Day Four

[1] Ali Farag 2-0 [5] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG)  11-8, 12-10 (17m)
[3] Diego Elias (PER) bt [8] Mazen Hesham 2-0 11-5, 12-10 (33m)

[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 3-2 [7] Rowan Elaraby  5-11, 11-8, 12-10 (54m)
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 2-0 [5] Joelle King (NZL)  11-6, 11-1 (20m)

Ali said
There wasn’t much that this match was being played for, other than maybe for a few points. Whenever I step on court I try to win. Obviously, it’s a tricky one because you want to conserve your energy for tomorrow.
“It was always tricky and I didn’t have the ideal preparation for today because I knew I was through anyway, I went back home and saw my little one for a couple of hours and then I came back, which is more than an hour ride. You could tell that it was not the match of the season for both of us, but we’re glad that we’re both through and hopefully tomorrow we can give a good one for the crowd.
“[Asal’s] in hot form at the moment. He’s playing really well and is a very explosive player. Obviously, being explosive takes away from your physicality, but he’s got the endurance to back it up. I know it’s going to be very tough but I’m looking forward to it and hopefully we put on a good show.
“It would mean a lot [to win]. I’ve never got my hands on this trophy. It’s a very prestigious one, lots of great players have won it. I’d love to win it one day and what better a way to do it than at home here, to put the cherry on top of the cake to end the season on a high. I’ve got a maximum of two matches to go and I’m going to give it my all.”

Nouran

“I knew Joelle was going to come and try to play her best because she had a chance, if she won this one, to qualify, so I was up for it and wanted to be fair to everyone. I just tried to play the best and I’m pleased with the performance today. You always have to give your all on court and I’m happy I did this today.

“[Hania’s] in the top three in the world, so she’s obviously a very good player. It’s always tough between us and last year we played in the final of the World Tour Finals. This year, it’s a bit earlier, but still a tough match and I’ll just prepare for it.
“I’m not a very big fan of rest days. It cuts up the momentum, I just like to keep going. Obviously, the rest days sometimes help when you have tough matches, five setters, but this is best of three format, so for me I’d rather keep going until I’m done with the tournament.”