Masters squash: Despite the loss, Palmer win fans thanks to his grit

David Palmer went down to Egyptian Ramy Ashour last night but the grit he displayed was simply unbelievable

David Palmer went down to Egyptian Ramy Ashour last night but the grit he displayed was simply unbelievable

Aussie David Palmer rolled back the years with a scintillating display of squash which almost brought the highly touted Egyptian Ramy El Ashour to his knees.

Australia's David Palmer (in black) tries to get around Egypt's Ramy Ashour to make a return during their Punj Lloyd PSA Masters match at Bombay Gymkhana yesterday. pic/atul kamble

However, the No 3 seed had just about enough in reserve to prevail by the proverbial whisker 11-8, 16-18, 9-11, 11-4, 11-8 and move into the semi-finals of the USD 152,000 Punj Lloydu00a0 PSA Squash Masters at Bombay Gymkhana's Thunderdome yesterday.

Tough match
The 23-year-old former World junior champion did not know what hit him as Palmer reminded one of the Energiser bunny with boundless energy. Ramy also felt the Gods were against him as the sub-standard refereeing cost him some crucial points.

"Some decisions were very harsh. But there were others which went against Palmer too. I felt he played out of his skin. Someone please check his passport if he is really 33 because he played like a 20-year-old," joked a relieved Ashour.

"Mumbai is a fabulous city. I have fond memories of my first visit many years ago when I won the Otters Club Open as a junior. I love the food, the kebabs and biryanis,'' recounted the 23-year-old.

Ashour though, never tired and made some almost impossible pick-ups. But the Aussie kept plugging away and in the end, it was only the Egyptian's exhilarating strokeplay that separated the two players.

Palmer was not downcast in defeat. "I gave it my best shot but all credit to him. He's such a fantastic player.''

The No 5 seed has now made his home in sunny Orlando, Florida.

"I'm looking forward to getting back and soaking up the sun. But before that, there is still some unfinished business as I am playing in a big money event in Saudi Arabia next week,'' said the affable New South Wales-born player.

Egyptians on top
Meanwhile, fitness trainer Ahmed Yousuf of Egypt is one helluva happy man. His wards Amr Shabana and Ramy El Ashour will be clashing in the first semi-final today.

"Amr is like my bigger brother while Ramy is like a younger brother and I have a soft spot for Ramy. So yes, I will be rooting for him,'' winkedu00a0 Yousuf.