[2] Nour ElSherbini (Egy) 3-0 [9/16] Mariam Metwally (Egy) 11-7, 11-5, 12-10 (30m)
Nour ElSherbini started her quest to claim a first Optasia title and to reclaim the World #1 spot with a straight-games win over long-time adversary Mariam Metwally.
Nour : “It’s a tricky start, Mariam and I grew up together, since we could hold rackets we were together, we know each other’s game and it was tricky, and this court suits her game. She is skilful and likes to hit shots but I’m happy that I could get through in three.
“Mariam wanted short rallies and she likes to hit kills so that suits her. So the scores were closer but it was a short match.
“The World No.1 spot is not on my mind at all. I don’t like thinking this way, I’ve done it before and I don’t like it. I just want to play well, reaching No.1 would be a bonus, but if it wasn’t to happen, then I’d be completely fine with that.”
