Mohamed Elshorbagy (centre) and Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) President Nabeel Ali bin Ali (right) pose for a picture at the prize ceremony presentation after the Qatar Classic 2013 final at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday.
By Armstrong Vas
Doha: Fifth seed Mohamed Elshorbagy stunned reigning world champion and third seed Nick Matthew of England to seal his maiden winner’s trophy in Qatar.
Yesterday at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, the 22-year-old from Alexandria bounced back after losing the first game to win the $150,000 Qatar Classic in three games to two.
For Elshorbagy, 11 years younger than Matthew, it was his first PSA World Series title of his young career and it took him 83 minutes to complete a fighting 11-5, 5-11, 11-6, 6-11 and 11-4 win.
It was only Elshorbagy’s second win in six meetings against the Englishman.
In the process, Elshorbagy kept a long-time promise he made when he lost last year’s World Championship final at the same venue.
Last year in December, Elshorbagy, seeded eight, secured a shock place in the final but lost to current World No.1 Ramy Ashour in the title clash.
After the final loss at the Worlds in Doha, Elshorbagy a student at the University of the West, England, had promised Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) President Nabeel Ali bin Ali that he would return back next year and hold aloft the winner’s trophy.
“Last year I had promised Nabeel Ali bin Ali that I will return to Qatar next year and take the winner’s trophy with me when I saw Ramy (Ashour) holding the trophy. So I’m glad that I have kept up to my promise,” Elshorbagy said during the presentation, which was greeted by a round of applaud by the large Egyptian crowd.
Elshorbagy, a product of the renowned Millfield School in England, said it was a great achievement to beat Matthew who has a string of titles against his name.
“Ten days back Nick (Matthew) won the World Championship, and what he’s achieved in his career so far is amazing, not to mention three World titles, numerous titles. I will be happy if I am able to achieve even half of what he has achieved. It was great to defeat such a great player like him in the final. It’s just an unbelievable feel,” Elshorbagy said yesterday.
Matthew, 33, from Sheffield who was contesting his third consecutive final and the 57th PSA Tour final of his career, said he always enjoyed playing in Qatar.
“It is a great atmosphere to play here. Last year I watched the final of the World Championship between Ramy and Mohamed, and it was a great feeling to see all the seats were occupied. Although most of the people were against me in the final this year, it was a pleasure to play in such an atmosphere,” the world number four said.
Matthew, while complimenting Elshorbagy for his win, predicted that with the passage of time the Egyptian will win more laurels.
“It is a great performance from Mohamed, although he is 11 years younger to me, with the passage of time his performance will improve and he will be a much better player,” Matthew said.
The Englishman said losing the third game after leading 6-2 turned things against him here yesterday.
“Losing the third set was the turning point, although I came back in the fourth, the fifth one was always 50-50. Full credit to him for winning the title,” he
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