Camille Serme, Women's World No.4, derailed the challenge of 2016 tournament winners Nour El Sherbini to come through a dramatic and enthralling semi-final encounter at the 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions today (Jan 18).
Serme beat World No.2 Nouran Gohar yesterday and injected pace from the off today to unsettle El Sherbini, working her favoured backhand with relentless accuracy, to win 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6 and secure her first appearance in the iconic event's title-decider.
"I was so focused on the match and making sure I played as well as I could that it hasn't really sunk in that I'm into the final yet," said 27-year-old Serme.
"I dreamt of playing this event - the venue is unbelievable - so it's amazing to know I will be playing in the final here tomorrow with a chance to win. I've beaten the #1 and #2 players so I have to take confidence that I'm playing some of my best ever squash.
"I feel like there's still improvements to be made but I'm on the right track. Tomorrow will be a different challenge again so I'll give it my best and see what happens - it's very exciting."
Serme will face England's Laura Massaro, 2014 runner-up, in the decider ensuring a new Women's champion will be crowned.
Results - Women's Semi-finals: 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions
[5] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6 (49m)
[4] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [11] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 3-0: 11-6, 11-6, 11-9 (40m)
Draw - Final
[5] Camille Serme (FRA) v [4] Laura Massaro (ENG)
2017-01-19
