Peruvian Elias Stuns World No.1 ElShorbagy To Reach Qatar Classic Semi-finals

21-year-old Diego Elias produced the performance of his career to defeat World No.1 and World Champion Mohamed ElShorbagy in a thrilling 76-minute, five-game encounter to book his place in the semi-finals of the 2018 Qatar Classic and end the Egyptian’s defence of the PSA World Tour Platinum event.


ElShorbagy, a three-time Qatar Classic winner, has maintained a stranglehold on the World No.1 ranking for the past three years but Elias produced an inspired performance to storm out of the gates and take the opening game courtesy of some sublime, patient squash.


Lima-based Elias, who alongside ElShorbagy is one of only four players ever to win the World Junior Championship on two occasions, then managed to fight back after ElShorbagy twice nullified his game-lead on the scoreboard to come through an 11-8, 11-13, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7 winner and set up a last four meeting with Germany’s Simon Rösner - in what will be his first ever semi-final at a Platinum level event.


“I’m really happy to be into the semis of a major event for the first time in my career and to do it by beating the World No.1 is special,” said Elias.


“I have a big opportunity now and I don’t want to waste it so I will do everything I can to recover for tomorrow and come back and do my best against Rösner. It will be tough against him - we’ve only played once before and he smashed me - but I’m feeling good and hopefully I can play well.


“I tried to take it point by point today and not get too far ahead because I knew if I got nervous then I’d start going for stupid shots. I just focused on what I had to do - at every opportunity I wanted to go to the front and it was working. I’m really happy I managed to stay calm and see it through in five.”


One year after reaching the semi-finals in Doha for the first time in his career, Rösner, the World No.5, booked his return to the last four with a well-earned 3-1 victory over New Zealand’s Paul Coll while the second semi-final will see Egyptian duo Ali Farag, the World No.2, and Tarek Momen, the World No.4 and 2017 tournament runner-up, clash just one week after they contest the final of the Channel Vas Championship.


Farag dispatched 2016 tournament winner Karim Abdel Gawad in straight-games to book his last four spot while Momen was forced to produce some of his best squash to halt the giant-killing run of Welsh World No.33 Joel Makin.


Momen found himself one-game down as Makin replicated the kind of squash that powered him to victories over World No.6 Miguel Angel Rodriguez and former World No.6 Mathieu Castagnet in the previous round but the Cairo-based player managed to turn the match around and come through after 51-thrilling minutes.


“Joel is a machine - he’s spent so much time on court this week and I didn’t think he’d be able to back up so much,” said Momen.


“He really exceeded my expectations and I had to pull out my best to win today. I am just really glad to be through and that it didn’t go to five because I know I need to recover well and be ready for the match against Ali tomorrow.


“Ali and I have played a few times this year so I know what to expect. He’s a good friend as well so we’ll just give it out best and the best man will win.”


Results - 2018 Qatar Classic: Quarter-finals

[8] Diego Elias (PER) bt [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-2: 11-8, 11-13, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7 (76m)

[4] Simon Rösner (GER) bt [7] Paul Coll (NZL) 3-1: 8-11, 11-9, 11-4, 12-10 (63m)

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Joel Makin (WAL) 3-1: 8-11, 11-6, 14-12, 11-6 (51m)

[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 (45m)


Draw - 2018 Qatar Classic: Semi-finals

[8] Diego Elias (PER) v [4] Simon Rösner (GER)

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) v [2] Ali Farag (EGY)

QATAR CLASSIC -Coll Through As Golan Retires Injured

Result – 2018 Qatar Classic Squash Championship: Second Round
[7] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Borja Golan (ESP) 3-0: 11-3, 12-10, 3-0 retired (26m)

New Zealand’s Paul Coll breezed into the last eight at the 2018 Qatar Classic for the first time in his career following the withdrawal of his third round opponent Borja Golan of Spain.

Coll had been in complete control of their clash, taking a two game lead against little resistance, but injury forced Golan to concede the match in the early stages of the third game, gifting Coll safe passage through to the quarter-finals to face Germany’s Simon Rösner.

“In the first game I was feeling really good and fining my range,” said Coll. “I could feel from the start he wasn’t quite there.

“It was a weird one mentally. I’d rather had a real hard match and he came out injury free, it’s a shame to come through that way but obviously I’m also happy to into the quarters. I can chill out a bit today now and hopefully be fresh for tomorrow.”


Rösner Tested By Richards But Comes Through

Result – 2018 Qatar Classic Squash Championship: Second Round
[4] Simon Rösner (GER) bt Tom Richards (ENG) 3-1: 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7 (45m)

Germany’s Simon Rösner, the World No.5, saw off the threat of England’s Tom Richards to book his place in the quarter-finals of the 2018 Qatar Classic – the PSA World Tour Platinum event taking place in Doha.

Rösner, who reached the semi-final stage here twelve months ago in what was a breakthrough result for him, was at time sluggish on court, but managed to find enough in his locker to prevail 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7 and set up a last eight encounter with Paul Coll of New Zealand.

