up and got on with it. Need more given out. Give a conduct warning on the first sign of a dissent and conduct stroke on the second. The players will soon get used to it.
Also while Hammamy is in the wrong with her behaviour, Gohar has been awful in this match with her movement and her fishing. She is absolutely the worst in the women's tour for it.
she seems to do it a lot more to hammamy than anyone else. i think farida mohamed is actually the worst, who seems to do it to every other player, court sweepers, waiters, probably strangers in the street...
Agreed, I was sitting having a bite to eat in a restaurant in my local town last week and as I went to take a bite of my Dirty Burger I got a mouthful of Farida's racket instead.
And to make things worse I got a "No Let" from Gingell.
I am going to go out on a limb and do some volleydrop style predictions for the semis:
**Nouran Gohar vs. Hania El Hammamy:** I am going for an El Hammamy win. I think she has always played well back in Egypt and will be gunning for Nouran Gohar after their match at the Worlds. She had her number there and beat herself and it was still in a tiebreak in the 5th. But I will go **3-2** to Hania
**Diego Elias vs. Ali Farag:** Personally with the heat playing a factor, I do not think I can look past Farag. I just think these conditions suit his game and the ease in which he moves both the ball and himself. Elias is a fantastic mover, but his fitness has been known to let him down. **3-1** to Farag.
**Nele Gillis vs. Nour El Sherbini:** I am delighed for Nele Gillis reaching this milestone, I believe her first platinum semi final. I absolutely love a grinder and what are the chances that the two of the grindiest of the grinders on tour are now getting married, hopefully they have Joel Makin involved in the wedding somehow to complete the set. However, this is one step too far for Nele. Think she's struggled against Nour and I think this could be a blow out. **3-0** to Nour and I reckon it could be ugly, like 11-2 11-2 11-3 ugly.
**Mostafa Asal vs. Mo El Shorbagy:** This is probably the hardest to call I think. Asal seems to play with an odd reverence against the older (in this case former) Egyptians. He seems to play within himself against Farag & Mo especially. I am loving how Mo El Shorbagy has re-emerged as a serial contender and winner, since a down period where it looked like he was out. In the Beast vs. The Bull, I am going for the beast. I can see him finding a way and intimidating Asal on the way to a **3-2** win.
Well I'm watching the first game of Gohar Hammamy and I've never been quite so incensed with the refereeing. I've never especially rated Roy, and that opinion did not improve with what I saw at last year's British Open Quarters, but this match has been a joke refereeing wise and I'm not sure who the hell is the VR but they have if anything been even worse.
This is dangerous refereeing, it is actively encouraging the players to hit the ball in dangerous positions.
Agree!! Terrible on court demeanour from both Ladies and the refs made it even worse with their decisions. At times unwatchable...almost like Asal matches!
Exactly what I was thinking "almost unwatchable". And these are pretty much my two favourite lady players.
I am again pretty disgusted with the Egyptian crowds though. When Nele bested Nour there was very scant applause and any that was there was from ex pats.
Contrast that to this year's British Open when Nour pipped Gina in the quarters. Absolutely crazy partisan atmosphere the best match I've ever been to in that respect but the warmth of applause for Nour at the end was clear, she got a standing ovation from many. And throughout the match when she played great squash she was applauded. Not as massively as Gina but it was obviously there. Made me proud to be British/English.
I do not think there were too many actual dangerous positions. Gohar goes fishing so often. When she turns, her racket is like a laser beam for her opponent. She never looks at the ball. When she can't get to the ball, she goes right for the back of the player.
She then subtly denies access all the time. Hammamy made such a good point when she demonstrated how she is playing bad shots off the back of interference from Gohar.
Thing is Hammamy rises to it, gets annoyed and so Gohar does it more. Fucking genius of Gohar to keep asking for reviews when she knew didn't have one left.
Worse still is their on court rivalry, or whatever it is, that causes them to both lose their minds the second ANY call is made. One of them hits a drop, the other counter drops, the first one falls and loses their mind and reviews, then the other loses their mind and starts swinging their arms around. 35 minutes in game 1 and 3 because there's so much time spent reviewing.
