Matthew-Elshorbagy, Ashour-Gaultier to Collide in $150K El Gouna Semis by Nathan Clarke
photos PSA
8TH APR 2015
- Nick Matthew recorded his 445th PSA World Tour victory in what was
his 600th career PSA World Tour appearance to move into the semi-finals
of the 2015 El Gouna International PSA World Series event.
Matthew came through a physically demanding encounter against Egyptian
Omar Mosaad in tough conditions in the humid Egyptian evening to move
into the semi-finals of his 12th consecutive tournament as he aims to
win a fourth event in succession.
His opponent in the last four will be Egyptian World No.1 Mohamed
Elshorbagy, the only man to have beaten Matthew so far in 2015 in the
final of the J.P Morgan Tournament of Champions in January.
“Playing the first match in the evening is tough and the conditions tonight were brutal,” said Matthew afterwards.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever played in tougher humid conditions. I had a bit
of a blip in the fourth game, when my intensity dropped a little, but
I’m really pleased with how I came back from that. He had game ball to
take it to five and it was a big relief that I prevented that.
“There’s lots of recovery work to be done now ahead of tomorrow.”
On winning for the 445th time Matthew said: “It’s great to get another
win on the tour and to hit 445 is nice. I’ve got 55 to go and maybe
then I’ll retire!”
