The Wadi Degla Professional Squash Association (PSA) Men’s World Squash Championship for 2016 began its 32nd round on Friday.
Egyptian players Mohamed El-Shorbagy, Ali Farag, Karim Ali Fathi, and Karim Abdel Gawad qualified for the 16th round.
Mohamed El-Shorbagy defeated Finnish player Olli Tuominen 3-0 (11-9, 11-2, and 11-8), while Ali Farag defeated English James Willstrop 3-2 (5-11, 11-1, 11-8, 9-11, and 11-5).
Karim Ali Fathi saw his compatriot Omar Abdel Meguid pushed out of the competition after he defeated Abdel Meguid 3-2. Initially, this match was actually in Abdel Meguid’s favour as he won the first two games (7-11 and 10-12); however, Fathi bounced back and won the following three games (11-7, 11-8, and 11-4).
Karim Abdel Gawad won 3-2 against his fellow countryman Mohamed Aboul Ghar. The former led the first two games (11-8 and11-9) but Aboul Ghar did not give up and won the next two (11-5 and 11-7); in the end, however, it was Abdel Gawad who won the fifth and decisive game (11-9)—a victory that saw him win the entire match.
Egyptian player Mohamed Reda exited the championship in the 32nd round, after losing to Colombian Miguel Ángel Rodríguez 3-0 (11-9, 11-9, and 11-2).
The 32nd round continues Saturday. Omar Mosad will play against Malaysian Mohd Nafiizwan Mohd Adnan; Fares Dessuki against French Grégoire Marche; Ramy Ashour against South African Stephen Coppinger; and Marwan El-Shorbagy against English Ben Coleman. Egyptian Youssef Soliman will face his compatriot Tarek Momen.
