[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-0 Marwan Elshorbagy (ENG) 11-4, 11-5, 11-1 (40m)
PSA reports
In the last semi-final, Egyptian No.3 seed Mostafa Asal made short work of unseeded Englishman Marwan ElShorbagy to set up a final against World No.1 Ali Farag.
After an initially even opening spell, Asal pulled away in game one, looking a level above his opponent as he took the first game 11-4. ElShorbagy appeared to tweak something in game two, requiring an injury break. After returning, ElShorbagy initially moved gingerly before loosening up as the game wore on, though he was unable to prevent ‘the Raging Bull’ from doubling his advantage with an 11-5 win.
ElShorbagy continued to struggle in game three, with Asal cruising through to the final with an 11-1 victory.
Fram’s thoughts
One match too far.
Marwan had a great week, beating some serious opponents, one after the other. It was his first major good event since the TOC 2023 – runner up, having exited the top tournaments too early for his talent, and being unseeded in this event.
He ran out of steam, more mental I feel than physical. There is a moment when your brain advises you to stop abusing your body and get a little break…
Mostafa : “I’m not sure what’s happening with the players I’m playing against,” Asal said. “I wish he’s okay and I wish him all of the best. He’s done such an amazing job this tournament and he’s back to the same level he was when at World No.3. So I hope it’s nothing serious and he has a speedy recovery.”
On the impact of James Willstrop being in attendance, he said; “It’s given me a huge push. Thanks for him for coming over, he’s such a legend and makes me calm always. Thank you to the rest of my team as well. They’ve been doing so much work with me. Thank you to the crowd as well.”
Reflecting on his summer break, Asal added: “I’ve been playing more football, more five-a-side. I guess it makes me fitter and it might be a big bonus ahead of tomorrow!”