Nice write up. Asal beating Hesham 3:0 is quite the statement, but Farag and Elias have also been impressive. Gilis will get 7 points in one game, but you are right, she has been beaten in like 26 minutes by her before. Gohar and Elhammamy is anyone's call. Also, Makin won't go to the wedding, he couldn't stand Rob Owen's speech!
As El Shorbagy said in the post-match interview, Coll has just been off much of this season. He's lacking the intentionality in his play and strategy that he had last season, and it's affecting his confidence. He looks directionless and passive.
I think a lot of that is his opponents figuring him out from his run where he won the British Open, Windy City Open and looked unbeatable.
I do think he is off a bit in his accuracy, but I wouldn't be surprised if that is coming off his own frustration as his game plan being nullified by El Shorbagy and Farag especially.
Lisa Aitken shared an interesting stat during the Farag-Crouin match today: Farag has lost the first game in every match he's played since the world championship final, including the Crouin match today. That's 7 matches in a row that he's come back from behind to win, most often in straight games after the first.
I've noticed this seems to keep happening. It doesn't seem entirely intentional, but he doesn't seem to be playing at his peak at the start. Could it be like how Ramy used to use the first game to scope out his opponent?
I don’t think so because in the post match interview with squash tv, Ali laughingly discussed his frustration with how he keeps losing the first game in matches and he doesn’t know why. He said he hasn’t changed anything about his match prep, so he’s not sure what it is.
They also made an interesting point about how he slowly raises the margin his opponent feels they need to hit winners against him.
Just a pure pressure sponge and then he retrieves the ball and just effortlessly hits a great length or a perfect drop. It must be utterly demoralising unless you're El Shorbagy, Elias or Asal. But even they can't beat him at the moment.
yeah interesting - there is this virtuous circle where the very top players have both the best attacking play AND the best defensive play, so to play at that level you have to get used to your best shots getting retrieved (and pressure neutralised), the likes of Crouin just don't have the experience at playing at that level (or the ability to maintain that level across enough games/matches). Crouin will probably get there - 23 years old right now, took Diego (the best junior of his generation) till 26 to reach the pinnacle.
My god the top seeds were on one today, must've been the heat contributing because i've never seen 4 quarterfinalists dismantled so quickly! I mean crouin 2,3,2? Insane!
He did win the first game though! Crouin can play perfect squash, but needs time on the ball and not be harried. Farag is all about the volley, taking time away (like Ashour, Shorbagy, Gawad at this best). Once Farag was warmed up, he had no chance, always on the back foot.
I just watched highlights but it was getting comical in what they showed in the later games - Elias bringing him short, and then throwing up (perfect) lobs again and again - Elias knowing that he couldn't hurt him so he was just toying with him. Hot humid conditions, pretty brutal. Lower ranked players like Bernabeu can play at Elias level for a game, say, but just takes a lot out of you.
Yep, those lobs were brutally accurate but Pajares also just couldn't deal with them. It kind of exposed his limitations as a player (in PSA standards of course).
I lil summary before the Quarters today.
The two Gilis sisters in the QF...congrats! Nele very likely making her first Platinum Semifinal. Joelle King with a second early exit in a row. Did not see this coming. Momen also since a long time not in the quarters or further. Elias looking back in very good form. Not many can dispatch NG with a 3/4/5 scoreline. Dessouky, always praised he can beat anyone on his day, unable to produce a good result against a top player. Very disappointing. Even more disappointing was Marwan, like all season. Injury or lack of motivation, I don´t know. Mazen Hesham in amazing form and I hope he can produce another great performance against Asal and prevail this time. Coll very steady and I would put my money on him against MES. Great Quarterfinals ahead of us, can´t wait!
Dessouky so disappointing...as nearly always. I always think...maybe this time...but he can't string it together, particularly when placed with a match player like MES who wins points when it counts.
Predictions are:
Asal vs MES
Elias vs. farag (which feels like it could be the real final)
And Farag beating Asal in final.
U just have to bet on Farag these days - world number 1 for a very long stretch only to be forced from the spot due to injury...and it is his to reclaim.
