Paris Squash QF: El Sherbini Digs Deep To Hold Off Weaver Comeback In Four

World No.1 Nour El Sherbini had to dig deep to hold off a valiant comeback from American No.1 Olivia Weaver, with the Egyptian advancing to the Paris Squash semi-finals in four games. 

El Sherbini, the defending champion of the Platinum-level event, fought back from 8-5 down in the fourth game to avoid a nerve-racking finish, and instead set up a semi-final meeting with compatriot Rowan Elaraby. 

Top seed El Sherbini started the match at lightning speed, hitting her targets with accuracy and causing Weaver problems with her hold down both wings. Whenever presented with a loose ball, the seven-time champion would dispatch without fail, racing through the opening two games by 11-5 and 11-7 scoreline. 

The match turned on its head in the third though, with the American No.1 injecting more physicality into rallies and taking an early 5-2 lead. From there, the World No.4 made no mistake of seizing the moment presented to her, and she reduced the match deficit to 2-1. 

The momentum continued to move in Weaver’s favour in the fourth game, and at 8-5 up, looked to be sending the match to a deciding game. But ‘The Warrior Princess’ found a new gear when it mattered most, taking three straight points to draw parity, and from there, move to a hard-earned victory after 47 minutes of action. 

“I feel amazing,” El Sherbini said after the match. “I’m happy to be through, of course. Playing Olivia [Weaver] is always tough – she’s a fighter, she’s improved a lot and she really deserves the World No.4 spot. She was the most consistent player last year and I’m happy I came back in the fourth game and kept pushing every point. 

“I’m sure she’s not satisfied with World No.4 – I’m sure she will want to work to get the World No.3, No.2 and No.1 and that’s the same for any player. She has all the capabilities to be in the top three and every match with her is tougher than the one before.”

Result:

[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [5] Olivia Weaver (USA) 3-1: 11-5, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9 (47m)