Eain tests Zahed as Pakistan Open enters semis stage

ISLAMABAD: Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng gave a good account of himself before bowing out in four games against Zahed Mohamed of Egypt as semi-finals line-up in the Pakistan Open Squash was decided at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex on Thursday.

The Egyptian won 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9. The World No 24 now faces a tough task to make it to the final as he will take on title favourite Marwan El Shorbagy in the semi-final. The top seed Shorbagy defeated his countryman Mazen Hesham (Egypt) 11-8, 11-8, 11-6 to earn a place in the last-four.

Hong Kong’s Leo Au beat compatriot Max Lee 13-11, 4-11, 11-8, 7-11, 5-4 (rtd). Leo Au will face second seed Mohamed Abouelghar (Egypt) who beat Nafizwan Adnan in the fourth quarter-final 8-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7.

Annie, Subramaniam in final:

Annie Au of Hong Kong and Sivasangari Subramaniam of Malaysia moved into final of Chief of Air Staff International Women Squash Championship following contrasting victories.

While Annie Au had to put in her best efforts to beat Egypt’s Rowan Elaraby, it was a smooth sailing for Subramaniam against Australia’s Rachael Grinham. Annie beat Rowan in hard fought four games 13-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-8.

Subramaniam won her game against Rachael 11-9, 11-7, 11-5. Rowan snatched the extended first game against Annie before the top seed came back strongly to win the next three.Annie kept up pressure on the Egyptian with some consistent display of forehand shots down the court.In the other semi-final, the Malaysian continued her upsurge with another fantastic performance in the court.