Asal Fights Back From 2-0 Down To Clinch Hong Kong Open Final

Mostafa Asal battled back from two games down to defeat Diego Elias 3-2 and win his maiden Hong Kong Open title.

The World No.4, who’s secured his first Platinum title of the season, overcame Elias 3-2: 6-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 in 95 minutes.

Elias and Asal had met five times in 2022 coming into the decider in Hong Kong, and it was the second time in the space of three weeks having gone head-to-head in the semi-finals of the Singapore Open.

Elias, who ended a run of five straight defeats to Asal when he beat him in the last four clash in Singapore, continued his strong form during the Hong Kong Open when took game one 11-6.

The Peruvian Puma picked up where he left off in the first game going into the second, going 10-6 up, before an error from Asal at the first attempt for game ball for Elias doubled the South American’s advantage.

Falling two games down sparked Asal into life in a crucial third game for both players, as the Egyptian built up a 7-4 lead against the Peruvian.

However errors started to creep into Asal’s game, which presented a huge opportunity for Elias to take championship ball. But Asal was able to respond when it mattered most for him again, producing an outstanding shot to send it to a tie breaker and then taking the game 12-10.

Elias requested the new ball at the end of the third game, and the World No.5 was 8-5 up before Asal closed the gap to 8-8. Mistakes from Elias presented Asal with game ball, and a controversial decision went in Asal’s favour for him to clinch the game 12-10 and force a decider.

The decision at the end of the fourth looked to have knocked Elias, as Asal stepped up another gear with the confidence flowing having won the last two games to.

The Egyptian ran out 11-4 in the fifth to bag his first Platinum level title of the season and his fourth trophy this calendar year.

“I’m so proud of myself,” said Asal.

“It’s been a tough week for me… People don’t know what happens outside of the court, I’m dealing with lots of things to play this awesome squash. 

“I’m so happy to come to Hong Kong. My first time in 2018, I lost in 20 mins against Tom Richards in the first round, so I’m really happy to win it this time.”

Result

[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [2] Diego Elias (PER) 3-2: 6-11, 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 (95m)