KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 10 Ng Eain Yow and world No. 20 Rachel Arnold continued their impressive form to reach the men’s and women’s finals of the Squash On Fire Open in Washington on Saturday.
Asian champion Eain Yow powered past world No. 49 Kareem El Torkey of Egypt 11-5, 11-4, 11-6 in just 35 minutes to book his place in the men’s final.
Meanwhile, Rachel pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat world No. 8 Rowan Elaraby of Egypt 3-11, 11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7 in a 51-minute thriller.
The 30-year-old Malaysian was trailing 7-5 in the fifth game before reeling off six straight points to seal her first win over Elaraby in eight meetings.
Rachel, who lifted the China Open title last November, will face American world No. 10 Amanda Sobhy in Sunday’s final.
Third seed Sobhy cruised past seventh seed Kenzy Ayman of Egypt 11-8, 11-4, 11-6 in just 22 minutes in her semi-final.
Rachel will be chasing her first win over Sobhy, having lost their previous two encounters.
On her semi-final win, Rachel said: “I’m 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 back and forth – sometimes Elaraby would get the momentum, sometimes it was me.
“I just tried to stay positive throughout the entire match, and it really helped.
“I’m feeling positive ahead of the final. I think I’ll be the underdog and I just want to try my best,” she told PSA World Tour.
Eain Yow will meet world No. 8 and top seed Marwan El Shorbagy of England in the men’s final.
El Shorbagy saw off fourth seed Gregoire Marche of France 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8 in 45 minutes to reach the title decider.
Eain Yow will start as the underdog, having lost all three of his previous meetings against El Shorbagy.
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