Defending Champion El Sherbini Powers Past Elaraby To Reach Paris Squash Final 

World No.1 Nour El Sherbini continued the defence of her Paris Squash title after coming through an all-Egyptian duel with No.8 seed Rowan Elaraby in straight games. 

Elaraby, who was competing in her third-ever Platinum semi-final, started the match a little edgily, with El Sherbini capitalising on any loose balls which her opponent presented her in the middle of the court. From a slender 7-6 lead, the top seed won four of the next five points to claim the first game. 

The 19-minute second game which followed would prove pivotal to the end result, with Elaraby having some golden opportunities to level the match. In a game that saw regular interruptions due to traffic across the court, World No.8 Elaraby managed to move into a 10-7 lead. However, El Sherbini lived up to her ‘Warrior Princess’ nickname by producing some fantastic squash when she most needed it, firstly drawing parity, and then edging the subsequent tie-break by a 14-12 scoreline. 

These missed opportunities seemed to play on the mind of Elaraby as the third game got underway, with El Sherbini racing into an early lead which would never be closed down. The World No.1 moved to match ball after 41 minutes of action and secured her spot in the title decider at the first time of asking. 

After the match, El Sherbini said: “The second game was very important to the end result. It was tough, because Rowan has been doing really well and testing all of the top players. It’s hard to play her in this form. I think if I had lost that second game, there would have been a lot of changes to the rest of the match. 

“I think it’s working until now and I’m playing good. It’s my second final of the season which is amazing for me and hopefully I can keep going tomorrow.” 

On the impact of her coach Gregory Gaultier, she added: “He’s still here for the crowd, he’s always here supporting. This week has been very tough for me, so it’s great to have him there for me mentally rather than tactically. He was trying to keep me focussed on every game and to keep pushing right to the end.”

Result:

[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [8] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 14-12, 11-1 (41m)