Doha: Egypt’s world No. 1 squash player, Nour El Sherbini, became the first player to advance to the final of the 2024 QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash Tournament.

El Sherbini, a seven-time world champion, secured a hard-fought victory over fellow Egyptian and third-seed Hania El Hammamy, the defending champion, in a thrilling semifinal that ended 3-2. The marathon match, the longest in the tournament so far, lasted 83 minutes with scores of 10-12, 12-10, 4-11, 11-5, and 11-9, all taking place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

This win propels El Sherbini to her third final in Doha, following appearances in 2015, where she lost to England’s Laura Massaro, and 2023, where she fell to El Hammamy.

El Sherbini will face the winner of the other semifinal match between Egypt’s Nouran Gohar, the world No. 2, and the USA’s fifth-seed Olivia Weaver.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency after her victory, El Sherbini expressed her delight at the tough win, noting that the match remained tight until th
e 9-9 tie in the fifth set. She credited her calmness, focus, and experience in helping her secure the final points to claim victory.

The world No. 1, Nour El Sherbini, emphasized that the Qatar Classic is one of the major tournaments in squash, expressing her hope to clinch her first title in Doha tomorrow. She stated that she will prepare thoroughly for the final and will give her utmost effort to secure victory.

Source: Qatar News Agency