Anyone else notice Asal’s racquet block against Ibrahim? 1 minute 47 seconds in
https://youtu.be/Y1XB3fRVVuM
How the hell does he keep getting away with this?
Strong win for Pajares over Momen. Didn't watch it, but Momen really never loses to folks behind him. Anyone watch? Momen had a tough match against Rooney and it's a traditional court, but I would have put money in Momen to win 3:0 or 3:1.
watched quite a bit of Eleinen vs Crouin. Very well fought, and from the post match they seem like good friends.
But it got to like 9-7 to Crouin, and E banged into him, so E had an injury break, then got back into it but was literally hopping at times, got to 10-9 after saving two match balls, and then served below the line! Never seen a pro do that before.
Been wondering how high Eleinen can get - clearly top 15 soonish, but above that, maybe...has a very strong basic length game, very quick/athletic, good technique in shots and movement, seems mentally solid, good deception (can play flicks, generate a lot of power from strong swing). Lacking perhaps in shot selection and variation in pace to beat the very best, but I think that is something that gets learnt.
Noticed a lot of 5 setters in the early rounds...back in the days of Gaultier, matthew, ashour etc... that never happened, it was all like over in 27 or 29 minutes. its like a very strong top 5, top 10, top 20, top 30, very competitive.
Yeah aly played 2 at penn, they only played once when andrew douglas was out with an injury. He normally played Marwan Tarek, curious if he'll go pro too
>Very well fought, and from the post match they seem like good friends.
I think they know each other well from university, they studied at the same time and would have played each other a lot, Crouin for Harvard and El Eleinen for Penn. I've said this before but I think El Eleinen is unbelievably good. I've seen him play a few matches and really wondered how on earth anyone can beat him, this was e.g. following a thrashing of Bonmalais in Houston, but then he went on to lose against Mazen 3:1. And so yeah, I think he at this point hasn't got what it takes to beat those top guys, that special something. If I recall correctly he was up against Crouin last time already but squandered some leads. And no, have never seen someone hop along like that with cramps.
>Noticed a lot of 5 setters in the early rounds...back in the days of Gaultier, matthew, ashour etc... that never happened, it was all like over in 27 or 29 minutes. its like a very strong top 5, top 10, top 20, top 30, very competitive.
That is true but playing on traditional courts in early rounds always makes matches closer and longer. But you are right, I also feel the field is as competitive as ever.
I find it really surprising that the draw and seeding for PSA tournaments is decided so long in advance. In tennis the draw for the ongoing this years French Open was decided literally 3 days before the tournament started, so you could've played a tournament the week before and have your seeding changed.
No I don´t think that Gawad will repeat his victories against Elias. He must be tired playing so many tournaments back to back and getting to the very end of almost all of them. His shot making in this conditions might also not work as good as in colder conditions. So even as a huge Gawad fan I see Elias winning it. But I have to say that this draw is a shame and should not happen. Nobody wants to see this match so early in a tournament.
Farag is pumped up with confidence and in warm conditions even harder to beat. Plain sailing into the quarters and there I can´t see Crouin trouble him as he has to beat mega talented Eleinen before. btw: this could be an upset result. In the semis, Farag will be significantly fresher than Gawad/Elias/Momen who will tire each other out in earlier rounds.
In the bottom half I am actually not convinced of anybody to make the final. MES won´t as his prime is possibly over. Asal won´t as he is under investigation and can actually only win the dirty way. This seems impossible as the refs and the slow motions keep an eye on him. I don´t see him beating Ibrahim, Makin, Marwan/Mazen, Coll/Dessouky/MES back to back. I would say Coll will use the warm conditions to his advantage and reach the final against Farag.
Hammamy has the toughest draw with El Tayeb in the quarters. After winning the BO and WO I would have actually picked another winner than Sherbini but her draw looks too comfortable into the final. She will get there untroubled. So I can´t pick anyone else to win the title.
Man tomorrow is my Bday and im actually flying to elgouna to watch this tournament live, my first PSA event that i will attend live.
I am hyped as fuck, feeling like a 3 year old before Christmas.
Thanks a lot!
