Lefties line up last-four clash in NetSuite Open
Amr Shabana and Peter Barker will meet in the semi-finals of the NetSuite Open in San Francisco after recording accomplished performances in last night’s quarter-finals on the new glass court at Justin Herman Plaza.
Shabana overcame England’s Adrian Grant 3-1, while Barker powered past Alister Walker in straight games. The number two and three seeds, both left-handers, face off in the semi-finals this evening.
In the top half of the draw, number one seed Gregory Gaultier meets Colombian Miguel Rodriguez. Another full-house crowd close to the Golden Gate Bridge were treated to some quality tactical play as Barker nullified the threat of former England team-mate Walker, who now represents Namibia, winning 11-5, 11-5, 11-9.
Shabana dropped the third game to Grant before emerging triumphant with a scoreline of 11-6, 11-3, 6-11, 11-9.
Shabana clearly likes this new McWil court, although his triumph had as much to do with determination as the quality of his shot-making repertoire as Grant mounted a spirited resistance after losing the first two games.
Rodriguez warmed up for his clash with Gaultier by holding a clinic on court to highlight Women’s Squash Week in the USA.
Pictures by ANDREAS HOFWEBER and KIM CLEARKIN (Bay Club)