[1] Ali Farag (EGY) 3-1 Daryl Selby (ENG) 8-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 (54m)
Jzzz, that was a painful one.
Basically, somebody very close to Ali and Nour is critically ill in hospital, and that obviously affected both of them very deeply, to the point where Nour just couldn’t stop crying and just couldn’t play her game.
Ali, supported by Karim Darwish his coach from Wadi Degla and Nour, managed to get on court. It was not easy for Daryl either, as he felt what was going on, and was playing against a player that was trying, then not trying, then brilliant, then tinning the ball repeatedly. He did extraordinary well to keep his focus today.
To be honest, Ali was playing at a few slow pace, that suited Daryl beautifully, and the match was very balanced really.
After winning the second game, Ali was in tears as he got on court, tinned the first three shots and turned to his camp saying “I cannot do it”. But they pushed him and he managed somehow to overcome an extremely solid, clinical and sharp/rested Daryl Selby.
Well done to both and all our thoughts are with you and your family Ali…
Daryl (on Twitter)
Played some good stuff in the 3rd especially yesterday, disappointed not to take that from 9/6 up but credit to @AliFarag who played great squash under pressure. Happy to have played on this great court in this amazing setting. Thanks for everyone’s kind words and support 👍🏼👊🏼🙌🏼
Ali
Thanks to Nour and Karim – they kept pushing me. I’m just very happy to be through that one for sure. I hope it’s another great match against Paul and that we can give the crowd a good one.
