Farag, seeded first entering the competition, was the favourite to claim the title after Peru's Diego Elías, seeded second, was forced to withdraw due to COVID-19 regulations.

He is now into the final thanks to a 6-11, 11-2, 13-11, 4-11, 11-3 victory over Asal, seeded third.

"It’s never easy playing Mostafa," said Farag. 

"I think both of us are better squash players than what we produced today.

"Today was very [fragmented], with lots of stoppages and I think we enjoy playing more free-flowing squash. 

"The crowd deserves more free-flowing squash, but it is what it is. 

"Some matches you have to get through like this. 

"I’m just glad that I’m through."

In the other semi-final, fellow Egyptian Mazen Hesham, seeded sixth and back to his best a career riddled with injuries, made lighter work of his semi-final against France's Gregoire Marche, winning in straight games 13-11, 11-5, 13-11.

"First of all, I’m really happy with the way I am at the moment," said Hesham.

"I'm here playing and enjoying my squash again, showing what I can do and playing the brand of squash I want to play, entertaining people and entertaining myself, hearing people cheering and loving squash every day."

The final is due to take place tomorrow.