Gilis survives a determined Sobhy to book first Gold semi final

The two players had met twice before on the PSA World Tour, winning one apiece, the most recent of which was in 2022 when Tinne Gilis knocked Sabrina Sobhy out of El Gouna International in the second round.

Gilis took an early lead in the first game of their quarter final clash in Singapore, gaining a 5-1 advantage through a combination of steady play and errors from the American.

Sobhy fought back with six straight points to drew the game level at 8-8, and a series of brutal rallies gave the American two game balls over the Belgian. Gilis scored two points in a row to pull the game to a tie-break, but it wasn’t enough as Sobhy completed her comeback to take the first game 13-11 after 20 minutes.

Gilis looked more focused at the beginning of the second game, collecting five points unchallenged. The Belgian looked unstoppable as she marched to a 10-3 lead, giving her seven game balls to level the match. The ‘Roadrunner’ fought back again, reaching 8-10 before Gilis stopped the American’s second comeback in it’s track to take the second game.

The third game was closer, with the Belgian holding the lead after a bloody injury on Sobhy’s playing hand that caused a break in play. Gilis worked her way to 10-6, and made no mistake in converting the game on the first time of asking.

Gilis continued to lead the final game, with Sobhy staying close to behind. The match was tied at 9-9, but Gilis closed it out to progress to her first Gold semi final in the second longest match of her career.

“I’m very very happy with this win. Sabrina [Sobhy] is such a good player – so talented – and every time I play her is such a battle, she pushed me to the max today and I feel this kind of victory makes it even more special,” said Gilis after the match.

“Whoever it’s going to be tomorrow I’m going to fight until I roll off court, but I’m definitely excited to be in the semi-final tomorrow for the first time and hopefully I can put on a good performance and hopefully the crowd will enjoy it.”

Result:
[4] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) 3-1: 11-13, 11-8, 11-6, 11-9 (71m)