Open Costa Brava QF: Ismail Joins English Trio In Semis

Egypt’s Hana Ismail knocked out No.4 seed Lea Barbeau to reach the semi-finals of the Open Costa Brava Squash Project.

Ismail, the No.6 seed for the Challenger 3 level competition, took on Barbeau in the quarter finals on Friday afternoon in Santa Cristina D’Aro. The Egyptian took the opening game on a tie-break, and with that, she took the momentum. That was carried through the second, which she won 11-9, before she then claimed victory after three games.

Ismail will now face No.2 seed Saran Nghiem in the semi-finals of the competition, after the Englishwoman downed France’s Ninon Lemarchand. Nghiem won out 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 in just 21 minutes to book her spot in the last four.

The other semi-final will feature two more English players. Kiera Marshall will take on top seed Asia Harris, after the pair both won their respective quarter finals in straight games. Harris defeated Spain’s Sofia Mateos, while Marshall overcame compatriot Katie Wells to advance.

The semis of the Open Costa Brava Squash Project will take place on Friday, June 9, with the last four doing battle in Santa Cristina D’Aro. All the action is being streamed throughout the week on the PSA Challenger Tour YouTube channel, where you can watch Challenger Tour action, and interviews with rising stars.

You can keep up to date with daily updates from the tournament on the PSA Challenger Tour’s Twitter and Facebook. Live scores are available on the PSA World Tour website here.

Quarter Final Results: Open Costa Brava Squash Project
[1] Asia Harris (ENG) bt [5] Sofía Mateos (ESP) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 (28m)
[3] Kiera Marshall (ENG) bt [8] Katie Wells (ENG) 3-0: 11-5, 13-11, 11-8 (27m)
[6] Hana Ismail (EGY) bt [4] Lea Barbeau (FRA) 3-0: 12-10, 11-9, 11-5 (25m)
[2] Saran Nghiem (ENG) bt [7] Ninon Lemarchand (FRA) 3-0: 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 (21m)

Semi-Final Draw: To Be Played Friday, June 9
[1] Asia Harris (ENG) v [3] Kiera Marshall (ENG)
[6] Hana Ismail (EGY) v [2] Saran Nghiem (ENG)