Elias upsets world No.1 Elshorbagy in Qatar Classic

DOHA: Eight-seed Diego Elias of Peru stunned world No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy to pull off the biggest upset in his PSA Tour career when he won a five-game thriller to set up a semifinal clash with Germany’s Simon Rosner in Qatar Classic on Wednesday.

World champion and defending champion Elshorbagy’s dream of winning a fourth title was dealt a painful blow with Elias clinching the 76-minute tussle 11-8, 11-13, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7.

The Egyptian, who was the tournament favourite, had reached the final in the last five consecutive events. But he could not live up to his billing with Elias outsmarting him.

“I’m really happy. I was very close to beating a few top players in the past. Today, was my day,” said Elias. “I believe I can beat the top guys. At the British Open, I was 2-0 up against him, but I just never believed I could do it.”

In the other quarterfinal, Rosner fought back to beat New Zealand’s Paul Coll (8-11, 11-9, 11-14, 12-10) in a match that looked destined to go to a fifth.

“We always play long matches. It’s so tough to score against him. So after the first game, I just made sure I reduced my errors as I did 5 or 6 in that opener, and I just cannot do that against a player such as Paul. I’m happy I fought my way back into the match,” said Rosner.

In the other last eight matches, second-seed Ali Farag won the all-Egyptian clash with Karim Abdel Gawad (11-9, 11-7, 11-8) while Tarek Momen (Egypt) beat Joel Makin (Wales) 8-11, 11-6, 14-12, 11-6.