“Tom and I know each other well, we have played many matches against each other over the years and he played well today so I am pleased to come through,” said Rösner.

“It was good to have a few days at home last week, seeing familiar faces and getting some good training and preparation in. I know the next round will all be very tough. Against Paul you have to fight for every point. I will have to be totally focused and leave everything I have on court.”


Elias Cruises Past Hesham

Result – 2018 Qatar Classic Squash Championship: Third Round
[8] Diego Elias (PER) bt Mazen Hesham (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (36m)

Peruvian former World Junior Champion Diego Elias, the Lima-based World No.13, sailed into the quarter-finals of the 2018 Qatar Classic squash tournament with a straight-games demolition of Egypt’s Mazen Hesham.

Elias, a quarter-finalist here last year, endured an injury-ravaged start to 2018 but has begun to find his form again in recent months and showed signs of returning to his best as he swept aside Hesham – one of the most gifted players on the PSA World Tour – with ease, prevailing 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 in just 36-minutes.

“The key today was the warm up – I had to be ready for him from the start because he’s the kind of player who can send you five directions in one rally,” said Elias, who will play World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy in the next round.

“Last season, I got injured and lost in the first round of nearly every tournament. But now, I’m feeling fine and it is always good to play the World No.1 and challenge yourself so I’ll be ready for it.”


ElShorbagy Sees Off Waller

Result – 2018 Qatar Classic Squash Championship: Third Round
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Adrian Waller (ENG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-7 (31m)

World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy’s march towards the retention of the PSA World Tour Platinum Qatar Classic title continued unabated today as he dispatched England’s Adrian Waller in straight-games to cruise into the quarter-finals.

Waller had ruthlessly dispatched former World No.3 Omar Mosaad in the previous round for the loss of just seven points in total, but he was unable to deal with the pace and power of ElShorbagy as the Egyptian, based in Bristol, England, showed why he’s the favourite to triumph again in Doha this week.

“The way he played against Mosaad was unbelievable – you don’t beat Mosaad like that if you aren’t a great player and he showed that he is a great player with the way he played this week,” said ElShorbagy.

“He put me under a lot of pressure throughout the whole match but the most important thing is that you don’t let it get to you. I feel like I had good preparation for this event – I feel good, physically strong and mentally fresh.”

PSA TAKE PULSE - SQUASH PLAYER TEST OUT DATA TRACKING SYSTEM

Squash Player Magazine's Rod Gilmour takes on the PSA’s Nathan Clarke to try out the new player data-tracking system with predictable results……

– - –

PSA's Nathan Clarke (left) and Squash Player's Rod Gilmour (right) take to the court

“What a match,” jokes Joelle King. “What a mess,” I counter. New Zealand’s Commonwealth women’s singles champion is trying to warm up ahead of her allotted practice time on the British Open glass court but is clearly enthused by what is happening on court deep into my third game. This is not the shock and awe usually seen on the PSA World Tour.

When the door finally opens, I take to the player’s Dunlop chair and stare intently down to the floor, eyes glazed. It is exactly the look I had seen in images of opponents beaten to a pulp by Jahangir Khan.

I had returned from the Commonwealth Games in a fairly unhealthy state. Here, I was taking on the role of a semi-unfit club player against my chosen opponent, Nathan Clarke, the Professional Squash Association’s head of PR and media.

We had reason for our early-morning dalliance on court. Since January, the PSA have been capturing on-court player technological data, which, for the first time, has not only showcased the players’ physical demands but underlined why the sport is consistently seen as one of the healthiest out there.

That infamous Forbes article on squash being the no.1 healthy sport can certainly be put to bed now, for 2018 has been a technological revelation for the sport. Yet the PSA believe it has only scratched the surface in terms of packaging more data to fans and the commercial value it offers.

The PSA first tied up with Silicon Valley-based Sports Data Labs at the Tournament of Champions in New York in January, tracking player heart-rate data and improving the TV experience at the same time.

Now, we are beginning to see context – as amateur armchair viewers – on the screen. Looking at a player’s face after coming off second best in a punishing rally is one thing; seeing heart rates (HR) in real time and their recovering abilities is another.

Coupled with this, the PSA’s partnership with interactiveSquash has also proved beneficial thanks to ‘MoTrack’, the German company's ball and distance-tracking programme.

It’s all very well seeing data from the pros, but I wanted to see how it matched up to a typical club game. In essence, we wanted to replicate a 30-minute match with a decent warm-up and aiming to keep length and the rallies going as best we could.

Technicians were in place as we had our chests hooked up to an HR sensor, while rally and shot lengths were ready to be measured.


I will spare you the blow-by-blow match details – after all, the biometric data would reveal all – but, suffice to say, that hard drives weren’t needed given the brevity of some our rallies! Nathan won 2-1 before King and Camille Serme demanded court time.

The bare facts? Our longest rally lasted 56 seconds, with 31 shots. After that rally we had a 10-second rest. While the rest length would have cut short shrift with the referees on the PSA Tour, it far outweighed the average 25 seconds usually seen on tennis’ ATP Tour. Victory!

