Elshorbagy, Ashour Set Up All-Egyptian World Final by Nathan Clarke
November 20, 2014 -
World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy proved he can walk-the-walk by defeating
2013 title holder Nick Matthew 3-0 in their 2014 Qatar PSA World
Championship semi-final show-down in Doha to back up his off-court
claims.
The duo were embroiled in a war-of-words coming into the tournament,
with Elshorbagy stating Matthew 'wouldn't be able to handle the pace'
and the 23-year-old from Alexandria lived up to his prediction,
out-muscling Matthew in an intense 60-minute battle.
Brutal rallies dominated proceedings throughout, with both players
testing each other to the max, with the Bristol-based Egyptian
prevailing to set up a final encounter with compatriot Ramy Ashour
tomorrow, but he was quick to praise elder statesman Matthew following
their match.
"It feels great to get that win because I came here today and I really
wanted it and I gave it everything I had," said Bristol-based
Elshorbagy.
"We were both really fired up for the match. There was a lot of talk
and mind games before the match but there's a big respect there between
us as well - Nick is an inspirational player and I have learnt a lot
from him during my career so far.
"But on court it's a war and we both want to win. But once it's done,
it's finished. Tomorrow I'm sure we'll joke with each other and forget
about all the talk beforehand.
"I expect another exciting match in the final against Ramy tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to it."
Ashour, returning to competitive action in this event for the first
time since May's Allam British Open, was in majestic form as he
withstood everything number one seed Gregory Gaultier threw at him to
come through 3-0 in 56-minutes.
Ashour's last World Championship triumph came in Doha in 2012 when he
beat Elshorbagy in the final and he'll be hoping for a repeat
performance tomorrow.
"It feels great to be in the final and I'm going to give it 100 per cent and fight for every shot and every point," said Ashour.
"I'm pushing away the demons in my head and what counts is that I'm in
there and I'm determined not to waste all the work I have put in."
Results: 2014 Qatar PSA World Championship - Semi-finals, Doha