Black Ball Open QF: Top Seed Farag Overcomes Stubborn Rodriguez In Four 

World No.1 Ali Farag saw off the threat of the ever-dangerous Miguel Rodriguez in four games to book his spot in the semi-finals of the Black Ball Open. 

Farag started the match where he left off against Curtis Malik in the previous round, taking control of the ‘T’ and stretching the court for Rodriguez as he took an even first game by an 11-7 scoreline.

However, 38-year-old Rodriguez was by no means giving up without a fight, racing into a 5-0 lead in the second game and forcing Farag into some uncharacteristic errors into the front of the court. The Colombian levelled the match at a game apiece and took a 5-2 and subsequent 8-5 lead in the third to offer up the possibility of a huge shock. 

From there, though, Farag managed to contain Rodriguez far more successfully, finding a heavier length and forcing his opponent into a deeper and deeper starting position.

After taking the third game by a tight 11-9 scoreline, the Egyptian only grew in confidence, moving his way the fourth game in systematic style, taking the match after 48 minutes of action. 

After the match, Farag said: “Two things. First and foremost, what Miguel is doing at 38, I’ve never witnessed it in any sport before. The athleticism of him, not just the experience, but also his passion for the game, it never goes away. It’s something that we all need to learn from and hopefully it will rub off on me.

“I’m very proud to come through today. For the first three games, my length was so short, and credit to Miguel because he was putting me under so much pressure, but I couldn’t find my length for the first three games. Especially at 8-5 down in the third, I kept on looking outside to get the energy and the motivation from my corner and I managed to win some quick points. I then gained in confidence in the fourth.”

Result: 

[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 3-1:  11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6 (48m)