Watch highlights of every glass court match on KZread by becoming a channel member 👉 bit.ly/3Qp0RcJ

THIS version of Asal, win or lose, is quickly on his way to becoming a crowd favorite. 0:32 - old Asal complains about blocking or hits it into Diego. New Asal hits a fantastic circus shot just because he can, keeps pressure on Diego and gets love. More of this please!!

@patrikfast8497

4 ай бұрын

Couldnt agree more. And that he is humble enough to be great in defeat as well. Feels like Elias has old grudge consider their history between them. If Asal continues with hes newly sportsmanship hopefully Elias will let the past be the past and embrace future epic battles.

@ShellysAshes

4 ай бұрын

I don't know, his instinct is still to move into lines in tight situations eg; the movement that caused Elias to fall backwards into the towel box. Just lucky today that his opponent wasn't more seriously injured.

@andredejongh1411

4 ай бұрын

Trying......... naaaahhh still don't like him...

@Orbituation

4 ай бұрын

@@ShellysAshes It is probably something he's still trying to change. The 10-9 point in this match is indicative he is trying to reform, before the ban he would have really used his body to shut out, now he's trying to make him smaller to allow access. Many people still have a bitter taste from Asal's previous season (I was also one of them), but I'm liking the changes he's making. Glad good ol Jimbo is helping him out here.

@abelrodriguez4965

4 ай бұрын

I agree. I saw Asal keeping his arms close to his body multiple times to allow access to the ball, while before he'd try to take as much space as possible. Even during the "incident" he still tried to me himself smaller, and as he hit a drop shot toward the left side wall he moved a bit to the right to give access through that side also, and it's just unfortunate that Elias was coming by his right side (at least that's how I see it), but I don't see any malice in his movement. Just from today's match I would say Asal was way more gracious than Elias.

It looks like after "the incident" Asal's mind was completely gone. There is definitely a big improvement in his attitude

@bhaveshmanglani2173

4 ай бұрын

The guy is agressive but there is a remarkable change in his demeanor and approach. Credit where credit is due, it's much harder to change your game at this high a level but he seems to be making a lot of progress.

@danielnevin8777

4 ай бұрын

I think Asal was worried he'd get in trouble again after the Elias wipeout. That killed his mental game. In this rare case, Asal was in the clear I'd say.

@adamburton99

4 ай бұрын

Not sure that's an attitude thing- could be sulking?

@pedroperisse

4 ай бұрын

Look at 4:36 asal’s hand. He tries to hold Elias with his left hand. Still an asshole! Cheater…

@ahsanmunir1911

4 ай бұрын

@@danielnevin8777 Elias through his 'dramatic' fall won the game by psychologically killing Asal, not a fair game

I haven't been a fan of Asal since he started his shenanigans on tour, but seeing him clean up his act by playing absolutely beautiful and clean squash at times has made me reconsider. Asal is honestly one of my current favorite players on tour! Keep up the good act Asal and you'll be a respectable world Number 1 one day! I believe it!

@cookesam6

4 ай бұрын

He's still far from a favourite, but so good to see him clean his act up. Glad elias got a comfy win

@jomangeee9180

4 ай бұрын

I'd rather he be an AH and give us those viscous games, seems like he gave up

I don't think Asal did anything wrong there. Never thought I'd say that.

@jachu61

4 ай бұрын

Actually he did. When you see it in slow motion his movement forward is towards the front wall (or towards the corner) but his movement back is not on the same path but sideways directly into Elias line. This is considered incorrect movement. He needs to use the same line to recover from the shot. I wonder what happened after that, was he penalised with stroke?

@jackmajhand9463

4 ай бұрын

​​@@jachu61 his body weight is desequilibrated towards the way he went back. This movement seams natural. Also he has to go this way to avoid a stroke. Elias is taking the wrong path to the ball so i would have gone for no let (it can't be no let since he finished the game with 3 points...)

