World Series semi gives Ashour another crack at French ace
Gregory Gaultier and Ramy Ashour are set to lock horns again in the semi-finals of the Power Courts World Series Finals just two weeks after they met in the final of the 2014 Windy City Open.
Egyptian world number three Ashour will be hoping to gain revenge for his 3-0 defeat to Frenchman Gaultier in that match-up when they take to the court at the prestigious Westwood Club in Richmond, Virginia today.
Ashour booked his place in the semi-finals following an impressive 20-minute demolition of compatriot Tarek Momen in the final day of round robin action which also saw World No.1 Nick Matthew and World No.4 Mohamed Elshorbagy progress to the last four.
“The court conditions were cold tonight and it was very rewarding because when you hit a good shot it just goes right and I love playing on a cold court,” said Ashour.
“It’s great to be competing with these amazing athletes in this event as it really pushes you and motivates you and I’m happy to be in the semi-finals.
“Greg is very dangerous and explosive player and he’s a good friend of mine as well. We’ve had some great matches before but the games between us are always fair so hopefully it will be another great show tomorrow.”
After losing a dramatic match against compatriot Tarek Momen yesterday, Elshorbagy rebounded in impressive fashion to beat English World No.5 James Willstrop 2-0 to ensure his place in the semi-finals.
Having had several match balls in his favour Elshorbagy lost 2-1 to Momen in one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent history but managed to put that defeat out of his mind to win an exhilarating 11-9, 11-7 contest against Willstrop.
“I don’t think anyone can imagine how tough it was to take that loss last night especially as I had match balls,” said Elshorbagy.
“I had played so well against Ramy in the first match and I was playing well against Tarek so it was so tough to know that if I went wrong today I would have gone out of the competition.
“I spoke to Jonah (Barrington) at 6am and told him I couldn’t get the loss out of my mind and without his advice there is no way I would have been able to get on the court today.
“He told me that when you lose a match like that you just have to laugh about it and you just have to concentrate on what you have to do as a professional player.
“I went 2-0 up in each of my last two matches against James so that gave me some confidence and it’s my first time in the semi-finals of the World Series so I’m just going to enjoy it now.”
World Series Finals – Round Robin Day Three Results
Simon Rosner (GER) bt Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 2-0: 13-11, 12-10 [30mins]
Nick Matthew (ENG) bt Borja Golan (ESP) 2-0: 11-8, 11-9 [36 mins]
Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Tarek Momen (EGY) 2-0: 11-6, 11-6 [20 mins]
Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt James Willstrop (ENG) 2-0: 11-9, 11-9 [32 mins]
Semi-final Draw
Gregory Gaultier (FRA) v Ramy Ashour (EGY)
Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v Nick Matthew (ENG)