Doha: World No. 2 Nicol David of Malaysia began her campaign in Qatar Classic 2015 on a winning note while more seeds bite the dust in the men’s section at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex here yesterday.
The 31-year-old Malaysian, aiming to continue her dominant form, having taken six of the previous seven titles available in Qatar, took just 32 minutes to easily see off Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana in straight-games.
“It’s great to be back in Qatar, everything feels so familiar but it feels like a new tournament,” said David, winner of the last women’s Qatar Classic which was staged in 2011.
“It’s nice to start the tournament off and get cracking with a good performance. The new court is really nice, but it’s very unforgiving so you have to keep the ball as tight as you can. I’m very pleased with that start, with a lot of upsets and a lot of new, upcoming young players, you never know what to expect,” said the Penang-born superstar.
Another seed Camille Serme of France enjoyed an equally straight forward win over compatriot Coline Aumard while former World No.2 Jenny Duncalf of England was forced to use every ounce of her experience as she came from two-games down to overcome 18-year-old Egyptian talent Mayar Hany to progress to the second round.
In the men’s section, Egyptians Fares Dessouki, Ali Farag and Karim Abdel Gawad pulled off impressive win against higher ranked players to continue the upsets trend set in motion on day one of the championship.
World No.33 Ali Farag, who came through qualification to earn his man draw spot, downed World No.11 Peter Barker in a composed 3-1 triumph.
Barker, a veteran and regular on the Qatar Classic for the last several years, had trouble with his knee and thus was never at his best.
With the 32-year-old planning to retire this season the Englishman may well have played his last match in Qatar.
“I’ve been coming here since 2002, and I remember how over the moon I was to qualify for the event.. This has been my 14th year on the Tour,” said Barker.
Looking back at his career he said: “My best moments? It’s actually here, beating (Amr) Shabana, who was one of my heroes, so that one stands up. Also playing for England, every time is an honour, I managed to get more than a 100 caps, and of course, winning the World Team Title with England.”
“I had a great time playing squash, it doesn’t owe me anything, I managed to earn a living out of a hobby I started a few years ago,” he added.
Farag said it would have be a pleasure to take on an injury-free Barker.
“First of all, let me start by saying that Peter Barker has been in the top 10 since I started squash, and just getting on court with him is an honour. I am aware he is struggling with his knee, and I wish I would have had the chance to play him injury free,” the Egyptian said.
Another qualifier to make it to the second round turned out to be Gregoire Marche. The Frenchman took forty minutes to set aside the challenge of Tom Richards of England.
Elsewhere Dessouki impressed as he halted India’s World No.17 Saurav Ghosal in straight game and will lien up against World No.3 Gregory Gaultier in the next round. Gawad celebrated breaking into the top ten for the first time in his career with a dogged 3-2 win over Tarek Momen.
The Peninsula
