El Sherbini Downs David To Set Up Massaro Final

Egypt's world No.8 Nour El Sherbini will face England's world No.3 Laura Massaro in the final of the 2015 Qatar Classic after the three-time World Junior Champion downed defending champion Nicol David, the former world No.1, in the semi-finals of the PSA World Series event at the Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha.

"I can't believe that I won that match," said the elated El Sherbini who battled back from 2/1 down to beat the second seed 11-6, 10-12, 5-11, 11-4, 11-9 in 59 minutes.

"Nicol is one of the best players ever, she's a legend and there will never be someone like her again.

"But I kept telling myself to keep pushing and keep attacking until the end and just give everything today and it's amazing to be in the final - I'm really happy," added the 20-year-old from Alexandria whose victory denied David an appearance in her 100th PSA World Tour final.

"At the end I was really tired but the support of the crowd was amazing and gave me confidence. I felt like I was playing in Egypt not Qatar and that support is everything and I think that's the reason I won today - but I'm not finished yet.

"There's still one more match to go."

2013 World Champion Massaro, who defeated El Sherbini to lift that prestigious title in Penang, came into the tournament in the form of her life having already collected two titles, including the Delaware Investments US Open, so far this season while El Sherbini tasted success at the Carol Weymuller Open in September.

Massaro will now be gunning for a second consecutive PSA World Series title to extend her lead at the top of the PSA Road To Dubai Standings but will have her work cut out against El Sherbini.

Massaro booked her place in the showpiece event after comfortably despatching Egyptian world No.6 Omneya Abdel Kawy in an assured straight games triumph.

"I've started the season really well and can't believe how good I've been playing," said Massaro.

"I've made three finals and won two tournaments so I'm feeling confident at the moment - every final is a big day and my goal is obviously to win big titles so I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm really happy to make another final and even happier that I managed to get off 3/0. I was expecting a tough match after our semi-final in Philadelphia but I think she made a lot of unforced errors and wasn't at her best but the most important thing is getting two feet into the final and I'll do that whatever way I have to."

Qatar Classic image courtesy of www.squashpics.com