QF: Diego 3-2 Marwan

[4] Diego Elias (PER) 3-2 [8] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)  8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-5, 11-5 (64m)

The support of Marwan’s two coaches, Rodney Martin and Karim Aly Fathi was not enough to give the tired Egyptian new legs. God knows he didn’t let go of any point, but there is a moment where the legs just don’t work as they should. Reaching the Nantes final and being in this event two days later was always going to be a challenge.

How GREAT was that match. I thought very clean, Marwan respects Diego tremendously, and it shown, making it all about squash, tactics, control, quick reactions/reflexes from both.

Superb start from Diego, 6-0, Marwan quick reaction, and in two hands, takes the game 11/8, 13m. How did he do that!!?

The second, tiredness shows a bit, 4 errors from the Egyptian, and quick game, 8m, 4/2, caught up 4/4, and completely overwhelmed, 11/4 Diego. A second win for the Egyptian in the third, 4/1, 6/2, Diego clawing back to 5/6, but Marwan is despatching the attacks, set up on the back of great length, and it’s 9/5, 11/7 in 15m.

Big drop in energy for the Controller from that point on, he’ll make 6 errors in the 4th, 11/5, 11m, no error for Diego, and no error either in the 5th, Marwan trying his best but running on fumes, 11/5 in 10m.

Loved the match. Thanks guys.

Diego

“I have the head-to-head record, but he always plays a good match with me and it’s always close. I’m just happy to win this one. Marwan’s a very good friend and I think today, in one game one of us was playing well and in another the other was. I’m just happy with the win and I’ll have to recover for tomorrow.

“My coach came to tell me a couple of jokes as he doesn’t know anything about squash. No, I’m just kidding! He always helps. We’ve been taking care of my body, making sure everything’s ok and just trying his best to help me. I’m very thankful to have him here.

“Playing Paul tomorrow in the semis. We always have great matches and am looking forward to that. Time to recover!”