Grasshopper Cup: Gawad into Final After Second ElShorbagy Win

Karim Abdel Gawad knocked out an ElShorbagy brother for the second day running, reaching the Grasshopper Cup final in the process. 

Less than 24 hours after edging a thrilling quarter-final 2-1 against Mohamed ElShorbagy, he returned to Halle 622’s glass court to beat Marwan ElShorbagy 3-0 in the semi-finals. 

There was very little between the players throughout the opening game, but it was ElShorbagy who had the first chance to edge ahead, finding himself 10-8 up. 

Gawad promptly saved both game balls and a pair of let decisions at 10-10 ramped up the tension inside the arena. 

The Egyptian, though, kept his cool to win the game on a forehand drop-volley, which followed a brilliant boast, described as ‘gut-wrenching’ by Joey Barrington in the SQUASHTV commentary box. 

It was Gawad who found himself at 10-8 up in the second, but unlike ElShorbagy, he took his opportunity to move within one game of the final. 

The English No.2 had more chances in the third, once again squandering game balls, this time from 10-7 up. 

He lost the third and final one on a backhand into the tin, and Gawad let out a huge roar after moving to match point by winning the next. 

A trademark backhand drop sealed victory for the Egyptian, sending him into a final against Welsh No.1 Joel Makin. 

“Playing Marwan is always tough,” he said, after the match. 

“Today I won 3-0 but all the games were very close. I was down in all three games and things can change at any time. 

“Luckily, I pushed mentally until the end and just tried not give Marwan any chances.” 

Looking ahead to the final, the 32-year-old added: “I think this is [Makin’s] best time of his career. He’s playing some amazing squash and moving very well on court.  

“He’s had a lot of upsets this season and he’s playing his best squash now. I think I’m playing my best squash too so tomorrow is hopefully going to be a great final. 

“I’m looking forward to a good recovery, good sleep and to come back tomorrow as fresh as in the first match of the tournament.”

Result: [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 3-0: 12-10, 11-8, 12-10 (53m)