Alkass Digital
Former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad eliminated Qatar’s top player Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi in the third round of the QTerminals Qatar Classic to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Gawad, the 2016 champion, started strong by taking the first game, but Al Tamimi fought back in the second, thrilling the home crowd. However, Gawad regained control, winning the next two games to close out the match 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7 in just 46 minutes.
Reflecting on the match, Gawad praised the Qatari crowd and Al Tamimi’s unpredictable play, saying, “Abdulla was on fire today, hitting winners from nowhere. The support from the Qatari fans made it a great atmosphere.”
Gawad now faces World No.2 Mostafa Asal, who extended his unbeaten streak to 12 matches after defeating World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria in straight games. Asal, fresh from winning the CIB Egyptian Open and Paris Squash titles, dominated Zakaria, despite the young challenger making things difficult in the first game.
Meanwhile, Welshman Joel Makin followed up his impressive win over No.2 seed Paul Coll with a commanding victory over France’s Auguste Dussourd, securing his place in the last eight with an 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 win.
Weaver Cruises to Quarterfinals in Women's Draw
In the women’s competition, US No.1 Olivia Weaver reached the quarterfinals of the Qatar Classic for the first time, defeating World No.15 Fayrouz Aboelkheir 3-0. Weaver controlled the match from the outset, giving up just five points in the first game and blanking Aboelkheir in the second. Despite a late comeback from Aboelkheir in the third game, Weaver held her nerve to win on her third match ball.
Weaver will now face Belgium’s World No.5 Nele Coll, who advanced to the last eight with a routine win over Wales’ Emily Whitlock.
Seventeen-year-old Amina Orfi also made her mark, reaching the quarterfinals after defeating England’s World No.20 Lucy Turmel.