@jachu61

4 ай бұрын

Look at 5:55 where his left leg is when he started the lunge He should have cleared to the same spot. He choosed his line close to the left wall so Elias path is correct - being on Asal right side. He want to clear for the stroke but that's his shot problem - his movement is atill incorect to the side.

@pedroperisse

4 ай бұрын

Look at 4:36 asal’s hand. He tries to hold Elias with his left hand. Still an asshole! Cheater…

@Seeyan86

4 ай бұрын

@@jachu61 agree. There is no reason to move to the center when you know your opponent cant come from your left. This is pure micro level cheating, I think he didn't even do it on purpose, it is just how he has been taught to play over a million minutes of coaching. Otherwise, I agree that his overall match "cleanliness" was way better this time.

I'm liking the new Asal. Less blocking, apprecating opponents' shots, happy to see it.

In the highlights it looks like Asal has really cleaned up his on-court behavior. Is it true for the entire match? I really hope so. His squash is so great It would be nice to see him be a positive for the sport.

@joakimsand7045

4 ай бұрын

Yes, it's so good to see. Ever since these sessions with willstrop (and his ban) he really has improved movement and sportsmanship

1:23 & the replay at 1:29 - that's the first time I think I've seen Asal "get small" to allow his opponent a path to the ball. PROGRESS!

@t3tsubo

4 ай бұрын

That's what earned him the (I think?) yes let rather than stroke at 5:52

@fridbertaugust

4 ай бұрын

Progress? I agree. Like his character, or appreciate him playing "because he's so talented"? To soon

So glad Elias won. Yes!

Congrats to Elias. Asal surprisingly behave like a man, FairPlay respectful. Much better to see that

Magnificent spectacle. Congratulations to both players

@drubber007

4 ай бұрын

What?!

BRAVOOOOOO DIEGO, LE DISTE CUERA AL TRAMPICHIIII!!!!!

Asal is gradually growing up and learning how to be, or appear to be, a better person. Perhaps working with James Willstrop is part of that. But he's been such an awful human being in the past, albeit preternaturally talented, that I will continue to rejoice in his defeat for some time to come.

@antonybateson9060

4 ай бұрын

Lol ... funny how i almost felt bad for him at the end, then i thought ... 'wait, its Asal"

@MotorcyclePhaedrus

4 ай бұрын

Just seen the higlights...but that right elbow of his, knocking elias, is for me indicative of his character. But i might be wrong.

@tolicoenciclopedia9696

4 ай бұрын

Maybe just appears to be, but that is good enough, even if he want to misbehave, if he controls himself, that is an improvement.

@grademployment

4 ай бұрын

maybe you also need to grow up a bit and behave like an adult - stop sticking to the past and embrace current changed Asal!

@kimonschneider1544

4 ай бұрын

Asi boy is doomed to be a really bad person. He cannot change. He s done for good.

For all the talk about Asal ''improving", in this match with Diego and previously with Shorbagy there were over 30 referee decisions in the game. No other player consistently features in games with that many decisions. Surprised people think Asal is a reformed player now, he is just less egregious

@fern6114

4 ай бұрын

My opinion( old chap 63} everything correct in your comment

@alexanderarader1012

4 ай бұрын

Can’t agree to be honest, I honestly thought shorbagy was being a much more dirty player

@rickandnaughty

4 ай бұрын

Also Elias was making big things of no interference whatsoever

@user-om9mt9zk5w

4 ай бұрын

U funny.. There will be always people just hate the genius talent like asal

@AndreasHansen-vm8hh

4 ай бұрын

In the Asal vs Shorbagy there was over 60 decisions.. It wasn't pretty squash.

Diego learnt blocking from Asal @7:42 by not moving out of the direct line of access, while Asal playing clean... Kind of ironic... Really happy that Asal is clearing now!

Glad elias got the win. Very glad asal is getting better.

