Kawy strikes to reach World Open final
Omneya Abdel Kawy becomes the first Egyptian woman to reach a World Open squash final.
SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT:
Omneya Abdel Kawy became the first Egyptian woman to reach a World Open squash final when she beat new French sensation Camille Serme in straight games in a slightly colourless match.
Kawy’s 11-4, 11-7, 11-5 win over Serme gives her the chance to emulate the many male legends of Egyptian squash over 70 years, two of whom, Amr Shabana and Ramy Ashour have been dominant recently.
Optimism and focus took her a long way
“It was the first time I appeared in the World Open semi-final, and I was really focused,” said Kawy. “I put the pressure on myself to deliver and it worked. I am higher ranked, this is my home, my family and my supporters were all here, so I have to win.”
Deceptive burst by the Frenchwoman
Serme surged to 3-0 in the third game, suddenly playing well again with three winners, but it was a deceptive burst and from 5-3 up she lost five points in a sequence which effectively ended the match.
“I did my best, but I did not feel the same today,” said Serme.
“But I have had a great tournament and will try to do even better next time.”
Kawy will meet the winner of the other last-four match between Nicol David, the Malaysian, who is aiming for a record fifth title, and Alison Waters, the third-seeded English player.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2010.
Omneya Abdel Kawy became the first Egyptian woman to reach a World Open squash final when she beat new French sensation Camille Serme in straight games in a slightly colourless match.
Kawy’s 11-4, 11-7, 11-5 win over Serme gives her the chance to emulate the many male legends of Egyptian squash over 70 years, two of whom, Amr Shabana and Ramy Ashour have been dominant recently.
Optimism and focus took her a long way
“It was the first time I appeared in the World Open semi-final, and I was really focused,” said Kawy. “I put the pressure on myself to deliver and it worked. I am higher ranked, this is my home, my family and my supporters were all here, so I have to win.”
Deceptive burst by the Frenchwoman
Serme surged to 3-0 in the third game, suddenly playing well again with three winners, but it was a deceptive burst and from 5-3 up she lost five points in a sequence which effectively ended the match.
“I did my best, but I did not feel the same today,” said Serme.
“But I have had a great tournament and will try to do even better next time.”
Kawy will meet the winner of the other last-four match between Nicol David, the Malaysian, who is aiming for a record fifth title, and Alison Waters, the third-seeded English player.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2010.