 Miguel Rodriguez & Karim El Hammamy IslandStats.com
Sibling Showdown Sees Aira Azman Advance
The opening match saw a fascinating sibling rivalry play out as Malaysian top seed Aira Azman faced her younger sister, the fourth-seeded Aifa Azman. In a highly anticipated clash, it was the elder Azman who emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. After Aifa took the first set 11-4, Aira demonstrated her resilience, finding her rhythm to take the subsequent sets 11-4, 11-8, and 11-6 in a 31-minute encounter.
Moataz Survives Five-Set El Rihany Test
The second Ladies Semi-Final provided a gripping spectacle as Egypt's second seed, Hana Moataz, battled through a five-set epic against her compatriot, the eighth seed Amina El Rihany. In a see-saw affair lasting 58 minutes, Moataz twice had to come from a set down before finally clinching the victory 3-2 (7-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9).
Rodriguez Battles Back to Reach Men's Final
The Men's top seed, Miguel Rodriguez of Columbia, also had to draw on all his experience to secure his place in the final. Facing Egypt's seventh seed, Karim El Hammamy, Rodriguez fought back from a set down to claim a 3-1 victory. El Hammamy took the opener 11-8, but Rodriguez responded emphatically, taking the next three sets 11-9, 11-8, and 11-3 in a 54-minute contest.
Zakaria Edges Chotrani in Five-Game Thriller
The second Men's semi-final saw another five-set nail-biter as Egypt's second seed, Mohamad Zakaria, overcame a resilient Veer Chotrani of India. Zakaria started strong, taking the first set 11-5, but Chotrani fought back to claim the next two 11-6 and 11-8. Zakaria showed his mental fortitude, winning the fourth 11-3 to force a decider, which he eventually clinched in a marathon 73 minutes with a score of 17-15.
The thrilling semi-finals have set the stage for an exciting final day at the IQUW Bermuda Open, with the top seeds in both draws having to overcome stern challenges to reach the ultimate showdown.
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