Elshorbagy Survives 'Toughest Match In My Whole Life' To Reach El Gouna Final

World No3 Mohamed Elshorbagy came through an epic encounter against world No1 Gregory Gaultier in the El Gouna International Open, beating the Frenchman for the first time in 10 meetings to secure a place in the final of the PSA World Series squash event in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of El Gouna.

In a brutally tough 112-minute encounter - in which the second game alone lasted over 45 minutes - the Egyptian finally broke his duck against the number one seed, recording his first ever victory over Gaultier 11-6, 14-16, 11-9, 12-10.

"The most toughest match I played in my whole life," tweeted the 23-year-old from Alexandria later. "A battle to remember for sure!!"

The victory will see Elshorbagy compete in just his fourth PSA World Series event final, bidding to add to his sole tournament triumph at the 2013 Qatar Classic. The No3 seed will take on defending champion Ramy Ashour in an all-Egyptian final which promises to delight the local crowd.

"I just can't believe I'm into the final," said Elshorbagy.

"I have played him nine times and I have never beaten him before so to be able to get my first victory over him in Egypt makes it extra special.

"I would not have been able to get the win today without the support of the crowd who were fantastic.

"It's two players in there and it's like they're trying to knock each other out. I tried to move him around but he never gave up and when I thought I had him in the fourth game he came back fighting again.

"I'm just really happy that I made it through in the end."

Elshorbagy and Ashour were the first two players ever to become double World Junior Champions. Second seed Ashour booked his place in the final after beating four-time World Champion Amr Shabana 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 in a sublime performance.

Former world No1 Ashour will be bidding to win his 25th World Series title and will be buoyed by having beaten Elshorbagy in the PSA World Series Finals final in March.

"It's never easy against Shabana and every time you beat him it's like a miracle," said Ashour.

"He's a squash legend and a four-time World Champion and a truly great player. I'm really happy to get the win and it's very pleasing.

"Mohamed is very hungry and he's eager so it's going to be a very tough match tomorrow in the final."