[1] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-1 [6] Karim Gawad (EGY) 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-1 (64m)
PSA reports
Defending Egyptian Open champion and reigning World Champion Mostafa Asal fought back from a game down in an entertaining four-game clash with 2016 World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad.
World No.1 Asal had received some criticism for his performances earlier in the competition, and perhaps that was weighing on his mind as ‘the Raging Bull’ made an edgy start, with Gawad – who upset World No.4 Makin in the quarter-final – deservedly taking game one 11-9.
‘The Assassin’ continued to impress in game two, looking rapid on court and demonstrating his legendary racket skills.
Asal, however, was able to hold on, countering his opponent well to clinch game two by the same scoreline and then, crucially, moving ahead with yet another 11-9 victory.
That third game robbed Gawad of his fight, with the 34-year-old flat in game four as Asal cruised through game four 11-1.
Asal
“It’s always tough to play Gawad.
“Gawad is a role model for me and a legend. I remember doing sessions with him when I was young and he was the first one to get me playing with pro players so we’re close and we know each others games very well but we’re friendly and there’s a lot of respect there.
“He’s one of those players who can beat anyone on his day, he proved that by beating Joel [Makin] in the quarters.
“I’m always trying to think about the positives. There are negatives of course but I talk them through with my team but Im trying to stay focused on my goals and any other things I don’t focus on.”
