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Paul McNamara

Mostafa Asal said he was missing the “unique challenge” posed by retired rival Ali Farag, after the world No 1 dismantled Victor Crouin on Thursday to coast into the Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open semi-finals.
Frenchman Crouin inflicted defending champion Asal’s most recent defeat, in California in October, but he could not live with the Egyptian in Hong Kong.
It took Asal only 39 minutes to win 3-0 as the tournament moved to a glass court for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals at the entry plaza of Ocean Park.
Asal beat Farag in the Hong Kong final 12 months ago. After he again overcame his compatriot to win his first world title in May, Farag shocked the sport by quitting at 33.

“I miss him a lot. I wish I could have had him for two more years,” Asal said. “He’s the toughest opponent I’ve had; I took so much experience and faced so many challenges from playing him.
“There are still challenges [on tour] but his game was quite unique; it was draining to play against him. I wish him all the success in life.”
The stage is set for Asal, 24, to emulate the dominance of Farag, who claimed four world and 46 tour titles, and spent 238 weeks at the global summit.
“I’d like to do all those things. I got the World Championships and reached world No 1, so that’s a goal completed, and now I’m writing another chapter,” Asal, the owner of 24 tour titles, said.
“I go match by match; every player is super-dangerous and can beat anyone.”
Asal made his platinum tournament debut in Hong Kong, when he lasted only 29 minutes in a first-round defeat by Tom Richards in 2018.
He was part of Egypt’s world champion team at Hong Kong Football Club last year, too.
“I love coming here, it’s one of the best tournaments we play,” Asal said. “I feel relaxed and love exploring the city. It has a special place in my heart.
“Normally, at tournaments, I stay in my room playing Fifa and talking to friends, but here I go out a lot.”
Asal said he was “panicking” about potentially missing the event after a rolled ankle forced him to forfeit his China Open quarter-final in Shanghai last month.
“I had nearly a week off afterwards, and I wanted to focus and play in Hong Kong, and it was the right decision,” Asal said. “I love Shanghai and will hopefully be there next time.”
Last year, Asal said he hoped the Hong Kong Open would one day move to a court on The Peak. He was happy to settle for Ocean Park.
“It’s amazing, I can see the court from my hotel room,” Asal said. “Thanks to Hong Kong Squash and everyone who helps us play in unique places.”
Asal will meet Jonah Bryant in his last-four match on Saturday, after the Englishman beat Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas 3-1.
Nour El Sherbini, the eight-time world women’s champion, brushed aside Sabrina Sobhy 3-0 to book a semi-final with 2022 and 2023 Hong Kong winner Hania El Hammamy.
Egyptian El Sherbini last won the event in 2017. “I’ve not had the best results in Hong Kong – it’s the last tournament of the year, so maybe I feel a bit exhausted,” she said.
“I definitely want another title here.”
El Hammamy, who beat Sivasangari Subramaniam 3-0, has won all three major titles this season.
“She’s an amazing player, the best on tour at the moment, so it’s all on her, I have nothing to lose,” El Sherbini said.


Hong Kong Squash Open: Mostafa Asal 2 wins from title but misses facing retired Farag

Hong Kong Squash Open: Simmi Chan learns lesson as ex-champion Paul Coll survives fright

Hong Kong Squash Open: Jonah Bryant ready to carry baton for next gen after win over idol

Hong Kong Squash Open: Henry Leung lauds new coach despite narrow defeat to world No 13

Hong Kong Squash Open

Mostafa Asal (back) takes on Victor Crouin on Thursday. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Matches are being staged in a glass court at Ocean Park. Photo: Jonathan Wong

As Hong Kong end Westwood era, student who ‘has everything’ is tipped for debut

Jason Kam gave an assured display in Kitchee’s 1-0 win over Eastern District on Tuesday, when his team wore black in honour of the victims of the Tai Po fire. Photo: Handout

Jason Kam (left) grapples with Lee Man’s Everton Camargo during Kitchee’s win in September. Photo: Edmond So

Jason Kam is leaning on the wisdom of experienced teammates in training and matches. Photo: Handout

Donald Trump looms over Fifa World Cup draw as it starts countdown to 2026 finals

Fifa president Gianni Infantino (left) speaks alongside US President Donald Trump at the White House in March. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino hold a large ticket representing a seat at the World Cup final. Photo: AP

The Kennedy Centre will be the venue for the World Cup draw. Photo: Reuters

Sport

Hong Kong

Egyptian world No 1 cruises into men’s semi-finals, El Hammamy to face El Sherbini in women’s last four


Egyptian world No 1 cruises into men’s semi-finals, El Hammamy to face El Sherbini in women’s last four.
