Bryant Conquers Cardenas To Reach Hong Kong Open Semis

English prospect Jonah Bryant is through to his second Platinum-level semi-final after downing Leonel Cardenas in the quarter finals of the Milwaukee Hong Kong Open at Ocean Park.

The 20-year-old, who ousted former world No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy in round two to earn his spot in the last eight, will appear in the last four of a Platinum event for the second time, having reached the same stage at the Qatar Classic earlier this season.

The world No.14, who had won both previous encounters with Cardenas coming into today's clash, remained composed throughout in an entertaining battle with the Mexican to triumph 12-10, 6-11, 11-3, 11-6.

"I feel great. As you can see, he's a really tough competitor. I have a 3/0 head-to-head record but every single one has been so tough," said Bryant afterwards.

"The first one was 12-10 in the fifth, the second was 13-11 in the fourth, so I knew I was in for a tough battle. I did also expect myself to win though. In a big quarter-final, you've got to put pressure on yourself, but I thrive in those situations.

"He'll never give up and he'll get you into some really nasty, tough, rallies. I was happy with the way I was finishing the ball at the end of the fourth game and I'm really happy to get the win."

Bryant's semi-final opponent will be defending champion Mostafa Asal, who comprehensively dispatched French No.1 Victor Crouin to edge closer to retaining his title.

World No.1 Asal, who's won this event twice, was in red-hot form against the world No.8 to book his place with an 11-4, 11-2, 11-5 victory.

In the women's draw, two-time champion Hania El Hammamy sailed into the semi-finals following a commanding 3/0 win against world No.6 Sivasangari Subramaniam.

El Hammamy, who returns to world No.1 next week, emphatically moved a step closer to capturing a third Hong Kong crown after taking down Sivasangari by an 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 scoreline.

"I like to be here," she said. "It's the only event I've won twice up until the beginning of the season and I always felt that Hong Kong is a special place for me as it's where I win.

"Losing last year in the semi-finals wasn't what I needed but I'm really looking forward to the semis."

Eight-time World Champion Nour ElSherbini awaits El Hammamy in the last four on Saturday evening after the world No.4 eased her way past Sabrina Sobhy.

ElSherbini, a former champion in Hong Kong, defeated Sobhy 11-5, 11-4, 11-8 in 20 minutes, with the American's movement being hindered due to a hamstring injury throughout.