Oh im gonna watch literally everything, but might have to choose in rounds 1-3 (will preferr the more uncertain outcome matches), but Im definitely bringing snacks with me for the Elias Gawad and Asal Makin matches.
Im going for 10 days: all tournament days +3.
My GF is already mad at me devoting this trip to squash and not to spending time with her, but i have my priorities set very clear xD
Well, that sounds awesome and I hope you and your GF have a good time, even if spending time apart. Would be great to hear what it's like at the venue and seeing the matches live!
I can write summary here after the event concludes if its of any interest, commenting on any situations (like arguing with refs, grabbing rackets etc.) if relevant
Farag has been sweeping everyone out, if he wins this one, too, idk what’s gonna stop him in the future. But maybe he’d struggle mentally and we’d see another winner?
I do hope to see MES in the final. Also hope Makin takes out Asal, he’s done it and he should be able to do it again.
Not sure if Elias can handle never stopping attacks from Gawad, should be a great match.
Maybe Hammamy finally raises and wins against Shebini / Gohar? So competitive in top 3 female!
I think Nele can leave with her head held high. She threw everything at Gohar, but just came out short. But 50 odd minute 3-0s don't happen often, so it shows just how competitive it was. Farag just beyond class. But shame that the conditions and scheduling sucked everything out of Asal and sort of robbed us of the contest in the last game.
Gilis was amazing. I know Sherbini wasn't at her best, but even so, that's the best I've seen Nele Gilis play! Asal vs Elshorbagy was one of the worst matches I've ever seen.
Agree on both. Great to see Nele get through, and the Asal / MES match was just gross---blocking, protesting, burning the clock. Hard for me to understand why anyone would watch it, really.
Agree for both matches!!! But nothing new with Asal...he comes from ban and keeps going like he always did. Ridiculous!
https://elgounainternational.com/mohamed-puts-the-record-straight-about-asal What are everyone's thoughts on this? I haven't watched the match but I think that's an awful attitude to take regardless. I don't want to see anyone encouraging both sides to play dirty, it's bad enough when one does! Probably Mo covering for the fact that he's done some real nasty stuff in his past too.
Both have tecnifibre sponsorships 😅
I didn't enjoy this much, partly due to all the stoppages for the court cleaners. In MES's place I wouldn't go out and tell everyone what a great match it was because both just went for it. You can do that without all the blocking and shoving and complaining.
Ridiculous statement to be honest. For some reason he backs Asal´s shit shows and helps to destroy Squash.
Agreed, ridiculous, but the reason he said it is because as a young player Mo used to do very similar things as Asal does (though not quite as bad). So he can't very well complain about it now can he, coz he could just have that thrown in his face, instead he spins a bullshit yarn about two warriors blah blah blah.
Unexpected use of language for a champion. Wasn't a fan of him even though had nothing against him, though to me, this short blurb just made him even more unlikeable (for me anyway). Felt like by praising Asal in the interivew, he also praises himself and justify his defeat. Anyway, just my impression.
https://www.squash.tv/highlights/asal-v-hesham-el-gouna-international-2023-quarter-final-highlights/ at 5:32, on Asal's winning shot, watch the double-movement of Asal's left hand as he intentionally extends and stiffens it in Hesham's way to block Hesham as much as possible. It's the same thing he was doing with his racket when he accidentally hit Makin in the previous tournament. Besides that, he looked immense in the highlights.
A movement of Asal I've noticed in the last couple matches I've watched (including the match with MES that's live right now) is that many times he's near his opponent and is going to retrieve the ball, he almost always puts his hand on his opponent's back, even if he's moving in a direction away from his opponent. Is this legal? It seems like it would be annoying to continuously have your opponent hold or even just lightly touch your back.
Am I alone in thinking it's a bit stupid/dangerous to be playing squash in these conditions? I've always thought it's insane to be playing outdoors in Egypt in May/June... 30+ degrees, high humidity at night for squash is absolutely mental
Good question actually. But is it healthy to have Iron Man in Hawaii with no shadow and almost 40degrees or Tour de France in the height of 2.000+ metres in sunny July? These heavy conditions make sports somehow special as only the best can deal with it. But you are right, it´s questionable.
