[2] Amina Orfi (Egy) 3-1 [6] Nouran Gohar (Egy) 9-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-6 (71m)
Today felt like the Terminator was facing the Destroyer. Both were playing the same powerful hitting, sprinkled with a few crispy drop shots and volley drops…
Having watched Nouran take out Nour yesterday, with the energy and intensity she displayed, I didn’t think that she would have the match fitness today to threaten the new world number one.
HOW WRONG COULD I BE?
This was a battle like in the films, you know, those gigantesque creatures that face each other, and you never want the battle to end…
Ok yes, too many calls for it to be a classic. But like in the previous match, the second game is crucial, and if Nouran takes it, after taking the opener 11/9 in 17m, the New Mother hangs in there, 6/6, 7/7. A big push from the Destroyer, 10/7, 8/10, and finally 11/8 in again 17m.
The third is also 17m, by the way, with Amina clinching it on her third attempt, from 10/8 to 10/10, and eventually 12/10…
Amina made her first unforced error of the match at 3/0 up, in the 4th game… And wins the last game more comfortably than the others, 12m, 11/6.
But beware. Nouran is truly and utterly back, and she wants her top ranking back.
Coming into this match, I had to approach it differently. She had no pressure, she had a big win yesterday, the pressure was on me. I just tried to focus on my own squash and not much on what was happening around me.
“It’s kind of weird as I didn’t know what to expect this time. The last time we played was at the 2025 British Open 2025, so it’s been a while. I just had to tell myself a lot of things had changed since then. I have gained so much experience since then. I think my physicality has improved a lot since we last played.
“Once Nouran gets into the season, though, she’s definitely going to improve.
My camp is always helping me and pushing me. When you have the other camp screaming and shouting, it’s good to have your own camp doing the same. They’re always supporting me, and I just try to stay on court and focus.”
“Honestly, in terms of squash, I didn’t feel under a lot of pressure, because I’ve played so many matches this season and last season. I’ve been in tough matches and tough situations before. I think it was more the atmosphere itself, and so many decisions and edgy shots. That’s what put the pressure on.
Other than that, I’m just happy with how I managed the match.”
