German No.1 clinches Dubai place
By NATHAN CLARKE
German World No.9 Simon Rösner will compete in the season-ending Dubai PSA World Series Finals after securing his place in the quarter-finals of the on-going El Gouna International – the final PSA World Series tournament of the 2015-16 season.
Coming into the event, which is taking place beside the Red Sea, Rösner knew nothing less than a quarter-final finish would be enough to secure his place at the lucrative tournament that brings together the top eight players on the PSA Road To Dubai Standings.
They will compete for a share of the $160,000 prize fund and the hard-hitting German duly delivered as he downed Mexican qualifier Cesar Salazar 3-1 to seal his spot in Dubai in what will be his third appearance at the prestigious tournament, which takes place from May 24-28 in front of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
“After seeing the pictures come out of the venue and the location, it just looked amazing and it gave me a push coming into El Gouna,” said Rösner.
“It is an impressive location and to play in front of that spectacular view (in front of the Burj Khalifa) is something very special. I am very happy to have qualified – I knew coming into the tournament that if I played to my ability then I would qualify and I’m happy that I managed to do that.
“It’s a very different tournament to the others we play – it’s a different format and a different challenge. When I was younger I used to enjoy watching the ATP Finals in Tennis and the World Series Finals is just like that – it’s something special at the end of the season.
“It’s a very prestigious tournament and to know you are one of the top eight in the world, and to have the chance to compete against them from the first match, is a great experience.”
About the PSA Dubai World Series Finals
The PSA Dubai World Series Finals is the season-ending climax to the both the men’s and women’s PSA World Series tours, featuring only the world’s best eight qualified players as they battle it out for the last title of the season.
Players compete for ‘Road To Dubai’ Ranking points at each PSA World Series Tournament in a bid to earn one of the coveted eight berths and a chance to compete in one of the sport’s most lucrative events.
The PSA Dubai World Series Finals brings eight players together in two groups of four, with players playing a round-robin best-of-three series for place in the knockout semi-finals and beyond.
Pictures courtesy of PSA. Burj Khalifa image by Warren Little/Getty Images