Egyptian outsider meets Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal in Indian showdown
By Squash Mad Reporter
Egyptian qualifier Ali Farag, the man who knocked tournament favourite Saurav Ghosal out of the competition in the opening round, booked his place in the final of the CCI PSA International Championship in Mumbai earlier today.
The 22-year-old Faraq continued his sensational form this week, following up his wins over Ghosal and number eight seed Kristian Frost Olesen by scalping compatriot and sixth seed Zahed Mohamed in a 56-minute 11-7, 15-13, 10-12, 11-6 win.
Faraq, who last reached a PSA Word Tour final in 2012, will face Pakistan’s World No.53 Nasir Iqbal in tomorrow’s final after the 20-year-old from Peshawar overcame a determined challenge from Indian No.2 and World No.75 Mahesh Mangaonkar to register an 11-8, 11-8, 11-13, 12-10 win in the second semi-final.
It promises to be an absorbing contest between the pairing, with Iqbal hoping to add to the FMC Pakistan International Circuit and Emerson Racquet Club Pro Series titles he has already secured so far on the PSA World Tour in 2014.
“It was a very tough match,” admitted Iqbal following his win over the local favourite.
“Mahesh is in form, especially after beating (second seed) Ong Beng Hee in the quarter-finals.
“I controlled the first two sets though I was loose in the third which gave him a chance to recover. I think in the end he tired out and that gave me a chance to come back and win it.”
CCI PSA International Championship 2014 – Semi-final Results:
[Q] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [6] Zahed Mohamed (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 15-13, 10-12, 11-6
[3] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) bt Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND) 3-1: 11-8, 11-8, 11-13, 12-10
For more information the PSA World Tour, visit www.psaworldtour.com