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Abhay Singh's Gritty Run Ends in El Gouna Squash Open Second Round

India's Abhay Singh was defeated by Egypt's Youssef Ibrahim in a hard-fought five-game match in the second round of the El Gouna Open. This followed Singh's impressive first-round victory over world No.13 Aly Abou Eleinen. The tournament featured other marathon matches, including a 109-minute win by Karim Abdel Gawad over Youssef Soliman. In the women's draw, world champion Nour ElSherbini advanced comfortably to the quarter-finals.

Key Points: Abhay Singh Loses in El Gouna Squash Open Second Round

  • Abhay Singh loses 3-2 in second round
  • He had upset world No.13 in first round
  • Karim Gawad wins 109-minute marathon
  • Nour ElSherbini cruises into women's quarters
2 min read

Abhay Singh loses in El Gouna Squash second round

India's Abhay Singh falls to Youssef Ibrahim in a five-game thriller at the PSA Platinum El Gouna Open after a first-round upset.

"Ibrahim, once again battled through an ongoing left shoulder injury to defeat Abhay in five games - Report"

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

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
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.
P
Priya S
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.
V
Vikram M
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.
R
Rohit P
Respect to Ibrahim for playing through a shoulder injury. That's the spirit of a champion. Abhay will learn from this. Onwards and upwards! 🏆
K
Kavya N
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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