ElShorbagy claims third Qatar Classic crown
Egypt’s Mohamed ElShorbagy won the Qatar Classic – the second PSA World Series event of the season -for a third time in his career after a four-game win over surprise finalist Tarek Momen in an all-Egyptian final in Doha’s Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Competing in his sixth straight Qatar final the 26-year-old from Alexandria had survived three tough challenges to reach the final, but there were no signs of fatigue as he took the opening game against Momen who, competing in his first World Series final made several unforced errors.
Momen recovered to stay ahead during a close second game, taking it on extra points, but thereafter Elshorbagy was always ahead as he surged to an 11-8, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 victory to add the 2017 title to his wins here in 2013 and 2015.
“I’m extremely proud of how I performed this week at this event,” said ElShorbagy.
“
When I saw the draw pre-event I knew it would be tough, but playing tough opponents is the challenge that I live for. To be the best you have to beat these players.
“This week I got it right and I felt I played the big points well. What made the difference today was my experience. I have been in so many finals but it was his first. I knew the emotions he was going through.
“I was trying to contain him but at times he was like a train – I just couldn’t stop him. When he took the second game it was a big blow for me.
“But today it didn’t matter how tired I was – it was about how much I wanted to win. I just killed myself on every shot and I’m so happy to have won.”
Momen said: “It’s been an incredible week for me. I didn’t know what to expect coming here and making my first ever World Series tournament final was very special. Obviously I’m disappointed to lose but think it was a good match.”
Qatar Classic Final:
[3] Mohamed Elshorbagy (Egy) 3-1 [8] Tarek Momen (Egy) 11/8, 10/12, 11/7, 11/7 (64m)
