Curtis Malik, Karim El Hammamy Reach Venice ABC Open Squash Final
Pakistan’s Asim Khan and Nasir Iqbal, however, were unable to meet expectations in the tournament.
KARACHI: England’s Curtis Malik defeated Egypt’s Yassin Shohdy 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final of the Venice ABC Open Squash Championship at the DHA Creek Club on Saturday to book his place in the men’s final.
Top seed Malik won the opening game 12-10 before extending his advantage with an 11-7 victory in the second.
However, Shohdy fought back strongly, claiming the next two games 11-9 and 11-8 to level the match and force a deciding fifth game.
Malik regained control in the decider, winning 11-5 to complete a 12-10, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-5 victory and secure his place in the title match.
Shohdy’s comeback threatened to turn the contest around, but Malik held his nerve when it mattered most.
El Hammamy Sets Up Final Against Malik
Second seed Karim El Hammamy of Egypt secured his place in the final with a convincing 3-0 victory over Malaysia’s Yee Xian Siow in the other semi-final.
El Hammamy won 11-9, 11-9, 11-6, maintaining his advantage throughout the contest to advance without dropping a game.
The Egyptian had reached the semi-finals after defeating Pakistan’s Asim Khan 3-1 in the quarter-finals, while Malik booked his place in the last four with a 3-0 win over Egypt’s Ziad Ibrahim.
The men’s final between Malik and El Hammamy promises to be a competitive encounter, with both players producing strong performances in the 24-player event.
Pakistan’s Asim Khan and Nasir Iqbal, however, were unable to meet expectations in the tournament.
Elaraby, El Rihany Set Up Women’s Final
Egypt’s Raneem Elaraby and Amina El Rihany advanced to the women’s final after winning their respective semi-final matches.
Fourth seed Elaraby defeated compatriot Haya Rizk 3-1, recovering from a second-game loss to win 11-3, 4-11, 11-7, 11-4.
Second seed El Rihany also secured a 3-1 victory, overcoming third seed Nour Shahin. She won 11-3, 10-12, 11-8, 11-4 to book her place in the title decider.
Both the men’s and women’s finals will be played on Sunday.
