Favourites Reach Finals In Qatar

Favourites Amr Shabana and Nicol David are one match away from retaining their titles in the Qatar Classic after surviving four-game semi-finals at the Khalifa International Squash Complex in the Qatar capital Doha.

Shabana, the world number one from Egypt, ended Thierry Lincou's brave run in the $145,000 Super Series Platinum PSA Tour event, beating the fifth seed from France 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 in 52 minutes. Lincou reached the semis after overcoming - for the first time in his career - the new World Open champion Ramy Ashour.

Now in his sixth Tour final of the year - but looking for his first win since April - Shabana faces fellow Egyptian Karim Darwish, the sixth seed celebrating his third successive final appearance.

The 27-year-old from Cairo, who made his breakthrough after beating second seed Gregory Gaultier in the quarters, recovered from a game down to beat Englishman Nick Matthew, the No7 seed, 9-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6 in 56 minutes.

Nicol David celebrated the beginning of her second year without defeat in the women's $74,000 Gold WISPA World Tour event by despatching fourth seed Natalie Grainger, from the USA, 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-2.

Now in her 11th successive final, and the 47th of her career, the world number one from Malaysia will face long-time Tour rival Natalie Grinham.

The third seed, representing the Netherlands, fought back from 2/1 down to beat her second-seeded sister Rachael Grinham 11-8, 13-15, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10 in 61 minutes.

Men's semi-finals:
[1] Amr Shabana (EGY) bt [5] Thierry Lincou (FRA) 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (52m)
[6] Karim Darwish (EGY) bt [7] Nick Matthew (ENG) 9-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-6 (56m)

Women's semi-finals:
[1] Nicol David (MAS) bt [4] Natalie Grainger (USA) 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 11-2 (37m)
[3] Natalie Grinham (NED) bt [2] Rachael Grinham (AUS) 11-8, 13-15, 8-11, 11-6, 12-10 (61m)