Asal Marches Into Black Ball Open Final After Defeating Gawad In Five

World No.4 Mostafa Asal progressed to the Black Ball Open final after edging out Egyptian compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad in a thrilling five-game encounter.

‘The Raging Bull’ started in destructive style, moving effortlessly across the T and cutting off a number of Gawad’s cross-court shots. Despite Gawad going toe-to-toe in the opening exchanges, it was Asal who took a decisive lead in the mid-phase of the game with some aggressive line hitting, taking the first 11-6. 

World No.5 Gawad came battling back into the contest in the second though, with Asal beginning to open up the front of the court too early and ‘The Baby-Faced Assassin’ taking full advantage. 

After levelling the match, Gawad continued to grow in confidence, taking an aggressive position at the T and continuing to pick off Asal when his shot selection was the slightest bit off. The former World Champion continued his resurgence to take a 2-1 lead. 

Interference in the middle of the court dominated the fourth game, with the referee being brought into action on a number of occasions. However, it was Asal who managed to regain the control in his lines in the latter stages to force deciding game.

The fifth game continued to play a little scrappy, with both players struggling to clear in the middle of the court and some Video Referee decisions punctuating what was otherwise brilliant quality squash. Despite Asal letting Gawad draw parity after taking an early four point buffer, ‘The Raging Bull’ managed to hang on to take the final game 11-8, and walk off court victorious after 73 minutes of action.

After the match, Asal said: “Karim [Abdel Gawad] is a mentor to me, to play a battle against, I don’t know how to play it. He’s a friend, a big brother for me. I’ve played with him since I was 11-years-old. He was the first PSA player I played a game with.

“When I saw him [my father] for the first time in a while in the crowd, I just smiled. Great memories together and for sure the fans boost me up. To be in the finals edit to all of my family and all of my loyal fans.

“I’ve played against Ali many times and didn’t get the win. I would say he’s one of the best of all of the sport, as an iconic player. To be playing against him is a bonus.

“It’s not many times that you beat Ali Farag, but I’ve got my uncle and my coach here, just amazing guys, and I’m sure Jimbo [James Willstrop] will have all of the tactics for the match.”

Result:

[2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [3] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 3-2: 11-6, 7-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-8 (73m)