Doha, 11 September 2023 - Producing an electrifying all-round game, Qatar’s top squash player Abdullah al-Tamimi yesterday crushed France’s Lucas Serme in straight games to reach the second round at the Men’s QTerminals Qatar Classic which got underway.
Al-Tamimi, who was out of the game for five months before resuming competitive squash last month, yesterday won 11-5, 11-5, 11-6 in just 34 minutes on the Glass Court at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
“I am really happy to win my first match here in Doha and I am really looking forward to the next clash,” al-Tamimi said with a smile during an on-court interview after his win.
“Things worked out pretty good. I kept my focus up till 7 two and then I did one gimme shot. I think he wasn’t happy about it and I knew it straight away and I lost three points after it.
“So it just shows you one point can make a difference in each game. I am trying to get better at these things and keep my focus and yeah, I am very pleased,” the 28-year-old added.
Al-Tamimi plays Egypt’s Omar Mosaad who beat Alex Lau of Hong Kong 12-10, 11-8, 13-11 in 44 minutes yesterday.
Also yesterday, English World No.45 Charlie Lee produced a fine performance to stun French World No.25 Gregoire Marche in straight games to reach a maiden Platinum second round at the seven-day championship.
Lee won 11-3, 12-10, 12-10 in 42 minutes.
In their first meeting on tour, 25-year-old Lee looked a confident player from the beginning, hitting accurately as he opened up a 1-0 lead against an out-of-sorts Marche.
The Frenchman threatened to spoil Lee’s party when he saved five game balls in the second game to reach a tie break from 10-5 down, but Lee was able to hang on and edged the second and third games by 12-10 scores in both to complete the upset.
Lee will face England No.1 and defending champion Mohamed ElShorbagy today in the next round.
“(Marche) is a fantastic player and I’m super happy to reach round two of a Platinum for the first time, especially after not reaching the heights I hoped to in Paris last week,” Lee said yesterday.
In the women’s draw, Hania El Hammamy came back from a game down to beat Egyptian compatriot Hana Ramadan, Egyptian top seed Nouran Gohar beat Wales’ Emily Whitlock and Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar beat Hong Kong’s Henry Leung.
On the traditional courts, Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam beat Olivia Clyne of the US 11-7, 11-5, 11-8 in 24 minutes. The World No.44, who missed much of last season following a serious traffic accident, looked to be back to her best as she harried the American, refusing to give the World No.14 any respite as she took the match in less than half an hour.
“I think I’m ready for this season. I’m excited to be back, playing close to my best I feel,” Subramaniam said after match.
In the women’s second round, Egypt’s Salma Hany, the World No.12, yesterday stunned fifth seed and compatriot Nour El Tayeb 12-10, 7-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-4 in 45 minutes.
“It was a really tough second round match against Nour,” Hany said yesterday. “It’s always tough when you want to start a tournament well. I made sure that prepared well for this match. I had made my mind for a fight and I am glad I was able to get the win.
“I am always texting my parents, my friends and my coaches who always check on my progress. It was a big win and I look forward to the next match,” Hany added.
