HK Open Men’s Quarters: Max Lee Delights Home Crowd To Reach Last Four

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Hong Kong’s Max Lee sent the home crowd wild as he delivered a masterclass performance to defeat Egypt’s Fares Dessouky and book a berth in the semi-final of the Hong Kong Open – becoming the first male home player in over 30 years to reach the last four of the PSA World Series event.

Having never progressed beyond the first round of his home event previously Lee followed up his impressive second round win over Ali Farag with a scintillating display inside Hong Kong Sports Centre, playing with precision and control to secure his first ever PSA World Series semi-final berth.

The World No.18 had a packed out crowd behind him as he took on the dangerous Egyptian, who yesterday conquered World Champion Gregory Gaultier, and he lifted the roof off the Hong Kong Sport Centre when he came through in four games, winning 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8 in just over an hour.

“To play in the quarters here on the glass court was such a good feeling and to win, and reach the semis here in Hong Kong – that make me very, very happy,” said Lee.

“At the end, when I turned around and the crowd were all cheering, it was so good. They were so loud throughout – the atmosphere was amazing and I’m so excited to be in the semi-finals now where I’ll play Ramy Ashour – who’s pretty good – but hopefully I can play well.

“The third game was crucial today. I was getting a bit nervous in towards the end because he changed his rhythm so well and it was very difficult to get points off him. It was a 50/50 game so I was very pleased to take it and then the match.”

Lee will now face three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour for a place in the final after the maverick Egyptian saw off the challenge of German Simon Rösner while Ryan Cuskelly produced an equally impressive perfomance to defeat former World No.1 James Willstrop 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7 after 74 minutes.

“James beat me here last year so it is good to get a bit of revenge for that,” said Cuskelly.

“I started the tournament well with a couple of good wins and I felt like I got off to a string start today as well. I could see he was struggling a bit after the first two games so I just tried to up the pace and not allow him to control the ball – because if you let him do that then he has the ability to just kill you off.

“I got my foot in front and took my chances when they came so I’m happy with that and I’m looking forward to the semis tomorrow now.

“There’s a few new faces in the last four so it’s there for whoever plays better on the day.”

2016 Hong Kong Open – Men’s Quarter-final Results:
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 3-1: 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7 (52m)
Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) bt James Willstrop (ENG) 3-1: 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7 (74m)
Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Simon Rösner (GER) 3-1: 12-10, 7-11, 11-4, 11-9 (52m)
Max Lee (HKG) bt Fares Dessouky (EGY) 3-1: 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8 (64m)

2016 Hong Kong Open – Men’s Semi-final Draw:
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)
Ramy Ashour (EGY) v Max Lee (HKG)

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