Shorbagy Ensures All-Egyptian Last Eight Line-Up In Hurghada

Unseeded Alexandria teenager Mohamed El Shorbagy pulled off a remarkable upset over Malaysia's Ong Beng Hee, the world No12, on the second day of first round action in the Hurghada International to set up a surprise all-Egyptian quarter-final line-up in the $61,250 5-star PSA Tour squash event in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Hurghada.

Shorbagy belied his 17-year age as he twice recovered from game deficits against his sixth-seeded opponent to record a stunning 2-11, 11-10 (2-0), 6-11, 11-8, 11-8 win in 88 minutes.

"In the fourth, I was 2/1 and 8/3 down, and very tired - so I told myself no more risk, don't play any shots near the tin, be very patient," Shorbagy told www.squashsite.co.uk. "And the incredible happened - he lost his concentration completely. It was very strange.

"I still can't believe I've won, and that I'm going to play the world champion next round! It will be a fantastic experience for me, especially before the world juniors."

Based in the UK where he is coached by Jonah Barrington, Shorbagy now meets favourite Amr Shabana. The world number from Giza took on his new training partner Amr Mansi - and beat the qualifier 11-4, 11-10 (2-0), 11-8.

Playing in his PSA Tour event since reaching the semi-finals of the Virginia Pro Championship in the USA in March, Karim Darwish battled for 61 minutes to overcome Italian Davide Bianchetti 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6.

The third seed from Cairo now faces compatriot Mohammed Abbas, the fifth seed who despatched fellow Egyptian Omar Elborolossy 11-7, 11-7, 11-8.

1st round:
[1] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt [Q] Amr Mansi (EGY) 11-4, 11-10 (2-0), 11-8 (29m)
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY) bt [6] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) 2-11, 11-10 (2-0), 6-11, 11-8, 11-8 (88m)
[3] Karim Darwish (EGY) bt Davide Bianchetti (ITA) 11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 (61m)
[5] Mohammed Abbas (EGY) bt Omar Elborolossy (EGY) 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 (38m)