World No. 5 Amanda Sobhy is through to the El Gouna International quarterfinals following a convincing three-game victory over England’s Lucy Turmel Sunday, May 23, in Egypt.
Turmel had reached the third round courtesy of an upset over U.S. teammate Olivia Blatchford Clyne. Making her first tournament appearance on the glass court, Sobhy dispatched Turmel 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 in thirty-three minutes.
“She is a feisty up-and-coming player so she is young and hungry and it shows with the win she had previously,” Sobhy said. “I wanted to just find my game. I wasn’t happy with my performance on the first day and I wanted to get settled on to the glass court so it is good to get a match that tests you and she did that. Really pleased to just win in three and not let her get any momentum.”
Sobhy will now face Egyptian world No. 9 Salma Hany Tuesday at 2:30pm EDT in a rematch of her Black Ball Open semifinal in March.
“It is difficult because it is one day on then a rest day so you play then lose the momentum and due to the COVID rules, it isn’t like you can go out and about,” Sobhy said. “That means a lot of time in my hotel room, trying to get some sort of tan to go back to the States with. You have to test yourself mentally and not only do you have to prepare for your match but you also have to prepare for the environment of the tournament and spending your time in the hotel.”
Watch the El Gouna quarterfinals live on PSA World Tour Facebook Live and SquashTV.