Hussein Overcomes Potgieter in Black Sea Open

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Number eight seed Ahmed Hussein dispatched Christo Potgieter in the quarter-final of the Zenit Black Sea Open, PSA M5 event to secure a semi-final spot in a PSA World Tour event for the first time in his career.

The Alexandria-born 22-year-old was in sensational form in the opening couple of games, dropping just a handful of points to open up a commanding two game lead over his opponent.

Potgieter got a game back in the third but his resistance proved to be futile as Hussein redoubled his efforts to claim an 11-4, 11-2, 6-11, 11-8 triumph to advance to the last four.

“I’m very happy because it will be my first time ever in a semi-final,” said Hussein.

“I’m happy with my performance on the court, I played very well. I was focused and I think it’s the best match I’ve ever played. I was two-love up and then lost the third game but I said to myself that I wouldn’t lose and it was my chance to win today here in Ukraine.”

Jan Koukal will be his opponent there after the number two seed emerged victorious from a bruising five game match with Ahmed Effat Ashoush. The Czech No.1 recovered well from 2-1 down to claim the victory and place in the semi-final.

Meanwhile, Manuel Wanner defeated Jean-Pierre Brits in straight games to set up a semi-final clash with Stephane Galifi after the Italian dispatched fellow qualifier Denys Podvornyi.

Results – Quarter-Final: Zenit Black Sea Open 2015
[Q] Stephane Galifi (ITA) bt [Q] Denys Podvornyi (UKR) 3-0: 11-2, 11-6, 11-5
[6] Manuel Wanner (SUI) bt [4] Jean-Pierre Brits (RSA) 3-0: 11-5, 12-10, 11-8
[8] Ahmed Hussein (EGY) bt [3] Christo Potgieter (RSA) 3-1: 11-2, 11-4, 6-11, 11-8
[2] Jan Koukal (CZE) bt [5] Ahmed Effat Ashoush (EGY) 3-2: 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4, 11-5

Draw – Semi-Final
[Q] Stephane Galifi (ITA) v [6] Manuel Wanner (SUI)
[8] Ahmed Hussein (EGY) v [2] Jan Koukal (CZE)