R1: Soliman finally controls Assal Junior
[8] Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-1 Marwan Assal (EGY) 11-4, 11-9, 10-12, 11-3 (60m)
Very volatile, very messy, very INTENSE match! God Bless the Assal Family, they have an intensity in their squash that is second to none. Marwan’s squash would benefit from a bit of discipline, but what do I know. He is young, and HUNGRY!!!!
Youssef was getting a bit overwhelmed at times, but managed to take the control back in the 4th, when the adrenaline started to run out from the youngster. It’s called experience, and there has to be advantages to getting a few years on the meter…
Youssef : “It wasn’t easy at all. I was very edgy.
“I feel like he knows his game very well. It felt like he was an experienced player but I knew that he wasn’t so I had to just keep that in mind and keep my focus. It’s never easy being in that position where you’re expected to win but the match is tough. He threw everything at me and had absolutely nothing to lose and it showed in the way that he played.
“My body hasn’t been right for a bit now but we’ll see how it holds up this week but I’m feeling good for now.”
