By Gareth James
Joel Makin was unable to get past world number one Ali Farag and claim a place in the final of the British Open in Birmingham.
Welsh star Makin – who had earned one of the best wins of his career when he dumped out world champion Diego Elias in the quarter-final – ran into a dominant Farag who was at the top of his form.
Makin – who is based in Birmingham – went down 11-3, 11-9, 11-7 to see his dream of becoming the first Welshman to lift the title since David Evans 24 years ago, disappear.
“Joel has been in immaculate form recently, and deservedly so,” said Farag.
“He has been in and out with injuries, and he has shown what a competitor he is when he is fully fit.
“Even at some points today when I felt like I was dominating the ’T’, he kept coming back. But for me, I had to hit my targets well, and try to twist him and turn him as much as possible.
British Open Semi-Finals : @AliFarag ends home hopes as he reaches a fifth successive final !!!!!
[1] Ali Farag (Egy) 3-0 [9/16] Joel Makin (Wal)
11-3, 11-9, 11-7 (54m) pic.twitter.com/GFrwDUZSIf— Squash Site (@SquashSite) June 8, 2024
“He’s not as patient as he used to be, he’s more aggressive, he takes his opportunities, and I had to try and take this away from him. I think I did that well today, so I’m very pleased.”
Defending champion Farag will meet Egyptian world No.4 Mostafa Asal in Sunday’s final.
Asal reached his first British Open final after coming from behind to defeat two-time champion Paul Coll in five games.
Asal came from 2-1 down to eventually seal victory by a 7-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6 scoreline.