Owain Taylor reaches London Squash Open 2023 semi-finals

Owain Taylor was denied a place in the final of the London Squash Open by top seed Adrian Waller of England who overcame the Welshman 11-7 6-11 11-6 11-2 in a tough 52-minute semi-final at the Cumberland Club in the UK capital.

The unseeded Welshman had knocked out World Junior Champion Hamza Khan in the quarter-finals after earlier wins over UNSQUASHABLE players Brett Schille of Canada and Yannick Wilhelmi of Switzerland in the 1st and 2nd rounds respectively.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) London Squash Open 2023, Cumberland Squash Club, London, England
Men’s Semi-Finals:
[1] Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Owain Taylor (WAL) 11-7, 6-11, 11-6, 11-2 (52m)
[4] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [2] Rui Soares (POR) 11-8, 11-6, 11-7 (31m)

Women’s Semi-Finals:
[4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt Asia Harris (ENG) 11-13, 12-10, 11-2, 3-0 retired (59m)  
[5] Alicia Mead (ENG) bt Rana Ismail (EGY) 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 (28m)

Adrian Waller is set to face Simon Herbert in an all-English showdown in the men’s final of the London Squash Open, while the women’s title will be contested between Alicia Mead of England and Malak Khafagy of Egypt.

Top seed Adrian Waller halted the impressive run of Owain Taylor in the concluding semi-final match. Owain Taylor, having eliminated World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan of Pakistan in the quarter-finals, succumbed to the experienced lefthander 11-7 6-11 11-6 11-2 in a tough 52 minute semi-final battle.

Simon Herbert, after a commanding 3-0 quarter-final victory over Emyr Evans lasting 55 minutes, including two tie breaks, surged past No. 2 seed Rui Soares in the semi-finals. Overcoming a sluggish start, Simon Herbert rallied after conceding five of the initial six points. However, the Englishman swiftly turned the tide, clinching the first game 11-8 in just over 10 minutes. Despite a seemingly straightforward progression in the second and third games, Simon Herbert acknowledged that the match demanded more grit than the scoreline indicates.

In the women’s semi-finals, Alicia Mead triumphed over Rana Ismail to keep alive the prospect of an English double, however Asia Harris was forced to withdrawal due to injury in her semi-final clash with Malak Khafagy. Asia Harris had taken the first game 12-10 before sustaining a back injury, forcing her out of contention after the second game.

Owain Taylor will play top seed Adrian Waller in semi-finals of the 2023 London Squash Open following a 75-minute 11-4 12-10 11-13 14-12 victory over World Junior Champion Hamza Khan of Pakistan in the quarter-finals at the Cumberland Club in the UK capital.

In a captivating duel spanning 75 minutes, Owain Taylor and Hamza Khan clashed in an enthralling showdown.

Owain Taylor seized control by claiming the initial two games and found himself on the brink of victory during the third, disrupted by a Hamza Khan injury following a fall. As the match unfolded, tension escalated, buoyed by the ardent support from their respective fanbases. Hamza Khan, displaying remarkable resilience, rallied from a 10-7 deficit in the fourth, securing three game balls. However, the fighting spirit of Owain Taylor came to the fore as he staged a remarkable comeback, forcing a tiebreak and eventually sealing the win with a nerve-wracking 14-12 triumph.

Owain Taylor will play top seed Adrian Waller in the semi-finals.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) London Squash Open 2023, Cumberland Squash Club, London, England
Men’s Semi-finals:
[1] Adrian Waller (ENG) v [9/16] Owain Taylor (WAL)
[2] Rui Soares (POR) v [4] Simon Herbert (ENG)

Women’s Semi-finals:
[9/16] Asia Harris (ENG) v [4] Malak Khafagy (EGY)
[5] Alicia Mead (ENG) v [9/16] Rana Ismail (EGY)

The quarter-finals of the London Squash Open witnessed surprises as Asia Harris and Alicia Mead stunned the top two women's seeds, while Owain Taylor halted the run of World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan.

The 18-year-old Asia Harris, who had already overcome the No.6 seed Nadia Pfister, continued her impressive form against top seed Enora Villard. In a see-saw battle, Asia Harris secured a crucial tiebreak win in the first game. Despite a determined response from Enora Villard with an 11-4 win in the second, Asia Harris surged ahead again, reversing the scoreline in the third. The fourth game echoed the intensity of the first, with Asia Harris showing resilience, saving two game balls at 10-8 down and winning four consecutive points to claim a spot in the semi-finals.

