SEMI FINALS - 2021 DAC PRO SQUASH CLASSIC

Day 4

October 22

Down to the final four and coming off a quarter final night of unforgettable matches, the packed DAC crowd was salivating for some more spectacular performances…

[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [4] Olivia Clyne (USA)

If history was any indication, Olivia was going to be in for an onerous time. The past 3 matches on the PSA tour, Olivia is not only 0-for-3, the game tally is 0-for-9. Only one of those games went to a tie break as well. The mental edge clearly leans all the way to the Egyptian world number 2 and in typical Nouran Gohar fashion, she entered the court with a steely look of complete focus and determination, no doubt committed to extending her clean record against the American. 

There is no ‘playing-in’ with Nouran, she’s hammering away from the first shot of the match. The  pressure is immediate and her opponents better be ready to compete. She jumped out to an early lead, and Olivia was finding it troublesome to get herself settled into any comfortable rhythm. It was all happening a little too quick, and uncharacteristically Olivia was choosing some mystifying shots, such as trying to force a short ball from deep in the back corner. If they didn’t hit the tin, Nouran was immediately pouncing on them and punishing them anyway. The tactic wasn’t working and it took 2 full games before Olivia finally switched it up.

A lot more competitive third, this is what the crowd was waiting for. Smarter play, better length, more patience, less errors, and suddenly Nouran and Olivia were going point for point, a standard worthy and deserving of the two. However, no matter how you look at it, coming back from 0-2 down as I’ve said before, is a monumental assignment, made all the more nightmarish when you are playing the second best ranked player in the world. As usual, Nouran didn’t let up either, Olivia’s increased pressure and precision made her work a lot harder but she was prepared for the moment and her relentless power hitting was simply too good. Advancing to the final, Nouran took the match 3-0. 11-4, 11-3, 11-8.

Tinne Gilis (BEL) v Georgina Kennedy (ENG)

This match-up was creating a lot of buzz amongst the members. Georgina has been on an absolute tear lately and her phenomenal run this week has been nothing short of jaw-dropping. And what about Tinne? Incredible performances this week as well, it’s been a captivating run. After learning that these two are best of friends and actually live together in England, this is their first meeting on the tour. It sounds like they would be familiar with each other’s game. 

The first game though, was all Georgina. If anybody wanted to see what executing the fundamentals correctly looked like, they need look no further than this young lady. I’ve never seen anyone get back to the ’T’ quicker, in fact she’s there before her own ball is coming off the front wall, her racquet is up, weight forward, on her toes, and she’s watching the ball as if she’s drilling Superman laser-eyes though it. It’s an intensity rarely seen or matched. She made quick work of Tinne. 

For the second, the match evened up. Tinne was now up to speed and getting into the groove needed to challenge the Englishwoman. She was keeping it close, but at 4-5 she after she took a deep lunge into the front forehand corner and couldn’t get back up. The injury that she had just made a comeback from - her calf - decided it was no longer going to cooperate. The damage was done. The injury time out regrettably couldn’t save it, and the devastating decision had to be made not to continue. It was the right call, sadly. Tinne was understandably distraught. Although she couldn’t complete the match, Tinne can be tremendously proud of her efforts this week, the DAC crowd was incredibly appreciative. We wish her a quick and full recovery and look forward to seeing her come back to Detroit in 2022. 11-4, 5-4 (rtd.)

It was not the way Georgina wanted to advance, but now she does have an amazing opportunity to play a big final against one of the world’s best players. Can’t wait!