TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023: Farag Knocks Out Defending Champion Asal

World No.1 Ali Farag continued his excellent streak at the Hong Kong Open as he knocked out the defending champion Mostafa Asal in straight games.

Farag’s route to the final has been unblemished having not dropped a single game, and he continued that run to book his spot in the final for the third time in his career having been a runner up on two occasions.

The World Champion was in complete control in the opening game, and he was equal to everything Asal launched at him as Farag looked comfortable on the brand new all-glass court.

Farag took the first 11-4, and Asal was much improved in the second with better accuracy as well as finding the back corners. However Farag took his opportunities when they were presented to him, including converting his solitary game ball to double his lead.

Defending his crown, Asal started to throw everything at Farag being two games down but the World No.1 was too slick with his shot selection – and he made it third time lucky with his four match balls to secure his third appearance in a final in Hong Kong.

“Mostafa [Asal] is one of the most dangerous players on the planet, and even in the history of our sport,” he said afterwards.

“Any loose shot he’s lethal with his shot selection and accuracy. I think I started off really well finding my corners. In the second he started to getting me on the backhand side and taking that volley away from me. That got me confused a little bit but then it took me a while to get used to it.

“It’s one of the tournaments with the biggest history in our sport [the Hong Kong Open]. To put my name on that trophy alongside some of the greats would be great for me. I’ll do everything I can to prepare for tomorrow’s match.”

Result
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-0: 11-4, 11-9, 11-8 (44m)