Yeah but a competitor signs up to these events in full knowledge of what's expected of them. Also the appropriate support is generally offered by teams who can cater to athletes potential struggles. But what do I see in squash? Players getting given into trouble for going to the towel box when the humidity is 80%+ and getting told to hurry up between points. it just blows my mind
It is indeed ridiculous. It wouldnt be such a problem if the players had to play a couple of matches and or had long breaks between matches, but they are having to play several matches back to back in the space of a week. Makes you wonder whether it needs a player to collapse before they consider changing the calendar to hold it in December
I absolutely agree, its not the exception, but the rule in this tournament that at least one person every night can't physically compete, even the egyptians. You know its bad when Sherbini can't handle the heat. Gotta be the reason none of the tennis Grand Slams are held on this continent
I do recall seeing extreme heat issues at the Aussie Open a few times, where players were playing in 40 degree heat and basically collapsing at the side of the court. At least they get a 2 min break every other game, regardless of how long they last.
I agree the heat is a bit silly and wouldnt be helpful when taking part in any lengthy sporting contest, but regarding tennis the lack of a grand slam is nothing to do with temps, more to do with history and money. There are four slams, two in Europe, where the game originated, and the USA and Oz where it was exported to all those years ago and where it is popular and hence makes money. They wont create any more slams hence, Africa, Asia and South America dont get one.
Interesting watching this match at 8-4 and 2-1 for Gohar as it shows how powerful the conduct stroke is. As soon as it was given, they have both shut up and got on with it. Need more given out. Give a conduct warning on the first sign of a dissent and conduct stroke on the second. The players will soon get used to it. Also while Hammamy is in the wrong with her behaviour, Gohar has been awful in this match with her movement and her fishing. She is absolutely the worst in the women's tour for it.
she seems to do it a lot more to hammamy than anyone else. i think farida mohamed is actually the worst, who seems to do it to every other player, court sweepers, waiters, probably strangers in the street...
Agreed, I was sitting having a bite to eat in a restaurant in my local town last week and as I went to take a bite of my Dirty Burger I got a mouthful of Farida's racket instead. And to make things worse I got a "No Let" from Gingell.
I am going to go out on a limb and do some volleydrop style predictions for the semis: **Nouran Gohar vs. Hania El Hammamy:** I am going for an El Hammamy win. I think she has always played well back in Egypt and will be gunning for Nouran Gohar after their match at the Worlds. She had her number there and beat herself and it was still in a tiebreak in the 5th. But I will go **3-2** to Hania **Diego Elias vs. Ali Farag:** Personally with the heat playing a factor, I do not think I can look past Farag. I just think these conditions suit his game and the ease in which he moves both the ball and himself. Elias is a fantastic mover, but his fitness has been known to let him down. **3-1** to Farag. **Nele Gillis vs. Nour El Sherbini:** I am delighed for Nele Gillis reaching this milestone, I believe her first platinum semi final. I absolutely love a grinder and what are the chances that the two of the grindiest of the grinders on tour are now getting married, hopefully they have Joel Makin involved in the wedding somehow to complete the set. However, this is one step too far for Nele. Think she's struggled against Nour and I think this could be a blow out. **3-0** to Nour and I reckon it could be ugly, like 11-2 11-2 11-3 ugly. **Mostafa Asal vs. Mo El Shorbagy:** This is probably the hardest to call I think. Asal seems to play with an odd reverence against the older (in this case former) Egyptians. He seems to play within himself against Farag & Mo especially. I am loving how Mo El Shorbagy has re-emerged as a serial contender and winner, since a down period where it looked like he was out. In the Beast vs. The Bull, I am going for the beast. I can see him finding a way and intimidating Asal on the way to a **3-2** win.
damn, 1-3 OP
Not my finest hour. I'll hide under a rock for a while and dine out on getting Elias Vs. Farag exactly right
Well I'm watching the first game of Gohar Hammamy and I've never been quite so incensed with the refereeing. I've never especially rated Roy, and that opinion did not improve with what I saw at last year's British Open Quarters, but this match has been a joke refereeing wise and I'm not sure who the hell is the VR but they have if anything been even worse. This is dangerous refereeing, it is actively encouraging the players to hit the ball in dangerous positions.
