Darwish Wins In St Louis

Egypt's third seed Karim Darwish stormed to victory in the final of the St Louis Open, coming back from a game down to beat fifth seed Joseph Kneipp in four games at the Missouri Athletic Club in Missouri, USA.

The first game started slowly, with both players straining to get comfortable. Three early errors by Darwish coupled with Kneipp playing patient textbook squash gave the Australian an early edge. Darwish's movement was a bit languid, suggesting that his two previous five game wins may have taken their toll.

After the Egyptian hit an untimely tin at 9-5 to give Kneipp game ball, the Australian won the following point with ease to go one up.

In game two, Darwish began to take every shot short as Kneipp played into his opponent's hands and started attempting outlandish winners. With Darwish leading 7-4, Joe Kneipp (ever the sportsman) called a down ball on himself to give the No3 seed an almost insurmountable lead. Darwish used his momentum to reel off some quick winners to take the game 11-4.

Darwish, the world No8, walked onto the court with renewed confidence in the third game. It was obvious by his refusal to get caught up in long rallies that he did not want to have another five game marathon like his semi-final match with Jonathon Power. Darwish was in the zone and began to play flawless squash and soon led 2/1.

It was all Darwish in game four. The 23-year-old from Cairo simply possessed more weapons in his shot arsenal than Kneipp - and broke away from the world No10 with three nicks from awkward back court positions. At this point, Darwish had succeeded in turning the match into a shot-making exhibition. At 3-10 down, Kneipp refused to quit and won the next two points by returning everything Darwish could throw at him.

Unfortunately for Kneipp, the writing was on the wall, and Darwish clinched the tournament with his signature forehand counter drop to win 6-11 11-4 11-8 11-5 in 46 minutes.

It was the 11th PSA Tour title victory of Darwish's career - and the fourth this year.

Final:
[3] Karim Darwish (EGY) bt [5] Joseph Kneipp (AUS) 6-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-5 (46m)