Sports Reporter/Doha

France’s Gregory Gaultier (left) returns a shot to Karim Darwish of Egypt during their semi-final match at the 11th Qatar Classic Open squash tournament at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. PICTURES: Sheril Babu

Defending champion Karim Darwish’s dream of becoming the first player to win a third title in Doha ended in an embarrassing semi-final defeat at the hands of Frenchman Gregory Gaultier at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday.
Third seeded Egyptian Darwish, who rallied from a game down to beat Nicolas Mueller of Switzerland on Wednesday, failed to reproduce that form yesterday while Gaultier was at his best as he won 11-8, 11-4, 11-1 to reach his first final here since 2007. With that win the Frenchman has now extended his domination to eight wins in 12 meetings against Darwish.
“I was so comfortable on there,” said Gaultier after coming out of the court. “I was happy to play, so happy to play, and I hope I can keep on playing like that.”
In today’s summit clash, Gaultier will play 2005 winner England’s James Willstrop, who beat Australia’s Stewart Boswell.
In the final match of the day, Willstrop recovered from early deficits against unseeded Boswell in the first and third games, in between cruising through the second for an 11-8, 11-3, 11-9 victory in just under an hour. “He’s such a smooth operator, I has to be really dogged to get through tonight,” said Willstrop. “The scoreline doesn’t really do him justice, but I’m so pleased to get through to the final.”
The women’s semi-finals featured the same four players as last year, although they were playing different opponents.
Madeline Perry... on her way to the final
Nicol David met Rachael Grinham in a repeat of the 2010 final, and the Malaysian world number one once again emerged on top, beating the Australian 11-6, 4-11, 11-6, 11-8. 
Grinham, unlike her tame defeat in last year’s final, gave David a tough fight but was unable to stop the Malaysian from another victory – her 14th consecutive success against Grinham.
“Our matches are nearly always five setters. I’m happy to finish it early today,” said David after the match.
She will be looking for a record fifth title in Doha when she plays Ireland’s Madeline Perry in today’s final.
Perry defeated Egypt’s World Junior Champion Nour El Tayeb in straight games. The first meeting between the two produced exciting duel with long rallies, fast action, dives and numerous interventions from the video appeals referee.
After a battle lasting just over an hour, Perry finally emerged victorious with the scores of 11-9, 19-17, 11-9.