Squash: Pohrer reaches Egyptian final

Natalie Pohrer has slid in the rankings but continues to pull off surprises in Egypt.

The English player, once as high as fourth but now only 12th in the world standings, has eliminated tournament top seed Carol Owens of New Zealand to reach the Hurghada Women's International final.

The win set up an all-England tie against Cassie Campion, who beat Vanessa Atkinson of Holland in the other semi. Pohrer has so far claimed the scalps of three seeds. She swept aside Rebecca Macree in the round of 16, knocked over Linda Charman-Smith in the quarter-finals and today beat Owens, 9-5, 8-10, 9-3, 9-3.

Owens, ranked third in the world, had been in outstanding form following a six-month lay-off, claiming two tournament in March alone. Owens last fell to a lower-ranked player in October 2000.

Campion, the second seed, needed just 38 minutes to dispose of Vanessa Atkinson, 10-8, 9-0, 9-3, in her semi-final.

So popular is squash in Egypt that both matches, played at the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, were broadcast live on national television.