World No.5 Victor Crouin ended World No.2 Paul Coll’s title defence at the QTerminals Qatar Classic 2026 on Wednesday, securing a four-game victory in a high-stakes match at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. The French player overcame a first-game deficit to defeat Coll 4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 in an 84-minute contest, turning the tables after a comprehensive loss to Coll at the London Classic final less than two weeks prior.

Coll, the defending champion and higher-ranked player, started strongly, taking the first game convincingly. However, Crouin responded by elevating his intensity and applying sustained pressure as the match progressed. After gaining a 2-1 lead, Crouin maintained composure in a tense fourth game, ultimately securing victory by winning two points from 9-9. The 27-year-old cited resilience and mental strength as crucial factors in his win, crediting lessons from his former Harvard coach about breaking the opponent’s momentum.

Crouin is scheduled to face 2016 Qatar Classic champion Karim Gawad in Thursday’s semi-finals. Gawad, currently ranked World No.4, earned his semifinal spot by defeating fellow Egyptian Youssef Soliman in a demanding three-game match. Gawad dominated the early stages before Soliman fought back, pushing the contest to an intense 46-minute third game. Gawad eventually held firm to convert his fourth match point and claim the win.

In the women’s competition, England’s Jasmine Hutton reached her first Platinum-level semifinal on the PSA Squash Tour after a four-game quarterfinal victory against tournament surprise Rachel Arnold. Arnold, who had previously upset eight-time world champion Nour ElSherbini, could not sustain her earlier performance and was defeated 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4 by the World No.12 English player. Hutton’s victory was marked by aggressive and precise attacking play, earning her a deserved advancement to the next round.