Joel Wins All-British Battle To Reach First El Gouna International Squash Semi-Final

Karakal's British Champion Joel Makin was in fine form on day four of the El Gouna International Squash Open yesterday, as he convincingly defeated fellow Brit Mohamed Elshorbagy with a straight games 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-8) scoreline.

Joel produced a masterclass performance at the opening of the match to battle through long, attritional rallies, forcing errors from Mohamed's racket and taking the opening games 11-3, 11-4.

Mohamed responded in the third racing to a 7-3 lead, but Joel dug deep with some strong, structured squash to take the next seven points in a row and earn three match balls, before closing out the match 11-8.

In the post match interview Joel said “I was very happy with my lines today. Mohamed is such a clever player. That’s why he is who he is. I knew he'd switch it in the third. I've never seen someone attack the back wall nick like that, that was quite bizarre. But he has a skill level where he can disrupt, so overall very happy in the end.

“He (Mohamed) was tidying up really well on the backhand side and he wasn't giving me any chance to step forward. If I had space around the ball then I was attacking much better than I have been in the last few days. That’s an attacking brand of squash, but doing it at the right times".

Referring to tomorrow's semi final Joel continued “I play the sport to challenge at the top of the game. Ali [Farag] has established himself as a great of the game. All the World’s he’s won and all the time he’s been at No.1. I have massive respect for him, but these are the matches I want to get stuck into and hopefully I can get another win.”

For full quarter final results and more updates on the El Gouna International Squash Open 2025, visit the tournament website at psasquashtour.com or follow the PSA on social media.