Ashour Eyes Fourth World Title Against Gawad

Ashour eyes fourth world title against Gawad

CAIRO, Nov 4 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 04th Nov, 2016 ) - Ramy Ashour will take on Egyptian compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad on Friday looking to secure a fourth world championship title after defending champion Gregory Gaultier handed him a walkover in their semi-final.

French star Gaultier was forced to pull out of the tournament with an ankle injury sustained in his quarter-final win over Egypt's Tarek Momen. "I feel truly sad for Greg," said 29-year-old Ashour, who was world champion in 2008, 2012 and 2014.

"I have been there many times and I know exactly how it feels so I wish him a speedy recovery." Gawad will be appearing in his first world championship final after seeing off fellow Egyptian and world number one Mohamed ElShorbagy 13-11, 10-12, 11-13, 11-2, 11-5.

"I was playing really well throughout the whole match," said 25-year-old Gawad. "I just need one more push, I have to focus really well and recover well for tomorrow. Everyone knows Ramy and everyone watches squash because of Ramy."