By Gareth James

Joel Makin’s stunning run at the Black Ball Open was ended after another epic battle in the semi-finals in Cairo.

The 26-year-old from Haverfordwest was beaten in straight games by No 6 seed Marwan Elshorbagy.

Makin had reached the last four with his superb victory over the Egyptian’s brother and world No 2 Mohamed in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

But Makin- in his first tournament since reaching the last eight in the Black Ball event last December – went down fighting.

The Birmingham-based player after a gruelling 69 minute battle with all three games fiercely contested.

No 8 seed Makin lost the opener 17-15 after a tit-for-tat battle before Elshorbagy booked his spot in Thursday’s final winning the next two games 11-9, 11-8.