Black Ball Open QF: Hesham Takes Down Ibrahim In Epic Five-Game Clash 

No.4 seed Mazen Hesham advanced to his first Black Ball Open semi-final after defeating Youssef Ibrahim in a thrilling five-game encounter at the Black Ball Sporting Club. 

Although both players possessed the attacking weapons to envy, the pair remained patient in the first game, lengthening the rallies and putting some work into each others legs. As was the case in his first-round clash against Joel Makin though, it was Ibrahim though who struck the correct balance to take the opening game. 

From the second game on though, it was all-out attack, with errors, along with some exquisite winners, coming from the rackets of both Egyptians. After a string of early mistakes, Hesham managed to find his range, taking the second game and continuing this momentum into the third to take the lead in the match for the first time. 

The fourth game saw Ibrahim race into a 7-1 lead with some lovely, deceptive play at the front of the court, with Hesham having one eye on the deciding game in the latter stages, losing an 11-1 fourth game in just four minute. 

At 5-0 down in the fifth, Hesham looked down and out, but ‘The Black Falcon’ showed immense character to draw parity before trading points up to 8-8. Hesham then pulled two points clear, and at the first time of asking took the victory, squeezing out Ibrahim with a forehand drop shot. 

After the match, Hesham said: “First of all, congrats to Youssef on a great performance and a great tournament. I know how hard he fought to get back to his shape after his injury. He’s so resilient to be back playing at this level.

“Secondly, I’m really glad with how I was mentally. I was nowhere close to my best in the first game, physically, mentally, I was having a headache, I was a bit dizzy. 

“I’m really glad that I fought back, and that is what the mentality is for, these matches, you have to figure a way. I managed to come out on top and I’m really pleased today.

“I tried to slow down, but the more I slow down I feel I’m going to sleep! I knew it was the right tactic, but I couldn’t do it. At 5-0 down I thought, let’s do fast and furious, and see who comes out on top.”

Result: 

[4] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) 3-2: 6-11, 11-9, 11-7, 1-11, 11-8 (64m)