QF: Nouran beat a stronger, faster Tinne

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-0 [6] Tinne Gilis (BEL) Β 12-10, 11-7, 11-7 (39m)

I know, some might say well, Tinne lost in three. But that’s not the match I saw at all.

I saw a fighting, positive, amazing athlete believing in herself. And that I didn’t see often when she was playing against Nouran. It’s like if she was a lamp that would just switch off as she would start losing a few points against the Terminator.

Tonight, none of that.

Body language, very positive, no more folding shoulders or sad face. Just a fight face on, body and shoulders straight up. And it didn’t matter if she was losing a few points. She would just take them back. For example, first game, Nouran strings 4 points, reaching 7/3? Tinne scores 5 in a row, 7/7.

And she kept attacking and finding her targets. Pace was fast, she was moving so well.

So basically, tonight, Nouran had to bring up her A+ game to contain the Belgium. She finally clinches the opener 12/10 – crucial, mentally wise, 12m.

The second is another intense battle, with long disputed rallies but unfortunately for her, Tinne finds herself at the wrong end of them, so the score doesn’t tell the story… Nouran closes it in 12m, 11/6, and about the same in the third, 7/3, 8/5, 11/6 in 11m.

 

Nouran

Tinne played amazing and it was really good to see.

She fought for every rally, even when she was super tired. She gave me a good run today.

I’m happy that I got through in three. It was a bit tricky, especially in the first. I was a bit unhappy with the lead I was slipping every single time.

Funnily enough it was 7-3, 7-3, 7-3 in the three games and she would win the next point. I think I need to tweak some stuff but I know I have it in the tank but what matters most, is that I got the win in the end. I’m happy with that.

β€œWhere to start when talking about Amr- I had the pleasure of having him as my national coach for a few years and he was such a true asset to have. I wish we could have it that way again because he had a lot of words of wisdom, and he helped me big time, especially when I was very young. He was there when I got to the final of the British Open when I was 18.

I admire him as a squash player, the Maestro, as a mentor and as a person in general – I learned a lot from him. We also come from the same club!”

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