Farag Survives Pittsburgh Open Comeback

Reigning World Champion and the tournament's top seed Ali Farag marked his return to action with a comeback victory against Nathan Lake at the Pittsburgh Open, the PSA World Tour Silver event at Rivers Club in Pittsburgh, USA.

The 30-year-old former world No.1 was making his first Tour appearance since October last year, when he sustained a knee injury at the US Open in Philadelphia.

"It feels amazing (to be back on court). I feel like a child in a play area - I'm back to doing what I love most," said Farag.

"I was very nervous and very excited - I had so many different emotions but the overriding one is gratitude and happiness."

Fellow Egyptian Mohamed Abouelghar caused the biggest upset of round two when he dispatched No.4 seed Tarek Momen in straight games.

Abouelghar, who reached the second round with a 3/0 win over Sebastien Bonmalais, defeated the world No.7 11-9, 13-11, 11-8 to move into the last eight.

"It feels unbelievable. I've always struggled against Tarek - the head-to-heads, I've only beaten him once in a best of three. To beat him in straight games is a massive achievement for me," said Abouelghar.

"I was 8-2 down in the first game and I told myself to hang in there and make it long for him so I could gain some momentum for the second game.

"I'm happy it worked out and I won the game - it gave me a huge boost going into the second game onwards."