Makin run ends in British Open semis

Joel Makin is the first Welshman to reach the British Open semis since David Evans won the tournament in 2000

Joel Makin was beaten by world number one Ali Farag in the semi-finals of the British Open in Birmingham.

Makin had produced a memorable run to reach the last four, claiming a stunning victory over world champion Diego Elias in the quarter-finals.

But there was no repeat against the impressive Farag, who triumphed with a 11-3, 11-9, 11-7 scoreline.

Makin, 29, was the first Welshman to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious event since David Evans was crowned champion in 2000.

Makin had produced one of his finest displays against Elias, who he beat 11-9, 11-9, 4-11, 11-8 at the Birmingham Rep Theatre.

Before this week, Birmingham-based Makin had not recorded a single win at the British Open despite appearing every year since 2017.