Two days before the Women’s Black Ball Squash Open kicks off in Cairo …
We’ve looked at the Day One matches, we’ve looked at the Top Four seeds, so now here’s a rundown of the Day Two matches and a look at the other seeds …
15.30: [7] Laura Massaro v Yathreb Adel / Mayar Hany
Former world champion and world #1. England’s Laura Massaro is one of the most determined competitors in the women’s game. She’s regularly at the later stages of the major events, but er only title success this season came in the Monte Carlo Classic – for a third time. Laura is probably due a big win, but she’ll have to beat an Egyptian to get her challenge started.
16.15 [4] Nour El Tayeb v Hania El Hammamy / Salma Youssef
17.00 [1] Raneem El Welily v Annie Au / Rowan Elaraby
17.45 [8] Nouran Gohar v Salma Hany / Nele Gilis
After winning the Hong Kong Open in 2017, double world junior champion Nouran suffered a dip in results, but in recent times looks to be getting back to her best. She hasn’t won a title since the Macau Open last April, but this year has reached the ToC and World Champs quarter-finals, losing both to Raneem but in between she beat the world #1 on her way to the Egyptian National final. If round one goes to form this will be another all-Egyptian match.
18.30 [3] Joelle King v Tesni Evans / Mariam Metwally
19.15 [6] Sarah-Jane Perry v Joshna Chinappa / Nicol David
After an injury layoff SJ was hoping to be back for the British Nationals, but had to delay her return until the World Champs. She may noy be at her peak yet – losing a thriller to Tesni in Chicago – but her form and results in the first half of the season put her down as a serious contender here. And whether she plays Joshna or Nicol, a quality match and a non-Egyptian quarter-finalist is guaranteed.
20.00 [5] Camille Serme v Joey Chan / Millie Tomlinson
The ten-time French Champion – ranked at #4 this month – looked in great form in Chicago, taking eventual winner Sherbini all the way in the semis. If anyone is due another big win it’s Camille, and a win in this match could set up a repeat meeting with Sherbini in the quarter-finals!
20.45 [2] Nour El Sherbini v Alison Waters / Zeina Mickawy
