Qatar Classic RD2: Farag Takes Out Fallows in Three

Egypt’s World No.1 Ali Farag kicked off his Qatar Classic title defence with a 3-0 win over England’s Richie Fallows at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha.

The 28-year-old, who recaptured his place at the top of the rankings this month, was challenged by Fallows in the opening two games with the 25-year-old finding some good shots and making the scoreline close in each. However, Farag was able to remain clinical towards the end of each game to take a 2-0 lead.

Farag then looked completely at ease in the third, taking the ball in well on the cold court to close out 11-9, 11-8, 11-3 in 28 minutes.

Up next for Farag is Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng for a place in the quarter finals after he defeated England’s Declan James earlier in the day.

“We’ve never played before, but I know how talented Richie is,” said Farag afterwards.

“This is a unique court in a good way in that it takes the ball in very easily, so any bad shot and you’re penalised immediately. All credit to Richie he played really well. In the first two I couldn’t really find my range and in the third I was happy I was able to find the corners I was intending to.

“Another guy I’ve never played before up next. What a promising talent he is, World Junior champion and has been knocking on the door for a while now. He is based in Bristol and is playing well, you could tell from his win today against a great player like Declan James, so I will have to watch his match and hopefully I will be ready. We need nothing here, the Qatar Squash Federation always does a great job of making us feel comfortable and there is nothing else you need other than thinking about your squash.”

Result:
[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Richie Fallows (ENG) 3-0: 11-9, 11-8, 11-3 (28m)