2nd Bangamata International QF: Debutant Hossam Into Last Four

Featuring in his first Tour event, Egypt’s Hazem Hossam is into the semi-finals of the 2nd Bangamata International Squash Tournament presented by SA Group.

The Egyptian came into the Challenger 5 level competition as the No.16 seed, and has been in great form throughout the week at the Chittagong Club Ltd, situated in the Bangladeshi city of Chattogram.

After beating No.5 seed Sandeep Ramachandran in straight games in the second round, Hossam took on No.3 seed Darren Rahul Pragasam in the last eight. He fell behind as the Malaysian won the opening game 11-8, but fought back strongly. 19-year-old Hossam, who has won three PSA Satellite events in 2023, won both the second and third games on tie-breaks to hold the advantage in the clash. He then claimed the fourth 11-7 to book his semi-final spot in Chattogram.

He will now face compatriot and top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani in the last four on Friday. His fellow Egyptian also overcame Malaysian opposition on Thursday, in the former of Hafiz Zhafri. A second game tie-break was crucial, with Elkabbani claiming it 14-12 en route to a straight games victory.

No.2 seed Seif Shenawy made it three Egyptians in the last four, after he got the better of Hong Kong’s Lam Shing Fung in straight games. He will face another Hongkonger, in No.10 seed Matthew Lai in the semis. La defeated compatriot Chung Yat Long in a five-game battle on Thursday, and he will be aiming to reach a second Tour final.

The semis of the 2nd Bangamata International Squash Tournament presented by SA Group will take place on Friday, March 10. You can keep up to date with daily updates from the tournament on the PSA Challenger Tour’s Twitter and Facebook. 

Quarter Final Results: 2nd Bangamata International Squash Tournament presented by SA Group
[1] Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) bt [9] Hafiz Zhafri (MAS) 3-0: 11-7, 14-12, 11-4 (36m)
[16] Hazem Hossam (EGY) bt [3] Darren Rahul Pragasam (MAS) 3-1: 8-11, 13-11, 12-10, 11-7 (66m)
[10] Matthew Lai (HKG) bt [11] Chung Yat Long (HKG) 3-2: 11-8, 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6 (49m)
[2] Seif Shenawy (EGY) bt [13] Lam Shing Fung (HKG) 3-0: 11-3, 11-8, 11-8 (23m)

Semi-Final Draw: To Be Played Friday, March 10
[1] Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) v [16] Hazem Hossam (EGY)
[10] Matthew Lai (HKG) v [2] Seif Shenawy (EGY)