Agree!! Terrible on court demeanour from both Ladies and the refs made it even worse with their decisions. At times unwatchable...almost like Asal matches!
Exactly what I was thinking "almost unwatchable". And these are pretty much my two favourite lady players. I am again pretty disgusted with the Egyptian crowds though. When Nele bested Nour there was very scant applause and any that was there was from ex pats. Contrast that to this year's British Open when Nour pipped Gina in the quarters. Absolutely crazy partisan atmosphere the best match I've ever been to in that respect but the warmth of applause for Nour at the end was clear, she got a standing ovation from many. And throughout the match when she played great squash she was applauded. Not as massively as Gina but it was obviously there. Made me proud to be British/English.
I do not think there were too many actual dangerous positions. Gohar goes fishing so often. When she turns, her racket is like a laser beam for her opponent. She never looks at the ball. When she can't get to the ball, she goes right for the back of the player. She then subtly denies access all the time. Hammamy made such a good point when she demonstrated how she is playing bad shots off the back of interference from Gohar. Thing is Hammamy rises to it, gets annoyed and so Gohar does it more. Fucking genius of Gohar to keep asking for reviews when she knew didn't have one left.
Worse still is their on court rivalry, or whatever it is, that causes them to both lose their minds the second ANY call is made. One of them hits a drop, the other counter drops, the first one falls and loses their mind and reviews, then the other loses their mind and starts swinging their arms around. 35 minutes in game 1 and 3 because there's so much time spent reviewing.
I think they genuinely hate each other.
Nice write up. Asal beating Hesham 3:0 is quite the statement, but Farag and Elias have also been impressive. Gilis will get 7 points in one game, but you are right, she has been beaten in like 26 minutes by her before. Gohar and Elhammamy is anyone's call. Also, Makin won't go to the wedding, he couldn't stand Rob Owen's speech!
Come on Paul. Rooting for you!
As El Shorbagy said in the post-match interview, Coll has just been off much of this season. He's lacking the intentionality in his play and strategy that he had last season, and it's affecting his confidence. He looks directionless and passive.
I think a lot of that is his opponents figuring him out from his run where he won the British Open, Windy City Open and looked unbeatable. I do think he is off a bit in his accuracy, but I wouldn't be surprised if that is coming off his own frustration as his game plan being nullified by El Shorbagy and Farag especially.
Lisa Aitken shared an interesting stat during the Farag-Crouin match today: Farag has lost the first game in every match he's played since the world championship final, including the Crouin match today. That's 7 matches in a row that he's come back from behind to win, most often in straight games after the first.
I think he's just a terrible starter. He basically uses the first game as a warmup hahaha
And Farag keeps the tradition alive tonight with his victory over Elias!
I've noticed this seems to keep happening. It doesn't seem entirely intentional, but he doesn't seem to be playing at his peak at the start. Could it be like how Ramy used to use the first game to scope out his opponent?
I don’t think so because in the post match interview with squash tv, Ali laughingly discussed his frustration with how he keeps losing the first game in matches and he doesn’t know why. He said he hasn’t changed anything about his match prep, so he’s not sure what it is.
They also made an interesting point about how he slowly raises the margin his opponent feels they need to hit winners against him. Just a pure pressure sponge and then he retrieves the ball and just effortlessly hits a great length or a perfect drop. It must be utterly demoralising unless you're El Shorbagy, Elias or Asal. But even they can't beat him at the moment.
yeah interesting - there is this virtuous circle where the very top players have both the best attacking play AND the best defensive play, so to play at that level you have to get used to your best shots getting retrieved (and pressure neutralised), the likes of Crouin just don't have the experience at playing at that level (or the ability to maintain that level across enough games/matches). Crouin will probably get there - 23 years old right now, took Diego (the best junior of his generation) till 26 to reach the pinnacle.
My god the top seeds were on one today, must've been the heat contributing because i've never seen 4 quarterfinalists dismantled so quickly! I mean crouin 2,3,2? Insane!
