Manchester Open Quarters: Kennedy Downs Whitlock; Gawad Dispatches Crouin

England’s Gina Kennedy produced a clinical display to dispatch Emily Whitlock in straight games for a place in the last four.

Kennedy, who’s met Whitlock twice already this season and winning both encounters, was ruthless as she sealed a spot in the semi-finals in just 26 minutes.

After taking the first 11-5, Kennedy’s calculated accuracy was hard to handle as she doubled her advantage with an 11-4 victory.

The 26-year-old was efficient throughout, and in particular in the final game which she clinched 11-3 to progress to the semi-finals of the Manchester Open for the first time.

“I felt really good today. I thought the conditions were a bit bouncier than they were yesterday, so the first couple of rallies I was overhitting a lot and I think I found my length well,” said Kennedy.

“A bouncy court probably favours me in this situation, particularly given Whitlock’s ball control and her serve is so good so you have to be sharp from the get go and I’m really please with that performance. 

“I watched the whole thing (Nour El Tayeb’s match with Sivasangari Subramaniam) and both of them played really well, they’re both class and I love watching them play.

“I’m really excited at the chance to play Nour – she’s been missed when she’s been out for a couple of months so it’s great to have her back.”

Result
[6] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt Emily Whitlock (WAL) 3-0: 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 (26m)

Karim Abdel Gawad continued his recent sparkling form with an assured performance against Victor Crouin.

Gawad, who reached the final of the World Championships last week, was in fine fettle in booking his place in the semi-finals of the Manchester Open for the second year running.

It was Crouin who made the brighter start in the opener, taking a 9-5 lead, however Gawad stepped up his attack to go on and take the game 11-9.

The Egyptian was measured with his play in the second and third after a slow start to the first game, with his devastating shot selection too much for Crouin.

Gawad takes on his fellow countryman and the No.2 seed Tarek Momen in the semi-finals tomorrow afternoon.

“I’m very happy to get through to the semis with a 3-0 win against Victor (Crouin), he’s been rising up the rankings and since he’s been playing the PSA everyone has said he’s a potential player and now he’s proved it being inside the top eight,” said Gawad.

“I wish him the best of luck for the next seasons – he’s still young and he has too much to show. All the best to him, it’s always nice to see him on tour and he’s a very honest player on court, very clean, so it’s always good to play him. 

“Of course I’m really happy and really grateful to be back. The thing I learned from my injury is always be hungry and always look forward to the tournaments, give 100% and play 100%, enjoy every moment on court, enjoy every tournament and enjoy being on tour – that’s the thing I learned from my injury and being at home for almost a year.

“I think I’m taking it very well and working on it very well. Mentally I’m much more stronger than before. I’ve had my injury since 2020 – I wasn’t moving well on court and I couldn’t get the right treatment. I’m enjoying it a lot and enjoying every moment on court.”

Result
[8] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [3] Victor Crouin (FRA) 3-0: 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 (34m)