Arnold Topples Top Seed In Dramatic Squash On Fire Semi

Malaysian duo Rachel Arnold and Eain Yow Ng both produced spell-binding performances to reach the finals of the Bronze-level 2025 Squash on Fire Open in Washington DC.

In a blockbuster start to the day's proceedings, fourth seed Arnold overcame top seed Rowan Elaraby in a five-game thriller.

The Egyptian looked in control of the match as she stormed to an 11-3 first-game win, but the Malaysian began finding her shots, and attacked the front corners well to level the match at one-all.

Elaraby saved two game balls in the third to force a tie-break, but Arnold showed composure to close out the game 12-10 and take the lead for the first time in the match.

The top seed managed to force the game to a decider, but Arnold was just too accurate throughout the fifth game to book her place in the final and to get a chance at her second World-event title of her career.

Speaking after the match, Arnold said, "I'm pretty happy with my performance. I fought well today in the fifth. It was edgy at times but I'm really happy with the win.

"I think it was here-and-there. Sometimes Rowan would get the momentum, and then there was mine. I just tried to stay positive throughout the entire match and then it really helped."

Looking ahead to her final against home hope Amanda Sobhy, the No.3 seed, Arnold added: "I'm feeling positive. I think I'll be the underdog really and want to just try my best."

The men's draw also saw Malaysian success, as No.2 seed Eain Yow Ng progressed to the final after beating unseeded Kareem El Torkey.

Despite the Malaysian staying ahead throughout the match, the Egyptian made it difficult for him, with some outlandish recoveries in the back corners to force Yow Ng to play pin-point accurate shots to earn his points.

The Malaysian No.1 will face top seed Marwan ElShorbagy for a chance at the title, after the Englishman defeated France's Gregoire Marche in a tough four-game battle, that saw fantastic athleticism from both players.

In the last women's semi-final, home favourite Amanda Sobhy impressed in a comprehensive victory over Egypt's Kenzy Ayman that lasted just 22 minutes.