Dubai: The top two seeds will clash for the title at the inaugural edition of the Dubai Squash Cup 2014 being played at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.

Top seed Karim Abdul Jawad of Egypt was leading 3-0 in the second after winning the opening game 14-12 when he opponent Nasir Iqbal pulled out citing an old back injury.

The second semi-final went in straight games with second seed Chris Simpson of England securing a 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 win over a tricky Aamir Atlas Khan of Pakistan.

Jawad started off well with a narrow 8-5 lead in the first when a disputed let call saw him momentarily lose focus and allow his opponent from Pakistan to draw level 9-9. From then on it was a tight game till Jawad pulled away with a backhand placing to the far corner and take the game 14-12.

In the second, the Egyptian — voted PSA Young Player of the Year in 2013 — was leading 3-0 when Iqbal decided his back could not hold any longer. “It’s an old injury that I got during a tournament in Lagos, Nigeria and it’s really not allowing me to play,” Iqbal told Gulf News.

Being the top seed, the 23-year-old Jawad was thrilled to be in the final. “It’s a good feeling and I will go out there and do my best,” Jawad promised.

The second semi-final was a tussle between attacking play versus sticking to the basics. While world No. 16 Khan went about sending his opponent from England to all corners of the court, Simpson simply stuck to his basics allowing Khan to make all the mistakes and win in straight games.

“I doubt the scoreline reflects how close the match actually was. But my game plan was just to get everything right. I think after moving into the final a lot of the pressure is off and I am sure the final will be an exciting one,” Simpson said.

This will be the first meeting between Simpson and Jawad and neither knew what to expect of the other in the clash for the crown. “I have only watched him and can see that he can do everything well. He’s got a very interesting game and I hope I can be sharp like I was in my semi-final against Aamir,” Simpson added.

The inaugural version of the Dubai Squash Cup 2014 has attracted 32 players from eleven countries in the main draw. The competition is powered by A2Squash with support from the UAE Squash Association. Matches are free and open to the public at the NAS Sports Complex.