Black Ball Open QF: Ruthless Gohar Powers Past Abbas

Two-time Black Ball Open champion Nouran Gohar was at her devastating best as she dispatched No.8 seed Nada Abbas in straight games.

The top seed, who has won the previous two editions of the Cairo-based event, started off at lightning speed and never gave Abbas a moment to get a foothold in the match from there, in a performance that will certainly have sent a message of intent to the rest of the women’s draw.

Gohar hit with her trademark ferocity throughout, but noticeably showed impressive adaptability, slowing things down when needed and showing soft hands into the front of the court.

Over the opening two games, Gohar dropped just three points, and despite Abbas throwing in some counter-punches in the third, the ‘Terminator’ wasn’t to be stopped, romping to victory in 27 minutes.

After the match, Gohar said: “I am normally known for playing a power game, but obviously today I wanted to do something a bit different. Not every shot was super accurate, but I feel that the game plan and the mindset was good today. I don’t think I can always play like this the whole time, but in big matches I think I can use a bit of this at critical times.

“Tactics are very important, but the mental side is super important as well. I feel like it is very important to always make them feel uncomfortable in the way you play.

“Obviously, the power game is more effective, but it’s always trial and error. Some days it is going to work, others it is not. I’m glad that I just stuck with it to the end.

Result:

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [8] Nada Abbas (EGY) 3-0: 11-3, 11-1, 11-4 (28m)