Olivia Fiechter (USA) 3-1 Sana Ibrahim (Egy) 11-5, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6 (43m)
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-0 Tomato Ho (HKG) 11-6, 11-6, 11-5 (27m)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY) 3-0 Sabrina Sobhy (USA) 11-7, 11-3, 11-4 (24m)
Nour was on fire today, up 7/3 in the opener, but a little mental lapse, or Sabrina just giving it a great push, and we are back at 7/9, Nour closing it 11/7 in 8m.
After that, Catwoman was just too strong in all department of the game, and the fact Sabrina played on the glass last night pretty late, saving a match ball in the 4th against Crowd Little Darling Amina Orfi and having to really dig deep into the mental reserve to close the match out, probably played a role today I feel.
Nour
I was telling my coach just now that if the season only started for some with this tournament, I already played 12 competitive matches! It gives me confidence in my squash, but at the same time when you finish a tournament with a loss like it happened to me last week, it keeps you modest and makes you aware of your weakenessess.
So I guess I was a bit nervous at the start of the match, and as the match went on, I became more confident. “Beans” is one of my favourite opponents, I have maximum respect for her so I was really nervous. Plus it’s the first match of the tournament…
Actually, I was very happy with my rankings yesterday, I didn’t know about it, and it’s a friend that told me on the phone, I was very proud, my best ranking was 3, and I think I was 5 when I stopped for a year, but I think I’m happier now being 5 that soon than I was 3 at the time!
After stopping for a year, I feel very grateful and happy to be back playing, it makes me appreciate every match. I’m just excite to be playing another tournament, and to play Amanda tomorrow….
World No.3 CIB Hania El Hammamy delivered a ruthless display against Tomato Ho to advance to the next round. Hania, who’s unbeaten in three meetings now with the 26-year-old from Hong Kong, clinched the match in 27 minutes, winning 11-6, 11-6 and 11-5.
The Egyptian will take on either Farida Mohamed or Nele Gilis in round three.
Hania
“It felt good. It’s so nice to be back competing in a new season. It was definitely a testing match for anyone who hasn’t started the season yet, so I was testing myself.
“I definitely feel happy about being back and playing the first tournament of the season in front of my family and coach. It’s a confident start for me and hopefully I can keep going.”
