England’s Declan James in action against Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi during their quarter-final match yesterday.
Doha: Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi’s hopes of reaching the QSF 2 2025 semi-finals were dashed yesterday when the Qatari World No.22 fell to England’s Declan James 1:3 (11-7, 3-11, 10-12, 3-11) in a thrilling encounter.
The sixth-seeded Al Tamimi started on a promising note, taking an early lead with an 11-7 win amidst a strong crowd support. However, James continued his excellent form from his Round 2 success over fourth-seeded Nicolas Mueller, whom he beat in straight games to book yesterday’s quarter-final clash with the Qatari star.
Unfazed by the early setback, World No.28 James found his rhythm to disappoint Al Tamimi as he claimed the second game 11-3. Al Tamimi put up a strong effort to make a comeback in the third game which eventually went 10-9 in favour of James. James then went on to wrap up the fourth game 11-3 to complete a thrilling victory at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
James will next take on top seed Tarek Momen of Egypt for a place in the title clash.
The World No.6 Momen made light work of compatriot Yahya Elnawasany, winning the match without dropping a game to win 11-6, 11-7, 11-8 in 34 minutes to advance.
Egypt’s Fares Dessouky also posted a commanding straight-game win over France’s Sebastien Bonmalais (11-7, 11-6, 11-6), also in 34 minutes.
Dessouky will meet former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad held off a spirited challenge from rising star Mohamad Zakaria, securing a 3-1 win (11-7, 7-11, 11-5, 11-5) to make the semis.
