Detroit winner sets sights on top 10
By NATHAN CLARKE
One week after securing the biggest tournament title of his career at the PSA M70 Motor City Open presented by The Suburban Collection Egyptian Ali Farag has jumped up nine places in the PSA World Rankings, breaking into the top 20 for the first time in his career, to occupy the No.13 position.
Farag overcame World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy, World No.8 Mathieu Castagnet and World No.3 Nick Matthew as he stormed to the title to cap what was the most impressive week of his career to date and one that signals the 23-year-old’s arrival as a genuine contender on the PSA World Tour.
“Breaking into the top 16 is unbelievable,” said Farag.
“I remember when I was young I used to look up the top players and think how could I ever be one of the best players in the world. It is something that I will forever cherish and be grateful for. It’s another step towards my number one goal and I’m glad to be on the right track.
“Winning the Motor City Open has shown me that I am among the top players and that allows me to step on court with anyone believing that I have a good chance of winning. I need to build on the momentum now and push on to reach my next goal of becoming a top ten player.
“I know how much hard work it takes to get to that stage but I’ve never been more excited for the challenge.”
Elsewhere inside the top ten Ramy Ashour moves back into the top five for the first time since November 2015 while Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez falls two places to No.7 – his lowest ranking in 12 months.
Graphic courtesy of PSA