Paris Squash Semi-Finals 2023: Gohar Downs Sobhy in Three

World No.1 Nouran Gohar maintained her 100 per cent record at the Paris Squash 2023 as she dispatched Amanda Sobhy in straight games.

Gohar has yet to drop a single game during the event and, despite Sobhy testing the top seed’s resolve, the Egyptian powered through to become the first player to reach the final.

Gohar came out of the blocks in the opening game and had a 9-4 lead over Sobhy, but the US No.1 clawed her way back to 9-9. Having not found her targets early on, Sobhy was well in her groove but Gohar was able to edge it to go one game ahead.

Sobhy was continuing to make life difficult for Gohar on court as she matched the pace set by the World No.1 in the second. However Gohar once again managed to pull clear from Sobhy to double her advantage.

‘The Terminator’ was going from strength to strength in the third, exposing Sobhy’s movement as Gohar had a 9-4 buffer, as she went on to take the game 11-4 and book a place in tomorrow’s final.

“Yesterday’s match I thought Joelle [King] played great [against Amanda Sobhy]. In the first two games I thought it was Joelle who was dominant in the match, but Amanda found a way in the match,” said Gohar.

“It’s always dangerous when you play a player like this who isn’t playing their best and they manage to win the match at the end. I was very aware of this and when I was 2-0 up, I knew she would fight back and she has nothing to lose.

“Nowadays I’m the one who has everything to lose on court! I’m enjoying the pressure now and I’m happy with the way I played.

“in the first rounds I don’t mind playing in the morning. I think tonight is the first time I’ve played in the evening, which I like, especially in the big stages like semi-finals and finals I have my practice and I’m chilling a bit, I’m focusing on my match. These are big matches and I like to be prepared.”

Result
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [7] Amanda Sobhy (USA) 3-0: 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 (41m)