Thursday, March 28, 2024

Shabana and Barker to meet in San Francisco semi-finals

Lefties line up last-four clash in NetSuite Open

Amr Shabana on the attack against Adrian Grant
Amr Shabana on the attack against Adrian Grant

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.  

Ladies man: Miguel Rodriguez holds a clinic on the glass court
Ladies man: Miguel Rodriguez holds a clinic on the glass court

 

Pictures by ANDREAS HOFWEBER and  KIM CLEARKIN (Bay Club)

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