US No.1 Weaver Makes Maiden Platinum Final At Hong Kong Open

US No.1 Olivia Weaver has achieved her first-ever appearance in a PSA Squash Tour Platinum final after overcoming Japanese No.1 Satomi Watanabe in the semi-finals of the Milwaukee Hong Kong Open at Ocean Park.

After 11 previous losses in Platinum semis - the first of which came back at the US Open in 2021 - Weaver finally got the monkey off her back to have a shot at major silverware tomorrow night.

The 30-year-old's ball striking, movement and composure were key components in helping her prevail against Watanabe by a 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7 scoreline in 46 minutes.

"I think I was really excited for the opportunity today," she said post-match.

"I knew both of us were going to come in feeling a little bit of pressure, a huge opportunity for both of us to try to reach our first Platinum final. It comes with the territory, so it was just about cracking on and trying to handle it as best as possible.

"Satomi played unbelievably well in phases today, but I'm happy about how I tweaked a few things and got back in front of her, so I'm really happy."

Weaver faces a stern test in tomorrow's final, with eight-time World Champion Nour ElSherbini her opponent in the title showdown after the former world No.1 recovered from 2/1 down to defeat world-No1-to-be Hania El Hammamy.

El Hammamy triumphed last time they met in Hong Kong three years ago to claim her first of two Hong Kong crowns, but it was ElSherbini who was victorious on this occasion as she beat the tournament's top seed 7-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-7, 11-3.

"I'm definitely very happy to win this match," she said.

"Hania is amazing, she's such a fighter and you can see she's been struggling with her ankle and hitting her head but she still came to fight and try for every point.

"It's always a pleasure being on court with her and a pleasure beating her and playing with her. She's been in form so it's been a big plus for me to beat her."

Youssef Ibrahim will feature in a Platinum final for the first time in almost four years after coming from behind to oust 2023 Hong Kong Open champion Paul Coll.

Ibrahim, who's into his third final in a row having reached the title deciders at the China Open and HKFC Open, lost out to Coll in his maiden Platinum final appearance back in 2022 at the Windy City Open.

However, the world No.6 avenged that loss in Chicago by overturning a 1/0 deficit with his attacking prowess helping him secure a 3-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-8 victory.

After the match, he said: "Today, in the first game I was totally outplayed and outclassed. The ball wasn't very bouncy at the beginning of the match and he was just taking it short so early.

"The second game I had to really dig deep to get stuck into the match. I just tried to find a way to get through it and take my chances and then I managed to find my way much better in the third and fourth."

Defending champion Mostafa Asal will lock horns with Ibrahim in the men's final after the world No.1 produced an excellent performance to overcome rising star Jonah Bryant.

Asal, who swerved a shock defeat to the young Englishman when they met in the second round of the GillenMarkets British Open back in June this year, was razor sharp this time out as he moved a step closer to retaining his title by winning 11-3, 11-5, 11-1.

"It means a lot. I'm feeling very comfortable here," he said.

"The treatment is amazing, everyone is amazing and plenty of supporters here as well as friends and family.

"I'm really happy with the way I'm playing and I'm really enjoying it here."