I agree with with a lot here, never been a fan of Asal, but I admire his huge improvement in attitude and absolutely there is no doubting his skills!

So happy! There is NO new Asal. See min 06:00

What was the outcome where elias fell and hit the front wall. It didn't really make it clear on the decision there

Good marketing plan for Asal to be a good human being.

Elias is a JOY to watch .

at 2:58, 3:34, 4:25, 5:13, 5:56, 7:34 are just a few of the times Asal moved in the line of the opponent/blocked! he will end up breaking somone's neck with his interference one day! the most dangerous (literally!) player I have ever seen in squash... he is the complete 'opposite' of joy to watch!!!

@fridbertaugust

4 ай бұрын

Agreed! I just watched this highlight because of Diego.

@FiachnaG

4 ай бұрын

He's not the perfect player yet but you can see he has been working on changing things, Unfortunately you cant change the habit of a lifetime easily but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt whilst he transitions

@hanakobe2405

2 ай бұрын

Exactly, he's still employing underhanded tactics and moving slightly into the opponent's path here n there but against the top 3 Farag, Coll and Elias, he can't get away with too much because their skills are way higher. He bullies other lesser players by obstructing then shoving / holding them with his arm. Dare him to do that to the top 3!!! When Elias asked for review, Assal had moved into his direct path after hitting his shot, when you pause the video at striking position and blocking position, you can see how much he deliberately moved to obstruct. Sneaky Assal!

Really impressed with the effort Asal has made to clean up his game and attitude. He's still supremely talented and now getting better and better to watch

4:32 Asal's left hand, you can see trying to snag Elias on the way past, pretty cynical

@remcovandijk279

4 ай бұрын

I'm not seeing it? I'm not an Asal fan but I honestly don't see anything happening there? And I'm pretty sure that Elias would have complained about it but he only complained about Asal being in the way (which was his own fault).

@jimmorrison4291

4 ай бұрын

@@remcovandijk279 Its slight but it's there. I actually quite like Asal, awesome player and brings some excitement to the tour but that looks a bit dodgy to me!

@rickandnaughty

4 ай бұрын

I think people maybe looking for things. Didn't see anything wrong except Elias took the wrong line

What's a shame is because Asal used to be so so bad, he has really gotten in Elias head. Elias is so quick to scream for a let and it's like he is on the shortest fuse with Asal, and I don't think he needs to be anymore. Got to give credit where credits due, Asal is a different man at the moment

"rub my crystal ball here" "excuse me?"

So pleased to see Diego win this match! Still can’t stand seeing Asal win even though he is an unbelievable player. Maybe I’ll root for him one day but that won’t be happening anytime soon. Vamos Diego!

Maybe Asal was the way he was because he knows he cares too much. This coming from a former 100% Asal hater and never expected to say that. But after Elias fell into the wall, he was never the same - possibly because it got to him mentally.

Asal is growing up in his court behaviour he also now show more respect to the opponent finally he is playing with squash heart and not football heart.Hard luck Asal more games are waiting you to win it and you will be number 1for long time insha'Allah

So glad to see Diego win this.

Asal has the hardest drive of PSA top players and when the opponents try to pass in front of him they are too late. Thats where a lot of traffic issues come from. It is quite natural to pass in front but passing behind is better with an opponent with such a powerfull drive. There is a exibition match between Asal and Willstrop (on YT, 4 years ago) which is a delight to watch.

Asal definately shows improvement in his attitude thanks to James Willstrop's help, but, he still has a ways to go in my opinion.

thank you elias

Well played elias

Can we appreciate just how many outright flattened nicks Diego hit in this game??? Forehand, backhand, volley-boast...he was absolutely on fire! Also, does anyone know the outcome of the "incident"? Stroke, Conduct, NL, what actually happened?

I saw on facebook people making out like Elias acted like a diving footballer but quiet clearly there's a fair bit of contact. But also, Asal clearly did nothing wrong. Just an accidental collision.

