Qaulifier Delia Arnold Stuns World No 2 Raneem El Weleily in Women's British Quarters by Scarlett Smith
photo allambritishopensquash.com
King/Massaro photo squashpics.com
May 15, 2015
- There was a massive upset in the British Open women’s draw with
qualifier and World No.29 Delia Arnold reaching the last four after a
win against World No.2 Raneem El Weleily.
The Malaysian has been on a giant killing run in the world’s most
prestigious squash tournament, having taken out World No.3 Alison
Waters and World No.11 Annie Au in previous rounds.
An overwhelmed Arnold said afterwards: “I never thought I would reach
the semi-finals of the British Open. It was mentally exhausting but I
kept telling myself I could do it and to hang in there and be patient
with her and it worked. I’m just really surprised, hopefully I’ll
just keep on going!”
In other quarterfinal play, England’s British Open hopes have
been kept alive by former World Champions Nick Matthew and Laura
Massaro after the pair both won their quarter final matches in straight
games.
Massaro looked in impressive form despite only having just returned to
competitive squash following a break from the sport. She swept
aside New Zealand’s Joelle King, who was making her first appearance
after suffering from an achilles injury, 11/6, 11/2, 11/7 in just over
half an hour at the Airco Arena in Hull.
“That win means a lot to me, to make the final last year and win it the
year before is such a great experience, I desperately wanted to make
the semis this year and go further if I can. It feels more and
more homely here each year, I’ve been back to do some press before the
tournament – I love coming back to Hull, I feel like I’m at home here,”
said Massaro.
Massaro will face World No.1 Nicol David in tomorrow’s semi final after
the Malaysian overcame a tough test from England’s Sarah-Jane
Perry.
The five time British Open Champion had to fight back to come away in
three games after the World No.14 from England charged ahead in both
the second and third games.
Speaking to the Hull crowd afterwards, David commented: “SJ is such a
tough and talented player to be up against. Tomorrow’s match against
Laura should be a really great semi final.”
Women’s Quarter Final results:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [13] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11/6, 11/8, 12/10 (46m) [3] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [10] Joelle King (NZL) 11/6, 11/2, 11/7 (33m) [6] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [4] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 6/11, 11/7, 7/11, 11/9, 11/9 (66m) [Q] Delia Arnold (MAS) bt [2] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) 4/11, 16/14, 10/12, 11/6, 12/10 (69m)