Her opponent in the semi-finals will be fellow teenager Malak Khafagy who emerged as the highest remaining seed after Alicia Mead recorded a remarkable victory over second seed Grace Gear. Grace Gear dominated the opening game but faltered after a 7-1 lead in the second, allowing Alicia Mead to stage a remarkable comeback and eventually triumph in a thrilling 49-minute encounter.

In the men's draw, Owain Taylor and Hamza Khan engaged in a gripping showdown lasting 75 minutes. Owain Taylor secured the first two games and held a match ball in the third, marred by a Hamza Khan injury after a fall. The tension soared as the match progressed, with both players supported fervently by their respective fans. Despite resilience from Hamza Khan, rallying from 10-7 down in the fourth with three game balls, the experience of Owain Taylor shone through. The Welshman clawed back, forcing a tiebreak, and ultimately clinching victory 14-12.

Owain Taylor advances to face top seed Adrian Waller in the semi-finals, while Simon Herbert and Rui Soares secured their clash after triumphing over Emyr Evans and Mohammad Syafiq Kamal, respectively.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) London Squash Open 2023, Cumberland Squash Club, London, England
Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Adrian Waller (ENG) bt [7] Ben Coleman (ENG) 11-7, 11-7, 11-5 (37m)
[9/16] Owain Taylor (WAL) bt [WC] Hamza Khan (PAK) 11-4, 12-10, 11-13, 14-12 (75m)
[4] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [9/16] Emyr Evans (WAL) 16-14, 15-13, 11-6 (55m)
[2] Rui Soares (POR) bt [8] Mohd Syafiq Kamal (MAS) 13-11, 15-13, 11-8 (47m)

Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[9/16] Asia Harris (ENG) bt [1] Énora Villard (FRA) 13-11, 4-11, 11-4, 12-10 (39m)
[4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt [7] Torrie Malik (ENG) 13-11, 7-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8 (60m)
[9/16] Rana Ismail (EGY) bt [8] Kaitlyn Watts (NZL) 11-3, 12-10, 11-6 (26m)
[5] Alicia Mead (ENG) bt [2] Grace Gear (ENG) 3-11, 14-12, 12-10, 15-13 (49m)

Owen Taylor overcame fellow UNSQUASHABLE player Yannick Wilhelmi in 7-11 11-8 6-11 11-2 11-5 in 65 minutes to earn a place in the quarter-finals of the London Squash Open being staged at the Cumberland Club in London, England.

The Welshman, who overcame another UNSQUASHABLE player Brett Schille in an equally tough 1st round encounter, will face World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan in the quarter-finals after the 18 year-old Pakistani triumphed over James Willstrop in the 2nd round.

Hamza Khan emerged victorious over former World No.1 James Willstrop, who was making his long-awaited return to the PSA World Tour, with a hard-earned 9-11 11-3 11-9 11-9 victory.

James Willstrop won the opening game 11-9, setting the stage for a compelling battle, but undeterred, Hamza Khan, rallied back to level the match before riding the momentum to surge ahead and claim a memorable win.

Daniel Mekbib of the Czech Republic, the final remaining UNSQUASHABLE player in the draw, was denied a quarter-final place by eighth seed Mohd Syafiq Kamal of Malaysia who triumphed 9-11 11-7 11-9 11-5 in 35 minutes.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) London Squash Open 2023, Cumberland Squash Club, London, England
Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Adrian Waller (ENG) v [7] Ben Coleman (ENG)
[WC] Hamza Khan (PAK) v [9/16] Owain Taylor (WAL)
[4] Simon Herbert (ENG) v [9/16] Emyr Evans (WAL)
[2] Rui Soares (POR) v [8] Mohd Syafiq Kamal (MAS)

