The Peninsula
Three-time champion Mohamed ElShorbagy yesterday recovered from an early hiccup to defeat World No.3 Mostafa Asal 3-1 (3-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-7) and set up a final showdown with surprise package Victor Crouin in the QTerminals Qatar Classic.
In yesterday’s first game at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Egyptian Asal overcame his ‘idol’ and former compatriot - World No.5 ElShorbagy - who now represents England, in just eight minutes.
However, the 21-year-old failed to keep up with the pace of his attack in the following games despite starting well again in the second game.
ElShorbagy, a four-time semi-finalist in Qatar Classic, was determined to live up to his expectations as the pair traded the lead through longer rallies on the way to 6-6.
After that, the former World No.1 ElShorbagy continued to show his excellence as the 31-year-old took the second game 11-7.
ElShorbagy secured a comfortable 11-4 win in the third game with Asal struggling to match his Idol’s experience.
Asal tried to fight back in the fourth game, but ElShorbagy continued to look strong and eventually wrapped up the victory with another 11-7 score-line to book a meeting against World No.18 Victor Crouin.
Speaking after the match, ElShorbagy said: “I don’t think Asal gets the credit he deserves. He’s only 21 years old. He played Ali [Farag, World No.1] and Paul [Coll, World No.2] in the last two tournaments of the year, who were the best in the world and he played them back-to-back and dropped just one game.”
“For me, he’s the current best player in the world. When I came on court today, [coach Gregory Gaultier and I] trained to be up against the best of the best. I don’t think people realise how much pressure he had once Ali and Paul were out.
“To be the highest seed at a Platinum event, there’s so much pressure on him. I went through the same thing he did so I knew everything he was going through.”
“I’m very happy and very pleased to win,” ElShorbagy said.
Earlier, Frenchman Crouin produced another incredible performance as he shocked No.6 seed Tarek Momen to reach his maiden Platinum-level tournament final with a 3-1: 11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10 win.
Crouin, who defeated Qatar’s Abdulla Mohamed Al Tamimi in straight games to make it to the semis, had to overcome a stiff resistance by the former Qatar Classic finalist.
Momen, who won the 2019 World Championship at the same venue, opened up an 8-5 lead early in the first game before Crouin pulled back to level the scores at 8-8. However, Crouin went on to take first game and the following in similar fashion before the Egyptian fought back in the third.
Crouin appeared to be heading for a comfortable win, but that’s when Momen fought back well and scored eight quick points to win the fourth game at 11-5.
Momen put up a memorable fight in the fourth game.
The Frenchman looked in brilliant form as the 23-year-old went 10-6 up before Momen forced a tie break after showing impressive skills and mental strength.
The World No.18, however, prevailed in the thrilling contest as he marched on to his maiden Platinum final.
“It feels like everything’s fitting into place. On court, today I felt like I wasn’t as good as in previous days and I hit the tin a little more, but that’s probably because Tarek was putting a lot of pressure on me,” Crouin said after the win.
“I kept telling myself to be proactive and aggressive, because that’s how you win rallies. I’m just enjoying it on court. Not overthinking, just hitting my targets and it’s working. One more push tomorrow,” Crouin said.
“Thank you so much for coming. It’s nice to have the support, even if most people are cheering for the Egyptians! It’s nice to have a few voices.”
SEMI FINALS
[5] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt. [3] Mostafa Asal (EGY)3-1: 3-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-7 (60m)
Victor Crouin (FRA) bt. [6] Tarek Momen (EGY)3-1: 11-9, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10 (68m)
FINAL
GLASS COURT - 18:00
[5] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) vs Victor Crouin (FRA)