Abouelghar Denies All-English Semi-Final Line-Up In Budapest

Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar has joined English trio Patrick Rooney, Jonah Bryant and Declan James in the semi-finals of the PSA Budapest Open after the quarter finals day came to a close at City Squash in the Hungarian capital.

Former World No.15 Declan James defeated No.2 seed Omar Mosaad 3-2 in round two and needed five games again yesterday to move past Switzerland’s Yannick Wilhelmi to reach the final four. After falling behind to the tall Englishman, Wilhelmi stormed into the lead with two superb games and needing just one game to advance. James battled back to win the fourth game 14-12 and then convert the fifth 11-6.

Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar denied an all-English semi-final line-up as he defeated George Parker in straight games to advance. The former World No.7 was comfortable throughout as he won 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 in 39 minutes.

In the top-half of the draw, up and coming English talent Jonah Bryant continued his impressive form to defeat Egypt’s Yassin Elshafei in half an hour. Bryant controlled proceedings from start to finish showcasing his on court maturity and squash intelligence.

Bryant now faces compatriot Patrick Rooney after he defeated Wales’ Emyr Evans in straight games on the all-glass court. Rooney hasn’t featured in a PSA event since January due to injury but has looked in strong from so far in the competition.

Semi-final action gets underway at 18:00 (GMT+2) with action available to watch live here. Live scores are also available to follow here.

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Results: Quarter Finals
Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt Yassin Elshafei (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 (31m)
Patrick Rooney (ENG) bt Emyr Evans (WAL) 3-0: 11-3, 11-8, 12-10 (38m)
Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt George Parker (ENG) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 (39m)
Declan James (ENG) bt Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) 3-2: 11-9, 4-11, 5-11, 14-12, 11-6 (78m)

Draw: Semi-Finals
Jonah Bryant (ENG) v [7] Patrick Rooney (ENG)
[6] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v Declan James (ENG)