First Semifinal about to Get Underway...

Top-seeded Karim Darwish, the world no. 1, and world no. 3 Ramy Ashour are about to step on to court for the knock-up as the semifinals of the 2009 Davenport North American Open get underway at the University of Richmond's Millhiser Gymnasium.

The night's second match, pitting #4 Gregory Gaultier (FRA) against #8 Nick Matthew (ENG) follows at the conclusion of Ashour-Darwish.

Ashour, as always full of abundant pep, will need to channel his energy against the more experienced Darwish, who projects a calm aura on court, rarely flustered but always in control of his game.

We'll update you regularly throughout the night...