Sobhy Stops Losing El Tayeb Run To Reach Windy City L16

USA's Sabrina Sobhy claimed her first ever win over world No.8 Nour El Tayeb at the eighth attempt to send the 2018 champion out of this year's Windy City Open presented by the Walter Family at the second round stage.

The pair were meeting in a PSA World Tour Platinum event for the second time in a row following El Tayeb's victory at last month's Tournament of Champions - but it was Sobhy who would emerge victorious under the chandeliers in the picturesque Cathedral Hall at the University Club of Chicago.

The American No.3 produced a spell-binding performance to win 12-10, 11-9, 15-13 and will now take on England's world No.24 Lucy Turmel for a place in the quarter-finals.

"It's a huge win for me," Sobhy said afterwards.

"I've grown up playing with Nour and everyone knows her talents and her capabilities, she pushes everyone to their absolute max. She's come back with amazing wins when she is 2/0 down, match ball down or whatever. I had lost to her every single time and she's made me feel really uncomfortable on court and like a beginner.

"To come out with this performance, it's what I've been working towards. I'm really proud of how I competed and held my composure on court today."

In the men's draw, defending champion Paul Coll got the better of Egypt's Youssef Ibrahim in a repeat of the 2022 final, earning an 11-8, 11-2, 11-9 win to reach round three. Coll will line up against Frenchman Baptiste Masotti in the last 16.

"I felt good out there, I've got my head right this week and I feel good with the way I want to play," Coll said afterwards.

"I always love coming to Chicago, I love this court with the chandeliers and everything, and I love how close the crowd is, it's awesome. I have good vibes and hopefully we can keep the performances going this week.

"These are the biggest tournaments of the year and these are the ones you want to win. I try to come into these ready for a long week and you've got to beat so many tough players now the tour is so strong. We played in the final two years ago and now in the first round here, so that's why I like to come here with a clear mind."