Paris Squash 2024 – Day Two: Evening Roundup

The evening session on day two of the Paris Squash 2024 got underway at 18:30 (GMT+2) with four high quality matches taking place at the famous Cirque d’hiver Bouglione. The first quarter final places were up for grabs in Paris with the Parisian crowd in full voice.

Reigning Champion ElSherbini Storms Into Quarter Finals

World No.1 Nour ElSherbini kicked off proceedings with a comprehensive win over Hong Kong, China’s Tomato Ho. The reigning champion wasted no time in booking her place in the second round by using her superior attacking abilities to constantly move the frame of Ho into all four corners.

After losing the opening games 11-3, 11-4, Ho tried her best to get into the match but the accuracy and severity of the World No.1’s hitting was far too good. ElSherbini raced to a 10-4 lead in the third game and converted at the second time of asking.

Result:
[1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) bt Tomato Ho (HKG) 3-0: 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 (22m)

World Champion Elias Through In Three

New men’s World Champion Diego Elias was next to book his place in the last eight of the Paris Squash 2024 after a straight games win over Egypt’s Youssef Soliman. Elias had lead 3-0 in the head-to-head standings heading into the last 16 clash but knew that another strong performance would be needed to secure the victory.

The pair were locked in many long and testing rallies throughout the opening two games with angles and winners hard to find on the bouncy all-glass court. Elias became visibly frustrated at the amount of sweat that was being left on the floor by Soliman but maintained his concentration to secure the two opening games 11-8, 11-9 and place one foot in the last eight.

With a two-game lead, Elias took full control in the third. Soliman, perhaps fatigued from the earlier battles, couldn’t match Elias’ intensity and court coverage. The No.4 seed dominated the rallies, dictating the pace and swiftly wrapping up the game 11-1. His ability to shift gears from the long, hard-fought rallies of the first two games to a more commanding, clinical style in the third highlighted his exceptional form and focus in Paris.

Result:
[4] Diego Elias (PER) bt Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-1 (50m)

Weaver Produced Dominant Display To Set Up ElSherbini Quarter Final Showdown

USA’s Olivia Weaver delivered an impressive performance to defeat Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam 3-1 in the last women’s match of the day’s play, advancing to the quarterfinals. Weaver started strongly, winning the first two games 11-8 by playing structured and disciplined squash. Her ability to maintain tight lengths and control the pace of the rallies kept Subramaniam under constant pressure, forcing the Malaysian to defend from the back of the court. Weaver’s tactical approach proved effective, as she capitalized on small openings to build a two-game lead.

In the third game, Subramaniam mounted a determined comeback. Finding her rhythm, the Malaysian played with more aggression, stepping forward to volley and disrupting Weaver’s structured play. Her increased pace and precise attacking shots allowed her to take the third game, gaining momentum with an 11-6 win. The shift in energy rattled Weaver momentarily, but she regained composure, knowing the importance of staying patient in the face of Subramaniam’s resurgence.

Weaver regrouped in the fourth game, returning to the controlled, measured squash that had served her so well in the first two games. Despite Subramaniam’s best efforts to keep the pressure on, Weaver’s consistency and resilience shone through. She closed out the match with an 11-8 win in the fourth game, securing her spot in the quarterfinals. Now, she faces a tougher challenge as she prepares to take on the top seed, Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Result:
[5] Olivia Weaver (USA) bt Sivasanagri Subramaniam (MAS) 3-1: 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8 (55m)

Gawad Masterclass Thrills Paris Crowd

Karim Abdel Gawad delivered a squash masterclass in his 3-0 victory over Wales’ Joel Makin in the final match of day two. Gawad, known for his exceptional skill and touch, was in imperious form from the outset, dictating play with a dazzling array of winners. His precise shot-making kept Makin constantly under pressure, leaving the Welshman scrambling to retrieve balls from every corner of the court. Gawad’s ability to mix attacking volleys with delicate drops proved too much, as he took the first game 11-.

In the second game, Gawad’s creativity shone through even more, as he continued to find spectacular winners, particularly on the forehand side. Makin tried to up the tempo and impose his physicality, but Gawad’s sublime control and shot variation disrupted any rhythm his opponent sought to establish. Gawad’s clever use of angles and deceptive holds forced Makin into making errors, as the Egyptian extended his lead by winning the second game 11-6.

The third game saw Gawad in full flow, confidently closing out the match with a commanding 11-5 win. His superior skill set and tactical acumen were on full display, as he expertly maneuvered Makin around the court, finishing with precision whenever an opportunity arose. Gawad’s 3-0 triumph over Makin not only underscored his status as one of the most skillful players on tour but also earned him a spot in the next round of the prestigious Paris Squash Open.

“I really wanted to win, I would have done anything to win today. I was feeling physically good and was moving very well.

“Playing someone like Joel Makin, you can just never give him cheap points, any easy games. I felt like I could keep pushing all the way through the match. As everyone saw, the last game I was 10-4 up in, and then he pulled it back to 10-8, but I just told myself to keep pushing to the very end. I’m really happy to be through in three.”

Result:
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Joel Makin (WAL) 3-0: 11-8, 13-11, 11-8 (60m)

The round two action continues tomorrow at 12:00 (GMT+2) as the bottom half quarter finalists will be decided. Play will streamed live on SQUASHTV.

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