Egyptians end Australian interest at NAO

23-Feb-2012 -

Egyptian pair Ramy Ashour and Karim Darwish were in ruthless touch as they ended the Australian challenge in the second round of the North American Open squash tournament in Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday.
Ashour, considered the most dynamic player in world squash, attacked right from the start against hard-hitting Cameron Pilley, winning 11-6, 11-7, 11-9.
Both players produced fast, attacking squash but Ashour was able to hit more winners than the world number 15.
Pilley fought hard at the finish and had Ashour diving all over the court, only to hit the ball back to himself to concede a penalty stroke on match ball.
“I always enjoy playing Cameron, he is a great professional and hits the ball very well,” Ashour said.
Ashour will now meet fellow former world number one Darwish, who beat Brisbane qualifier Zac Alexander 11-5, 11-4, 11-3.
“Zac is a very strong player and improving all the time,” Darwish said later.