Men’s 2nd Round:
[1] Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Stuart MacGregor (ENG) 11-7, 11-2, 11-8 (30m)
[7] Ben Coleman (ENG) bt [9/16] Noor Zaman (PAK) 14-16, 11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9 (75m)
[9/16] Owain Taylor (WAL) bt [6] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) 7-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-2, 11-5 (65m)
[WC] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt [3] James Willstrop (ENG) 9-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-9 (47m)
[4] Simon Herbert (ENG) bt [9/16] James Peach (ENG) 11-5, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7 (41m)
[9/16] Emyr Evans (WAL) bt [5] Ben Smith (ENG) 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, 4-11, 11-6 (62m)
[8] Mohd Syafiq Kamal (MAS) bt [9/16] Daniel Mekbib (CZE) 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-5 (35m)
[2] Rui Soares (POR) bt [9/16] Dewald van Niekerk (RSA) 10-12, 11-4, 11-6, 11-2 (44m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) London Squash Open 2023, Cumberland Squash Club, London, England
Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Énora Villard (FRA) v [9/16] Asia Harris (ENG)
[4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) v [7] Torrie Malik (ENG)
[9/16] Rana Ismail (EGY) v [8] Kaitlyn Watts (NZL)
[2] Grace Gear (ENG) v [5] Alicia Mead (ENG)

Women’s 2nd Round:
[1] Énora Villard (FRA) bt [9/16] Léa Barbeau (FRA) 11-7, 11-3, 11-7 (31m)
[9/16] Asia Harris (ENG) bt [6] Nadia Pfister (SUI) 11-7, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 (48m)
[7] Torrie Malik (ENG) bt Lowri Roberts (WAL) 11-5, 11-5, 11-6 (27m)
[4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt [9/16] Ambre Allinckx (SUI) 8-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8 (45m)
[9/16] Rana Ismail (EGY) bt [3] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 11-3, 11-2, 11-0 (17m)
[8] Kaitlyn Watts (NZL) bt [9/16] Tessa ter Sluis (NED) 11-9, 11-4, 11-5 (25m)
[5] Alicia Mead (ENG) bt [WC] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) 11-5, 9-11, 11-2, 11-6 (40m)
[2] Grace Gear (ENG) bt Ali Loke (WAL) 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 (21m)

In a fiercely contested battle of the generations at the London Squash Open, Hamza Khan triumphing over former World No.1 James Willstrop with a hard-fought 9-11 11-3 11-9 11-9 victory. The 18-year-old reigning World Junior Squash Champion strategically utilised his youthfulness against the seasoned 40-year-old James Willstrop, captivating the packed crowd with a match that held them spellbound.

Despite a mesmerising start to the match that saw James Willstrop claiming the opening game 11-9, Hamza Khan, displaying the tenacity of a rising squash star, rallied back to level the match. Momentum firmly on his side, Hamza Khan secured the third game at 11-9, seemingly cruising to victory with a 9-4 lead in the fourth.

James Willstrop, known for his resilience, staged a remarkable comeback, jesting with the audience about his age compared to the apparent fatigue of Hamza Khan. However, the young Pakistani prodigy, touted as one of squash's brightest talents, showed his mettle. Even after relinquishing a 9-4 advantage to tie at 9-9, Hamza Khan displayed nerves of steel, clinching a crucial point with a deep backhand volley that eluded the reach of James Willstrop, setting up a match point he claimed with a stroke.

Hamza Khan will next face Owain Taylor of Wales in the quarter-finals. Owain Taylor, having caused an upset by defeating No.6 seed Yannick Wilhelmi in a gripping 3-2 match, stands as a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Emyr Evans, another Welsh contender, secured his quarter-final spot by edging out No.5 seed Ben Smith in an equally tense encounter.

In the women's draw, 18-year-old Asia Harris continued her impressive streak, eliminating Swiss No.6 seed Nadia Pfister. Asia Harris, a rising star with consecutive final appearances in her last two events, faces a tough hurdle against top seed Enora Villard to progress further. Enora Villard navigated an all-French clash with Lea Barbeau in the same bracket.

Among the day's surprises, No.3 seed Millie Tomlinson suffered a 3-0 defeat against Rana Ismail, while Torrie Malik and Grace Gear secured straight-game victories. Notably, Malak Khafagy and Alicia Mead faced resistance but ultimately triumphed, conceding a game each to Ambre Allinckx and Savannah Ingledew en route to securing their spots in the quarter-finals.

Additionally, the day witnessed an enthralling five-game showdown between Noor Zaman and Ben Coleman, culminating in a comeback victory for the Englishman despite the fervent support for Noor Zaman from the partisan crowd.

Owain Taylor and Daniel Mekbib will join fellow UNSQUASHABLE players James Willstrop and Yannick Wilhelmi in the 2nd round of the London Squash Open after wins on the opening day of the championships being staged at the prestigious Cumberland Squash Club in the UK capital.

