El Hammamy Survives Aboelkheir Scare to Reach London Classic Semi-Final

In the last women’s quarter-final, No.2 seed Hania El Hammamy came from behind as she came through a stern test from 18-year-old Fayrouz Aboelkheir to reach the GillenMarkets London Classic semi-final, where she will take on fierce rival Nouran Gohar.

El Hammamy initially controlled the rallies in game one, only for Aboelkheir to fight back.

The unseeded 18-year-old, who lost 3-0 to El Hammamy in January’s Tournament of Champions, was brilliant on the backhand, nullifying El Hammamy’s attempted to push up the court as she took game one 11-9.

El Hammamy continued to look uncomfortable in game two and struggled to read her young opponent at times.

Despite this, the World No.2 dug in, defending well and levelling with an 11-8 win.

Both players started game three well, only for a slip in Aboelkheir’s concentration to give El Hammamy the momentum.

The No.2 seed did not relinquish the lead after taking it, pushing on to take the match 9-11, 11-8, 11-4.

“That was very tough, as I said yesterday best-of-three is so tricky. And if you’re not playing well or if things are messy it makes it even harder,” El Hammamy said afterwards.

“I think I was a bit nervous but I’m glad at the end of the day. I got the job done and found my range at the end of the third and I’m just happy I got through.

“She’s a very talented player and she’s big and she uses her movement quite smartly. I think I had to find a way through with all the challenges I was facing today. I’m glad I was able to find a way in the third and go back with some positives.”

On her upcoming semi-final with rival Nouran Gohar, she said: “It’s a big battle. I think it’s a big rivalry as well, if not the biggest of this sport to this day!”

Result: [2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [8] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 2-1: 9-11, 11-8, 11-4 (41m)

The semi-finals of the GillenMarkets London Squash Classic take place tomorrow, 31 March, at Alexandra Palace. Action will be streamed live on SQUASHTV from 15:00 (GMT).

For more information on the GillenMarkets London Squash Classic, visit the PSA website or follow the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You can also keep track of all of the live scores from the event by clicking here.