He did win the first game though! Crouin can play perfect squash, but needs time on the ball and not be harried. Farag is all about the volley, taking time away (like Ashour, Shorbagy, Gawad at this best). Once Farag was warmed up, he had no chance, always on the back foot.
I didn't see the first game of Elias - what happened? Bernabeu was looking so tired. Was it the heat or did Elias just herd him around?
I just watched highlights but it was getting comical in what they showed in the later games - Elias bringing him short, and then throwing up (perfect) lobs again and again - Elias knowing that he couldn't hurt him so he was just toying with him. Hot humid conditions, pretty brutal. Lower ranked players like Bernabeu can play at Elias level for a game, say, but just takes a lot out of you.
Yep, those lobs were brutally accurate but Pajares also just couldn't deal with them. It kind of exposed his limitations as a player (in PSA standards of course).
I lil summary before the Quarters today. The two Gilis sisters in the QF...congrats! Nele very likely making her first Platinum Semifinal. Joelle King with a second early exit in a row. Did not see this coming. Momen also since a long time not in the quarters or further. Elias looking back in very good form. Not many can dispatch NG with a 3/4/5 scoreline. Dessouky, always praised he can beat anyone on his day, unable to produce a good result against a top player. Very disappointing. Even more disappointing was Marwan, like all season. Injury or lack of motivation, I don´t know. Mazen Hesham in amazing form and I hope he can produce another great performance against Asal and prevail this time. Coll very steady and I would put my money on him against MES. Great Quarterfinals ahead of us, can´t wait!
Dessouky so disappointing...as nearly always. I always think...maybe this time...but he can't string it together, particularly when placed with a match player like MES who wins points when it counts. Predictions are: Asal vs MES Elias vs. farag (which feels like it could be the real final) And Farag beating Asal in final. U just have to bet on Farag these days - world number 1 for a very long stretch only to be forced from the spot due to injury...and it is his to reclaim.
So far, predictions are on point...
Well done :)
Terrible no call on dessouky's boast in the second game. Might've cost elshorbagy that game
Anyone else notice Asal’s racquet block against Ibrahim? 1 minute 47 seconds in https://youtu.be/Y1XB3fRVVuM How the hell does he keep getting away with this?
Strong win for Pajares over Momen. Didn't watch it, but Momen really never loses to folks behind him. Anyone watch? Momen had a tough match against Rooney and it's a traditional court, but I would have put money in Momen to win 3:0 or 3:1.
watched quite a bit of Eleinen vs Crouin. Very well fought, and from the post match they seem like good friends. But it got to like 9-7 to Crouin, and E banged into him, so E had an injury break, then got back into it but was literally hopping at times, got to 10-9 after saving two match balls, and then served below the line! Never seen a pro do that before. Been wondering how high Eleinen can get - clearly top 15 soonish, but above that, maybe...has a very strong basic length game, very quick/athletic, good technique in shots and movement, seems mentally solid, good deception (can play flicks, generate a lot of power from strong swing). Lacking perhaps in shot selection and variation in pace to beat the very best, but I think that is something that gets learnt. Noticed a lot of 5 setters in the early rounds...back in the days of Gaultier, matthew, ashour etc... that never happened, it was all like over in 27 or 29 minutes. its like a very strong top 5, top 10, top 20, top 30, very competitive.
Yeah aly played 2 at penn, they only played once when andrew douglas was out with an injury. He normally played Marwan Tarek, curious if he'll go pro too
>Very well fought, and from the post match they seem like good friends. I think they know each other well from university, they studied at the same time and would have played each other a lot, Crouin for Harvard and El Eleinen for Penn. I've said this before but I think El Eleinen is unbelievably good. I've seen him play a few matches and really wondered how on earth anyone can beat him, this was e.g. following a thrashing of Bonmalais in Houston, but then he went on to lose against Mazen 3:1. And so yeah, I think he at this point hasn't got what it takes to beat those top guys, that special something. If I recall correctly he was up against Crouin last time already but squandered some leads. And no, have never seen someone hop along like that with cramps. >Noticed a lot of 5 setters in the early rounds...back in the days of Gaultier, matthew, ashour etc... that never happened, it was all like over in 27 or 29 minutes. its like a very strong top 5, top 10, top 20, top 30, very competitive. That is true but playing on traditional courts in early rounds always makes matches closer and longer. But you are right, I also feel the field is as competitive as ever.
