Mostafa Asal wins marathon battle to reach Qatar Classic semi-finals

Mostafa Asal reached the Qatar Classic semi-finals after beating fellow Egyptian Aly Abou Eleinen in a 91-minute quarter-final in Doha.

The tournament is being held in Doha until Sunday.

Asal won 11-5 and 11-4 to take a two-game lead, but Abou Eleinen fought back by claiming the third 14-12.

The fourth game was another close contest, with Asal eventually securing a 12-10 victory to complete a 3-1 win.

Quarter-final action resumes on Wednesday, when Karim Abdel Gawad faces his fellow Egyptian Youssef Soliman.

In the women’s competition, Hania El Hammamy had already booked her place in the semi-finals after Nouran Gohar withdrew before their match because of injury.

Egypt are guaranteed another semi-final place from Wednesday’s meeting between Amina Orfi and Fayrouz Aboelkheir.

The remaining quarter-final matches involving Egyptian players are scheduled as follows:

Amina Orfi v Fayrouz Aboelkheir – 17:30

Karim Abdel Gawad v Youssef Soliman – 18:15