Black Ball Open RD2: El Sherbini Axes Tomlinson

Egypt’s reigning World Champion Nour El Sherbini picked up where she left off from her big win in Chicago to axe England’s Millie Tomlinson in straight-games at the CIB Black Ball Squash Open.

The World No.4, who finished runner-up to Raneem El Welily at this event last year, showed no signs of any tiredness from her winning run at last week’s Windy City Open as she nullified Tomlinson to make sure she always stayed ahead and take an 11-5, 11-7, 11-6 victory.

She will face compatriot Nadine Shahin in the last 16.

“It’s been very hard to play two tournaments back to back,” said El Sherbini afterwards.

“It’s very hard mentally after playing a big tournament to come and play another big tournament. I have never played Millie before, so I was just trying to get back into the mood of the tournament. I have to play well from the first round, so I’m getting back my motivation and energy.

“I was trying to put the ball into the back corners so it gave me the chance to attack as much as I can and I think I played well from the first point and I’m really glad to win 3-0.”

Tomlinson added: “Although we grew up together in the juniors, it’s my first time ever playing Nour and it was a great experience.

“She makes you work very hard, she is so strong, her length is so good, her pace. Of course, there are things I could have done better today, but there are a lot of things I can learn from her game, and I will definitely take something from it.”

Result:
[4] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-0: 11-5, 11-7, 11-6 (31m)