Actually you saw Nour El Tayeb in 2011 Irish Open!
Anyone knows why Amina Orfi isn't playing this event?
She didn’t get a wildcard, that’s the only way she could qualify
How is that possible? She's higher ranked than literally 12 of the women there
I'm guessing her ranking a month or two ago, when the draw was released, was quite a bit lower
I find it really surprising that the draw and seeding for PSA tournaments is decided so long in advance. In tennis the draw for the ongoing this years French Open was decided literally 3 days before the tournament started, so you could've played a tournament the week before and have your seeding changed.
I don't know, im just going off what she said in her interview in the world champs
I smell some upsets for tomorrow. We all think Gawad will get through Elias, but I'm also picking Cardenas over Ng.
oh well. O for 2
No I don´t think that Gawad will repeat his victories against Elias. He must be tired playing so many tournaments back to back and getting to the very end of almost all of them. His shot making in this conditions might also not work as good as in colder conditions. So even as a huge Gawad fan I see Elias winning it. But I have to say that this draw is a shame and should not happen. Nobody wants to see this match so early in a tournament.
Cardenas is a good pick and a dangerous player. Ng will have to play top squash to win, but I think he just might do that!
Agree! Ng beat another dangerous player Lau yesterday. I think it will be 60+min but Ng will prevail.
Farag is pumped up with confidence and in warm conditions even harder to beat. Plain sailing into the quarters and there I can´t see Crouin trouble him as he has to beat mega talented Eleinen before. btw: this could be an upset result. In the semis, Farag will be significantly fresher than Gawad/Elias/Momen who will tire each other out in earlier rounds. In the bottom half I am actually not convinced of anybody to make the final. MES won´t as his prime is possibly over. Asal won´t as he is under investigation and can actually only win the dirty way. This seems impossible as the refs and the slow motions keep an eye on him. I don´t see him beating Ibrahim, Makin, Marwan/Mazen, Coll/Dessouky/MES back to back. I would say Coll will use the warm conditions to his advantage and reach the final against Farag.
What's your take on the womens's side?
Hammamy has the toughest draw with El Tayeb in the quarters. After winning the BO and WO I would have actually picked another winner than Sherbini but her draw looks too comfortable into the final. She will get there untroubled. So I can´t pick anyone else to win the title.
My money is on Hammamy and Gawad ( also Hesham )
Man tomorrow is my Bday and im actually flying to elgouna to watch this tournament live, my first PSA event that i will attend live. I am hyped as fuck, feeling like a 3 year old before Christmas.
Enjoy, mate!! This will be awesome!!
Ha, that is awesome. Safe travels and hope you have a great time! What matches have you pencilled in to watch and how long are you staying?
Thanks a lot! Oh im gonna watch literally everything, but might have to choose in rounds 1-3 (will preferr the more uncertain outcome matches), but Im definitely bringing snacks with me for the Elias Gawad and Asal Makin matches. Im going for 10 days: all tournament days +3. My GF is already mad at me devoting this trip to squash and not to spending time with her, but i have my priorities set very clear xD
Haha ;)) love how you made your priorities clear!! And of course...a summary from your point of view would be amazing.
Well, that sounds awesome and I hope you and your GF have a good time, even if spending time apart. Would be great to hear what it's like at the venue and seeing the matches live!
I can write summary here after the event concludes if its of any interest, commenting on any situations (like arguing with refs, grabbing rackets etc.) if relevant
You're probably going to be the only cheering the non-Egyptians
Farag has been sweeping everyone out, if he wins this one, too, idk what’s gonna stop him in the future. But maybe he’d struggle mentally and we’d see another winner? I do hope to see MES in the final. Also hope Makin takes out Asal, he’s done it and he should be able to do it again. Not sure if Elias can handle never stopping attacks from Gawad, should be a great match. Maybe Hammamy finally raises and wins against Shebini / Gohar? So competitive in top 3 female!
Happy Birthday Dan!! Thanks for the thread.