Paris Squash QF: No.2 Seed Gohar Battles From Behind To Defeat Sobhy

World No.2 Nouran Gohar survived a lightning-quick start from Amanda Sobhy to come from behind and defeat the American No.2 in four games. 

The pair met just over a fortnight ago at the season-opening CIB Egyptian Open, where Gohar stormed to victory in straight games, but this time Sobhy put up a much sterner test, displaying flashes of the squash that saw her reach the 2023 Hong Kong Open final before her Achilles injury.

World No.9 Sobhy raced out of the blocks, troubling the current World Champion with her wide variety of attacking options on the forehand side. Winner followed winner in the early stages and a surprised Gohar fell to a one-game deficit by an 11-7 scoreline. 

Gohar came back firing in the second, taking an early 5-1 lead and managing to find her usual hitting tempo. Sobhy, potentially saving her energy for the later stages of the match, gave little resistance as ‘The Terminator’ drew proceedings level. 

A back-and-forth third game followed, with Gohar racing into a 7-2 lead but ‘Southpaw’ Sobhy firing back to 6-7 with a string of outrageous winners. However, Gohar held firm in the crucial latter moments to take what would prove a pivotal third game. 

Gohar’s momentum continued into the fourth, powering into a 5-1 lead and not letting Sobhy get a proper foothold throughout the remainder of the match. The Egyptian moved to match ball after 35 minutes of action and converted at the first time of asking. 

After the match, Gohar said: “Amanda has improved a lot since we last met [at the Egyptian Open], and that’s why it was a little bit tricky for me.

“I don’t really think I got my tactics right at the beginning, but I’m glad with the way I adapted. I know I can play better from the beginning though. When someone has been recently injured you’re tempted to go to the front a lot quicker, and I think I did that well today as the match went on.

“I love it here to be honest. The court plays really well, it’s a joy to be playing another match here on the glass and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Result:

[2] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt Amanda Sobhy (USA) 3-1: 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-1 (35m)