King downs world No 1 at big tourny
WELLINGTON: New Zealander Joelle King has caused an upset at the World Tour Finals in Egypt by beating No 1 ranked Nouran Gohar to book a place in the semifinals of the prestigious tournament.
It was a straight shootout between the two players as to who would book their place in the last four.
World champion Nour El Sherbini had already claimed her place in the women’s Group A at the unique event, which includes roundrobin bestofthree matches in the group stages.
Both players had one win each to their name in the group stages, but it was world No 8 ranked King who was able to advance after an impressive performance to beat the leading women’s player 1210, 117 in 28 minutes.
Gohar started the better of the two players, building up a healthy lead to hold four game balls, with King trying to match the Egyptian on pace and hitting. However, a change of tactic from the Kiwi midgame saw her adapt and push Gohar deep into the back corners, taking the pace off the ball to break up the world No 1’s rhythm.
King was rewarded as she saved all four game balls before converting on her first attempt.
The 32yearold, who celebrated her birthday on Thursday, continued to keep her focus in the second to nullify the attacking intent of Gohar and take an impressive 1210, 117 victory and qualify in second place in Group A with seven points.
“I just tried to think that I was in the middle of a practice match with one of the guys back in Bristol and just relax,” King said.
“I felt like I was playing some good squash in patches, but not long enough. Nouran is such an amazing player and mentally tour, so I knew I had to do something more.’’ — RNZ