World No.3 Hania El Hammamy will renew her rivalry with Nouran Gohar when they battle it out in the semi finals of the World Championships.
El Hammamy defeated Rowan Elaraby 3-1 at the Museum of Egyptian Civilization to advance to the last four for the second season running.
The World No.3 has never lost to Elaraby on the PSA World Tour, with six wins without reply and El Hammamy made a strong start to extending that run to seven from the opening game.
El Hammamy was well organised as she charged into an 8-2 lead, dictating the pace and her pinpoint accuracy seeing her take the first 11-4.
Elaraby was much more aggressive in the second as she started to get on the ball earlier while the lengthy rallies suited the World No.10 who equalised by taking the game 11-6.
But the intensity from El Hammamy turned up a few notches going into the third as she got back on the front foot, and reclaimed her match lead.
El Hammamy’s momentum carried through to the fourth, and she did well to diffuse a brief fightback from Elaraby to see out the game 11-7 and book a semi final spot.
“Always tough against her [Rowan Elaraby]. Ever since juniors we’ve had battles and she found her way through all the junior matches and I think it’s my time now,” she said.
“We played in the quarters this year, but I’m sure one year we’ll be playing in the final. I believe this day will come. It’s always enjoyable against her especially when you both have a lot of history. She’s feisty and I’m feisty and it’s a battle of who can hold their nerves.
“It’s one hell of a battle and it’s one that I always look forward to. It’s very tough and this is why I play squash, it’s a 50/50 match and whoever plays the big points better will win the match.
“Last year I won in five and it was a couple of points away from reaching the final and all the matches as well as the one at the Worlds were close. It’s always enjoyable and this is why I play squash. Hopefully tomorrow I can play the right tactics and reach the final.”
Result [2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [9] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-1: 11-4, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7 (51m)