@hanakobe2405

2 ай бұрын

Or not clearing the shot.

Great Strategy.... Bad turns good....

To all the people in the comments going on about how Asal will always be a "cheat" or a "dirty player", or now sees his more clean behaviour on court as a marketing stunt, take a moment to consider how your own personal bias and view on Asal might be in the way of acknowledging his behaviour in this match and others.

He did put his hand out to hold Elias :-( (again)

I am tired of people disrespecting Asal. That is bordering on cyberbullying given his age. He is infinitely more talented than any of us so we are not in a position to judge. If cheating were a core part of his game then why is he still reaching semi-finals of TOC? Also a huge part of his game is his extraordinary athleticism. That means he can get to a lot of balls that other pros can't which results in a lot of interference.

@martelbaek6660

4 ай бұрын

I don't think a lot of people doubted his abilities on court. The criticisms were despite of his talents.

Jess Diego!!

What happened? Why did Asal suddenly stop being competitive in the match?

As usual, @SQUASHTV missed the key moments - ie the points after the towel box incident. Obvious from the result that Asal lost the plot, but seeing the next two or three points would have made sense rather than just going to 9 or 10-3..... similarly, the first few points of the 5th to the point where Elias breaks him would also have been a good addition to the story - difficult to know from the coverage whether Asal lost or Elias won....

These boxes shouldn’t be there

@jackmajhand9463

4 ай бұрын

Let's go back to hand swiping on the walls!

@user-ll1qk7dp2x

4 ай бұрын

They shouldn't be metal - have a fabric box there surely.

Maybe a hot take, but I think Elias just took the wrong line there

I'm a big Elias fan- not keen on his amateur dramatics in this match although, it may have won him the last 2 games?

Look at 4:36 asal’s hand. He tries to hold Elias with his left hand. Still an asshole! Cheater…

Asal could be the goat! But what is bread in the bone will come out in the flesh! Sooner or later his bad habits will come back! There is no such thing as the “new asal”. There is no denying of Asal talent though! However talent isnt exclusive to Asal, Elias is undeniably as talented!

هاردلك مصطفى اصابه الياس اثرت على مصطفى اكيد فكر انه ممكن يتعاقب تاني

He still doesn’t get out the way properly I’m afraid

Come on PJ & Joey: you wonder why O why does Diego give up the ghost in game 1 when it’s 5-10, but when Asal gives up the ghost in game 4 you say nothing.

@MrJoel3498

4 ай бұрын

Well it’s pretty obvious why Asal gives up in the 4th because he already had 2 games and was mentally gone after the incident. Elias was giving up a crucial first game against someone he’s only beaten once before

Ahaaaa 😅😅 now Elias vacinated 😅

I find this quite worrying. Would love to watch the full match. Is Asal somehow "overcompensating" because of the issues he has had? The drop off after the incident is quite bizarre. There was nothing markedly wrong he did there. Quite unprofessional allowing yourself to fall off after that. Almost as if he threw the match to avoid controversy.

@fridbertaugust

4 ай бұрын

In all of this, I trust James Willstrop is one of the best influences Asal can get these days. I still don't trust him, but his only chance is to learn from those guys who made us love this sport.

@tonytan5945

4 ай бұрын

I think Elias wanted to make the bump look worse than it did but he tripped on himself accidentally.

@tascolino538

4 ай бұрын

@@fridbertaugust That may be true, but doesn't address the point I'm making at all. Why did he stop playing competitively after some random incident that wasn't his fault at all? As far as I know a player can be taken up for "throwing" a match. That's what it looked like to me.

So dirty

I can’t watch Asal, turned it off after 10 seconds.

Elias faked the fall. Nothing wrong with Asals movement there. He’s playing reverse psychology now to get the ref to question normal movement which probably makes Asal nervous after all the incidents.

Once a cheat is a cheat