Egypt's Mostafa Asal in action against Switzerland’s Yannick Wilhelmi.
Doha, Qatar: World No.1 Mostafa Asal survived a spirited challenge from Switzerland’s Yannick Wilhelmi to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Qatar Classic yesterday.
The reigning World Champion was pushed hard during the high-intensity 48-minute encounter before he eventually secured an 11-5, 11-4, 11-3 victory at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Despite Wilhelmi’s impressive resistance, the top seed Asal dropped just 12 points across the three-game contest to keep his pursuit of a maiden Qatar Classic title on track.
Asal, who has known Wilhelmi since their junior days, was full of praise for the Swiss player after the match.
“Yeah, for sure. I’ve been playing with Yannick all over the years. Since I was 14 or 13, the British Junior Open and the World Open,” Asal said.
“He’s a pretty good guy on and off court and I’m really happy to see him in that place and challenging the top boys. He’s another Swiss on the road. I played against Niki and now Yannick, so I’m pretty pleased with that.”
“I’m trying to make myself as sharp as I can. It’s a big push at the beginning to kick off the season,” Asal, who finished runner up at the Qatar event on the last two occasions, said.
Earlier, World No.9 Marwan ElShorbagy also progressed after overcoming compatriot Curtis Malik 11-5, 11-9, 11-7 in 35 minutes. France’s Gregoire Marche was also victorious, fighting back from losing the opening game to defeat American Timothy Brownell 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 in 46 minutes. World No.13 Aly Abou Eleinen also advanced, defeating France’s Baptiste Masotti 11-5, 11-9, 11-2 in 41 minutes.
Meanwhile, on the women’s draw, former World No.1 Nouran Gohar survived a dramatic five-game battle with compatriot Malak Khafagy to book a quarter-final showdown with defending champion Hania El Hammamy.
Making her competitive return after a year away from the PSA Tour following the birth of her first child in April, fifth-seeded Gohar was pushed to the limit in a thrilling 91-minute contest as she eventually prevailed 11-7, 9-11, 13-11, 12-14, 11-9.
“I didn’t enjoy my squash today, but I did enjoy my resilience and mental toughness. I need to go through matches like these,” Gohar said after the win.
On her upcoming quarter-final with El Hammamy, she added: “I’m really looking forward to that match. It’s going to be competitive out there, but no pressure whatsoever. I’m looking forward to the match.”
El Hammamy, meanwhile, continued her title defence with a convincing 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 win over England’s Lucy Turmel in 39 minutes.
Belgium’s Tinne Gilis also produced a commendable performance, overcoming India’s Anahat Singh in five games. Gilis recovered from losing the second and third games to win 11-4, 8-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-3 in 58 minutes.
Fourth seed Sivasangari Subramaniam also advanced, defeating Egypt’s Salma Hany 12-10, 11-6, 11-5 in just 26 minutes.
