(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy kept his date with destiny by defending the title in the ATCO PSA Dubai World Series Finals at the Emirates Golf Club.
The 27-year-old Egyptian rallied from a game down to get the better of countryman and world No.2 Ali Farag 9-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-8 in the final that lasted 51 minutes.
It capped a stellar season for El Shorbagy, nicknamed 'The Beast of Alexandria,' with the current world champion winning three World Series titles at the Qatar Classic, Hong Kong Open and Windy City Open along with runner-up finishes at the US Open and British Open.
El Shorbagy also went level with four-time world champion and compatriot Amr Shabana with 33 wins from 50 PSA finals. The feat vaulted him into the top 10 all-time title winners list.
It was Farag who dictated play in the first game, forcing El El Shorbagy into of errors. And, although both were tied at 6-6, Farag had that little bit more as he nudged ahead to take the first game 11-9 in 12 minutes.
El Shorbagy took control of things in the second game, taking it 11-3 in just six minutes to draw level. He then brought his experience of having reached 12 finals of the 14 events this season, into play by winning the third game to take the crucial lead.
Both were tied at 9-9 and a long rally ensued before Farag was forced into a error where he hit the board. El Shorbagy then converted on game ball.
It was an intense fourth game with Farag having to go for broke to stay in the match. Things went level until 6-6 before El Shorbagy turned it on to clinch the game and the match.
"It's been an amazing week here in Dubai," said El Shorbagy.
"There have been some great matches and I'm very proud to have been part of this event at the end of the season and to have won it," he added.
El Shorbagy also enjoyed his running rivalry with Farag this season and hoped they would face each other more.
"Ali and I have played so many battles this season and I'm happy that we managed to end the season playing against each other. He's a great guy and great player and I look forward to being back on court battling with him again next season," El Shorbagy said.
El Shorbagy took his head-to-head tally to eight wins to Farag's four.
Meanwhile, Farag was gracious in defeat and gave credit to El Shorbagy. He also hoped to come back better next season.
"Mohamed has been proving day in and day out that he is the best player in the world. Every time I feel like I match him, he keeps fighting back. I will work hard over the summer to try and match him next season," said Farag.
Result:
1-Mohamed El Shorbagy (Egypt) beat 2-Ali Farag (Egypt) 9-11, 11-3, 11-9, 11-8.
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