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Ayeni Olusegun
Doha
Qatar's Abdulla Mohamed al Tamimi put on a master class as he crushed the challenge of Egypt's Karim El Hammamy11-2, 11-5, 11-4 in 26 minutes to win the Qatar Men's Circuit No4 at the Khalifa International Squash and Tennis Complex on Tuesday.
The Qatari had survived a five-game thriller which lasted for one hour in the semi-final against Egyptian Youssef Soliman, a win he called 'a feel good victory' due to their previous encounters. Karim on the other hand also endured a thriller against Malaysia's Sanjay Singh in the semis.
Tamimi picked up his first PSA Tour title in 2017 and the first since winning the Australian Open in August, 2016. The 22-year-old had earlier made the semis of the Pittsburgh Open in the US before a runner-up place in Canada's Holtrand Open where he lost to third seed Yip Tsz Fung of Hong Kong in five gruelling sets.
"I am extremely pleased to have won this tournament today especially playing here in Doha. When you play at home, there is more pressure to perform well and i did that today," Tamimi said after his win.
Tamimi and the 77th ranked El Hammamy had earlier played played twice with the Egyptian coming out better inboth clashes, which makes this victory all the more sweeter.
"I have played him twice and he was champion during our junior days so it feels good to win.
"I didn't play my best during the Qatar Classic and putting up this performance is a good sign for me mentally."
With both men recovering from gruelling semi-final clashes, Tamimi made short work of the final, claiming the first game 11-2 with his opponent struggling to keep up with his pace. In the second game, El Hammamy showed signs of making a comeback but the top seed quickly took the game 11-5. Tamimi's pace and moves proved too strong again in the third game as the Qatari swept the game 11-4 for a 3-0 win.
El Hammamy who has been out with a hamstring injury said after the loss,"Tamimi played well and deserved to win today. For me I am just happy to be able to play after being out with an injury and I felt tired during the match."
On his conditioning, Hammamy said,"I just need to be in rhythm with my body and i will be fine but for now playing every match means a lot to me."
Tamimi's focus is now set on the the 2017 World Championships in Manchester from December 9 to 13.
"I will take a day off to enjoy this victory and after that it is the World Championships and I'm mentally ready for that challenge," he said.
