Tournament of Champions – Semi-Finals: A First Platinum Final Since 2021 Incoming For Marwan ElShorbagy

No.5 seed Marwan ElShorbagy is the first player through to the men’s final at this years Tournament of Champions after beating ‘Colombian Cannonball’ Miguel Rodriguez in three games.

ElShorbagy has been in terrific form all week and is yet to drop a game in the competition. He continued that run in todays match as he showcased smart and solid squash to defeat Miguel Rodriguez and reach his first Platinum event final since March 2012, where he lifted the Black Ball Open title.

ElShorbagy has been proud of his fast starts this week and displayed that once again at Grand Central Terminal as he hit crisp lines to the back of the court and looked to intercept Rodriguez’s returns and fire the ball short. He took the first game 11-5 to lead 1-0 in the contest.

More entertaining rallies followed as Miguel was being fuelled by the energetic crowd who were all being well entertained by the Colombian’s random style of play. ElShorbagy kept his head down and continued to work the ball into space and close down the angles and restrict the game of Rodriguez.

After 49 minutes, ElShorbagy took the match again in three games and ended the terrific run from Rodriguez to reach the final and avenge his brother’s defeat from earlier in the tournament.

Result:

[5] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 3-0: 11-5, 11-7, 11-8 (49m)