Top seed Farag finds top form against Soliman

World No.1 and top seed Ali Farag wasted no time in booking his place in yet another Gold event semi-final as he overcame compatriot Youssef Soliman in straight games.

The World Champion knows how dangerous Soliman can be, as he lost to the 26-year-old in his first event back after injury at the Pittsburgh Open. Farag had no such trouble today as he sauntered round the court and used his anticipation and court knowledge to read the game of Soliman and put his younger opponent under constant pressure.

After a comfortable but attritional opening game, Farag started to turn the screw further. He used his trademark slow boast to drag Soliman up the court and despite the No.7 seed possessing solid and strong movement, he was often on the stretch and lifting straight onto the racket of the World No.1. The final two games both went in Farag’s favour 11-7 as he moves into the semi-finals where he will face bogey player Marwan ElShorbagy.

“It was very difficult. Youssef [Soliman] is becoming technically smarter and smarter every season. He tries to exploit your weaknesses. The friendship that we have off-court makes it harder on-court – that’s why I was very edgy.

“From my side, I think I played really well. I didn’t overcomplicate things. I was a little bit worried he would read my shots well as we train together and we played so many times, but I kept things simple even when he was playing better at the beginning of the second.

“Against Marwan I know it’s going to be tough. He had a good win today. When Marwan is playing his level, he’s such a dangerous opponent so I’m going to get ready for that one and I’m looking forward to it.”

Result:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [7] Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-7, 11-7 (43m)