Top Seeds Elshorbagy & Farag To Contest Canary Wharf Climax

Egyptians Mohamed Elshorbagy and Ali Farag, ranked one and two in the world, will contest the final of the St James's Place Canary Wharf Classic after defeating compatriots Tarek Momen and Marwan Elshorbagy, respectively, in the semi-finals of the PSA Gold tournament at East Wintergarden in London.

364 days previously, it was Momen that took the victory over the world No.1, when the duo met in the semi-finals of the 2019 event, in what was their 24th meeting on the PSA World Tour.

'The Beast' held a 18-5 advantage over Momen coming into the clash, but it was the world No.3 that started the better, with his movement and skill in the front corners proving too much for his fellow Egyptian.

Elshorbagy, who won this event in 2018 when he beat 'the Viper' in the final, improved his game in the second, pushing the tempo, attacking into the front corners and forcing Momen into the type of errors that have plagued his game in recent years.

The top seed then carried that momentum throughout both the third and fourth games, picking off Momen when required. More errors from the reigning World Champion helped give Elshorbagy the comfort of a lead in both games, as he went on to win out 4-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-6 in less than 50 minutes, booking his place in the final in Canary Wharf for the second time in three seasons.

"I hope everyone enjoyed that match, because we both played such high quality squash," said Elshorbagy. "We always play great matches, and I remember two years ago when we played in the final we both gave it our all on court and today we did the same.

"I absolutely love coming back here. Since the first day, the crowd is always full and you guys always support this event. It is because of you, and we really appreciate it, so thanks a lot!

"The last couple of days, it was so high-paced. We went for more winners, whereas today we were more economical. We had to manage our fitness. There are more tactics in a best-of-five, and I am really glad to be here for another day.

"Tarek has been in great form this season. After the final in ToC, he said that he was on the right track. Having to play someone who feels like that is always hard."

Elshorbagy senior will face Farag in the final after the 2018/19 World Champion made the final for the first time in his career following a comprehensive victory over world No.8 Marwan Elshorbagy, Mohamed's younger brother.

The pair had met seven times on the PSA World Tour before, with Elshorbagy junior having won four of those. Five of those clashes had come in semi-finals, with 'the Jackal' also holding a 3-2 advantage in the last four.

This time however the former world No.1 needed just 39 minutes to take the victory, after restricting Elshorbagy to just eleven points across the entire match. He was able to do so by just containing 'the Jackal', constantly forcing him into the back corners. Farag will feature in the final in Canary Wharf for the first time in his career, in what is only his second appearance at the tournament.

"I would like to think that I can still get better. Today I went on court with a mix of emotions. I was inspired by Nour, she just won a thriller of a match in Cairo, at the Black Ball Open, against an unbelievable player in Raneem (El Welily)," Farag admitted.

"I was super inspired but at the same time I was also super intimidated to see Nick Matthew in his corner. Nick, way beyond his prime years, gave me a lesson at the US Open. I know that from the outside, he can give the right tactics.

"Even though Mohamed and I are No.1 and No.2 at the moment, we have only played twice so far this season. We have won one each and I think it is always exciting when we play against each other. He is totally different to play compared to Marwan, but it is equally as tough. It will be another test but for now, I will just enjoy the result and then focus on tomorrow."