Burnt Open SF: Lovejoy and Shenawy Survive Five-Gamers

The semi-finals of the Burnt Squash Open threw up two five-gamers, with both Spencer Lovejoy and Seif Shenawy surviving to set up a meeting in Monday’s final.

Lovejoy, the tournament’s top seed, and the leading American on home soil, came up against Nigerian No.1 Babatunde Ajagbe. Despite taking the second game on a lengthy tie-break 15-13, the American found himself behind after three games. However, a 12-10 win in the fourth turned the tide in his favour, taking the fifth 11-4 to make it through to the final.

The second semi-final saw Egypt’s Seif Shenawy take on Malaysia’s Sanjay Jeeva. The first game tie-break, went all the way to 17-15, with the Egyptian taking it. However, Jeeva then fought back to take the next two games and lead 2-1. Another tie-break came in the fourth, and once again, Shenawy took it to stay alive in the match, before going on to win the fifth game 11-7.

The final of the Burnt Squash Open will take place on Monday, October 17. Egypt’s Seif Shenawy will take on top seed and home favourite Spencer Lovejoy for the Challenger 5 level title in Lakeville.

Semi-Final Results: Burnt Squash Open
[1] Spencer Lovejoy (USA) bt [4] Babatunde Ajagbe (NGR) 3-2: 8-11, 15-13, 8-11, 12-10, 11-4 (71m)
[2] Seif Shenawy (EGY) bt [5] Sanjay Jeeva (MAS) 3-2: 17-15, 8-11, 7-11, 13-11, 11-7 (74m)

Final Draw: To Be Played Monday, October 17
[1] Spencer Lovejoy (USA) v [2] Seif Shenawy (EGY)