Abhay Singh loses in El Gouna Squash second round
El Gouna, April 5
India's Abhay Singh suffered a loss against Egyptian Youssef Ibrahim in the second round of El Gouna Open, a PSA Platinum level event.
Ibrahim, once again battled through an ongoing left shoulder injury to defeat Abhay in five games 3-2 ( 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 11-8 in 68 minutes.
Earlier, Abhay rallied to beat Egyptian world No. 13 Aly Abou Eleinen 9-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-4, 11-8 in the men's opening round on Day 1.
Elsewhere, on day three of play, World No.4 Karim Gawad prevailed in a 109-minute thriller with Egyptian compatriot Youssef Soliman.
In what was Gawad's longest match on the PSA Squash Tour since 2013, the 34-year-old managed to hold his nerve to come from 2-1 behind and defeat the World No.12 by a 5-11, 14-12, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9 scoreline.
Meanwhile, World No.2 Paul Coll saw off a strong start from Malaysian No.1 Eain Yow Ng to reach the quarter-finals by an 11-7, 11-2, 11-8 scoreline. He will next play Youssef Ibrahim.
World No.8 Mohamad Zakaria stamped his authority in the latest instalment of his gripping rivalry with Joel Makin, avenging his Australian Open defeat with a supreme straight-games victory over the No.5 seed.
The 18-year-old World Junior Champion delivered a performance of great maturity to overcome British National Champion Makin 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 on a thrilling day of action at the Platinum-level event.
In the women's section, world No.2 Nour ElSherbini looked in imposing form as she cruised into the quarter-finals after defeating Melissa Alves.
The eight-time World Champion delivered a sharp, accurate performance from the first to last point of the match, easing into the last eight by an 11-3, 11-3, 11-7 scoreline.
In another match, world No.4 Olivia Weaver saw off an inspired start from Egypt's Farida Mohamed to advance to the quarter-finals in four games, 3-1 (8-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-8) in 43 minutes.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The level of competition at these Platinum events is insane. Gawad's match lasting 109 minutes! Abhay should be proud of his performance. He's gaining valuable experience on the world stage.
It's a bit disappointing, yaar. He had the momentum after that big first-round win. Maybe lost focus in the fourth game (11-5). But still, kudos for fighting till the end. We need more support and sponsors for our squash players.
Egyptians are just dominating the sport right now. Look at the draws - so many of them. For Abhay to compete at this level is an achievement in itself. Hope he gets more such opportunities.
Respect to Ibrahim for playing through a shoulder injury. That's the spirit of a champion. Abhay will learn from this. Onwards and upwards! 🏆
The article mentions an 18-year-old World Junior Champion winning easily. Makes you wonder where the next Indian junior star is. We need a stronger pipeline from the grassroots. Good effort, Abhay!
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