Sobhy Soars Into Maiden World Series Final At ToC

New Yorker Amanda Sobhy continued her remarkable rampage through the women's field of the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions at Grand Central Terminal in her home city to reach her maiden PSA World Series final after a scintillating victory over Egypt's Nouran Gohar.

The first American-born woman to reach the last four of this prestigious tournament, Sobhy started on the back foot after a fast start from Gohar which saw the 18-year-old rattle off a number of early points.

But, roared on by a raucous crowd, 22-year-old Harvard graduate Sobhy battled back and came out on top after a multitude of frenetic rallies. The US number one and world No.8 seized the win 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 after just 38 minutes.

"I'm a little shocked, I don't really have any words," a breathless Sobhy said.

"It was a battle. Even though it was 3/0 it was so tough from the beginning to the end. I just tried to stay in my bubble and not let the pressure of getting to the finals in front of my home crowd get to me."

Sobhy will go head-to-head with Nour El Sherbini in the final after the 20-year-old Egyptian produced a spellbinding display to down 2014 winner Nicol David.

The three-time world junior champion came through a brutal five-game encounter with world No.4 Camille Serme in the previous round - but showed no signs of fatigue as she pounced on any loose drops from David to claim an 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 victory.

"It was very special to beat Nicol 3/0 and it was one of the best things that is ever going to happen to me," said El Sherbini. The win marks the first time the former world number one from Malaysia has been toppled in straight games in a ranking event since losing to England's Jenny Duncalf at the 2009 US Open.

"I'm really happy," El Sherbini continued. "With Nicol you have to attack any shots you can so I was trying to finish the points off. Nicol seemed like she was struggling with her movement today so I think that it gave me an advantage."

Defending champion Mohamed Elshorbagy moved through to the men's final after a commanding victory over Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet.

The Egyptian controlled the early portions of the match by forcing Frenchman Castagnet into the front corners of the court before stepping up to punish the number seven seed on the volley. After falling 2/0 behind, Castagnet cut the deficit to a single game by drawing out some errors from 25-year-old Elshorbagy.

But a series of punishing rallies saw the hard-hitting Elshorbagy take control of the match once more in game four and he held off a late attempt at a comeback from the Frenchman to see out an 11-9, 11-6, 3-11, 11-7 triumph.

"He is a great competitor," said Elshorbagy of the 29-year-old from Aix-en-Provence who was celebrating his first World Series semi.

"He's been making so much progress lately and has made it into the top eight and then played in his first ever World Series semi. He is an inspiration to all players on how they should work hard in their career because he has worked so hard. To be able to make it to the semi-final here is such a great achievement and I'm really happy for him.

"We played such a great match together, we always do. I'm really happy for him and I want to congratulate him."

Last year's runner up Nick Matthew will meet the world No.1 in the final after a serious injury to his semi-final opponent Gregory Gaultier which handed the Englishman the win.

The 34th Tour clash between the European rivals began on an even keel with the packed crowd looking forward to their latest encounter.

However, with the score level at 3-3, Gaultier rolled his ankle painfully after contact with Matthew and was carried off the court in obvious pain. Despite receiving treatment, the Frenchman was unable to continue the match, ensuring that Matthew will advance to face Elshorbagy for the chance of reversing the outcome of last year's final.

"My heart goes out to Greg," said Matthew.

"The match had barely got going. We were feeling each other out on the first few points. I feel bad for everyone who came down to see a great match but that's nothing to what I'm feeling for Greg because it's his livelihood.

"I've got to take advantage of the fact that my legs will be fresh tomorrow and it will be my sixth Tournament of Champions final. I'm really proud of that record but I have only won one out of those five so far. I need to improve that ratio tomorrow."