Moataz Ousts Orfi To Reach Maiden Gold Quarter-Final At Black Ball Open

World No.36 Hana Moataz progressed to her maiden PSA World Tour Gold event quarter-final after upsetting No.7 seed Amina Orfi at the Black Ball Open in Cairo.

Egypt's Moataz played a tight, disciplined game throughout, neutralising the attacking weapons of compatriot Orfi to take the match in four games and 64 minutes of action.

Despite falling a game down, Moataz kept her composure in a match that saw regular traffic issues in the middle of the court. The 24-year-old manoeuvred her way into a 2/1 lead before weathering all 16-year-old world No.12 Orfi threw her way in the fourth, fighting back from 9-5 to clinch the match in the subsequent tie-break.

After her breakthrough victory, Moataz said: "She's been doing really well recently. She's young but she's achieved so much already, so I tried to come out with no pressure.

"I'm really proud of myself with how I handled the last game especially. I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to win, but I'm really proud of myself today.

"I was trying to stick to my game and not let my head slip because it can do that a lot sometimes. I couldn't have done it without my coaches, they've helped me out a lot and we've been working so hard for this."

Elsewhere, in the men's draw, former World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad came from two games behind to defeat Aly Abou Eleinen after 97 minutes of thrilling action, while Mostafa Asal survived a scare against Gregoire Marche, defeating the Frenchman in five games.

Rowan Elaraby was another notable winner on day three at the Black Ball Sporting Club after coming through a tough five-game duel with Egyptian compatriot Hana Ramadan.