A hard-fought 50 minute 8-11 11-6 11-4 11-4 win over UNSQUASHABLE player Brett Schille of Canada will see Owen Taylor face another UNSQUASHABLE player in the 2nd round, recently crowned Squash Open Squash Champion Yannick Wilhelmi.

Daniel Mekbib of the Czech Republic will play Mohammad Syafiq Kamal in the 2nd round after beating Sam Buckley of Ireland 10-12 11-6 11-9 11-6 on the opening day.

Former World No.1 James Willstrop will be making his much-anticipated return to the PSA World Tour when he will face World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan of Pakistan.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) London Squash Open, The Cumberland Club, London, England
Owain Taylor (WAL) bt Brett Schille (CAN) 8-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-4 (50m)
Dewald van Niekerk (RSA) bt Darren Rahul Pragasam (MAS) 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 (36m)
Emyr Evans (WAL) bt Abdelrahman Abdelkhalek (EGY) 11-7, 11-6, 11-4 (39m)
James Peach (ENG) bt [WC] Ayaan Vaziralli (IND) 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 (21m)
Stuart Macgregor (ENG) bt Joeri Hapers (BEL) 11-5, 14-12, 11-9 (40m)
Noor Zaman (PAK) bt [WC] Anthony Rogal (ENG) 11-9, 11-6, 12-10 (30m)
[WC] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt Miles Jenkins (ENG) 11-8, 11-9, 11-3 (30m)
Daniel Mekbib (CZE) bt Sam Buckley (IRL) 10-12, 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 (52m)

World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan of Pakistan triumphed over Miles Jenkins of England, setting the stage for an exciting clash with former World No.1 James Willstrop at the London Squash Open being staged at the Cumberland Club in London, England. Despite being a wild card, Hamza sealed an impressive win with a display of remarkable shots. The impending showdown with James Willstrop, a battle spanning generations, promises to be a thrilling encounter.

In another impressive showing, Emyr Evans continued his winning streak from the USA, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Abdelrahman Abdelkhalek. Stuart Macgregor, a late entry replacing George Parker, beat Belgium's Joeri Hapers in a well-fought match, reaffirming his deserving spot.

In the women’s draw, Asia Harris navigated through a tough contest against Tamara Holzbauerová, claiming a 3-0 win amidst some contentious moments. Swiss seed Nadia Pfister awaits Asia Harris in the next round, while Ambre Allinckx and Lea Barbeau emerged victorious. England's Kiera Marshall fell to Wales' Lowri Roberts, setting up an exciting clash between Lowri Roberts and No.7 seed Torrie Malik.

The highly anticipated London Squash Open will be held at the prestigious Cumberland Squash Club in London, England from the 15th to 19th November and will welcome 48 top-tier players to the heart of the UK’s capital.

Among the men's contenders are illustrious names including former World No.1 James Willstrop, Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist Adrian Waller, and the youthful sensation, reigning World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan who triumphed at the 2023 World Junior Squash Championship in June. Hamza Khan is a wildcard entry into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour event and is set to face Miles Jenkins in his opening match before a potential clash with the formidable James Willstrop in the next round.

A notable seedings shuffle in the men’s event, with James Willstrop moving up to the No.3 spot due to withdrawals, evading a quarter-final bout with Adrian Waller and potentially setting the stage for an intriguing generational battle in the second round. His memorable showdown with Mohamed ElShorbagy at the GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Classic earlier this year still echoes in the minds of fans.

In the women’s draw, the top seeds Enora Villard and Grace Gear add substantial prestige to the draw. Grace Gear, ranked higher than her seeding suggests, brings exceptional recent form, notably besting Villard in the 2023 Grasshopper Squash Cup in Zurich. English talents Millie Tomlinson, Alicia Mead and Torrie Malik join the seeded lineup, while emerging prospect Asia Harris, having reached consecutive finals in recent events, eyes an impactful start to her campaign.

Egyptian rising star Malak Khafagy, seeded fourth, emerges as a force to reckon with, boasting an impressive track record at just 19 years old. With a string of PSA Tour triumphs in 2023 and a maiden PSA World Tour semi-final appearance at the Ace Malaysia Squash Cup, Khafagy stands out as a promising contender to watch in this exhilarating London Open.