By the end of the first game, my HR had maxed out to 189. Given that one’s maximum HR is generally 220 bpm minus your age (in my case around 180), it immediately indicated that my fitness levels were below par.

Tellingly, in our 75-second rest period, my recovery HR was non-existent (down to 156 before the start of the second game). Meanwhile, Nathan was able to recover from around 170bpm down to 121. If you compare that to Mohamed ElShorbagy, who regularly tops 190bpm and can lower his HR to 130 in between games, Nathan was in a good place.

As an active person, Nathan, who has chewed over the pros’ data since January, surprised himself at his own level of recovery, admitting that when he plays, he feels like he is playing at maximum level “a lot of the time”.

The data showed that his recovery in between games and points was better than he envisaged. He assumed that this HR rapidly increased to maximum and stayed there, or that’s what it felt like anyway. It gave him confidence that he could pace himself a bit more.

Over 30-odd minutes, Nathan accrued 911 metres in distance moved against my 851 metres. We hadn’t even covered one kilometre! Watch a PSA World Tour rally and the pros will usually notch that distance over one game.

Over the years, squash fans have long held the view that there is more dynamism – expressed through lunges, short sprints and complex, awe-inspiring changes in movement – compared to other racket sports.

But a greater understanding of the players’ physique and agility was realised earlier this year, when Egyptian Tarek Momen played out a near 100-minute battle with Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet. Momen covered close to 5km over 100 contested points in that match, averaging 49 metres per point over nearly 1,000 shots.

With data retrieval, squash can now go head-to-head with the likes of tennis. When, in July, energy-sapped South African Kevin Anderson finally overcame American John Isner after six hours 36 minutes, the longest Wimbledon semi-final in history, data recorded by IBM’s SlamTracker showed Anderson covering an overall 4,443 metres. In comparison, Momen covered 4,966 metres, 500 more metres than Anderson and achieved in nearly 300 fewer minutes. Take in tennis’ snail-pace time it takes to reset the rally, together with the in-play percentage of the two sports, and squash far outweighs its big brother.

“For a generic sports fan, if you say they are covering 4km in a match over 60 minutes, it doesn’t sound much,” says Nathan.

“Yet when you put it into relativity – which may consist of 200 sprints, 300 lunges, 250 steps forward and back – it is giving us some fantastic figures to market the players to another level.”

All this technology can reach out beyond the PSA Tour, however. From a coaching point of view, as a tool in real time at clubs, it might give a greater understanding on player gains, performances against other individuals and adjustments needed in training.

Appealing to the fan is clearly a key cog. Interestingly, I had gone for a haircut while writing this piece. My hairdresser is a keen motorsport fan and has ventured to the Isle of Man TT races for years in his need for speed. In March he had attended his first live squash experience at the Canary Wharf Classic. He was left enthralled by the match pace and the hollering of the crowd. He will be going back next year.

One man’s converted passion is but a small imprint on squash’s continued growth. But with this new data now accessible to the PSA Squash TV team for the viewers’ benefit, the sport is shining its brightest spotlight yet, enticing the outside sports fan to watch more glass-court battles. But maybe not mine!


Analysis Report
I can see straightaway that your initial heart rate (HR) is higher, telling me that Nathan has a better fitness base, explains Kirsty MacKay, of heart-rate monitor specialists Polar.

I can see that when you hit your maximum HR, you struggle to recover from this as efficiently.

Estimating crudely, it takes Nathan 1:20mins to recover back to around 60% of max, whereas, in the same time you would be around 80%. This means that you are working approximately 20% harder have to keep up.

As you start to hit above 80% of your max, your body will then struggle to perform at that intensity for sustained periods due to the onset of lactate production and the lack of oxygen readily available to you.

From a psychological point of view, your decision-making may then become compromised and, under pressure, you may select the wrong shot and mistakes can start creeping into your game, for example.

Having a higher fitness level will allow the professional to endure longer periods of play. They will not be as physically limited and will be in a better prepared mental state to make the correct decisions under pressure for longer.

Maiden Quarter-final Appearance Awaits Wales’s Makin As Gawad Escapes Defeat In Doha

Welsh number one, and World No.33, Joel Makin will compete in the quarter-finals of a PSA World Tour Platinum event for the first time in his career tomorrow following his third round defeat of Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet at the 2018 Qatar Classic - a victory that comes just 24-hours after the 24-year-old shocked Colombian World No.6 Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the second round.


The Pembrokeshire native, competing in the Doha-staged tournament for the first time in his career, has been in scintillating form so far this week and followed up his first round 78-minute defeat of Rex Hedrick, which preceded his 106-minute defeat of Rodriguez, with a 60-minute victory over Castagnet that saw the Frenchman concede through injury mid-way through the fourth game of their encounter.


Makin had been in control of the match from the outset, showing impressive recovery and tenacity as he out-worked Castagnet during the first two games. The Frenchman found his range in the third to get a foothold on the scoreboard but pulled up at the mid-way point of the fourth game to hand Makin safe passage to his first ever major tournament quarter-final.


“To reach the quarter-finals for the first time is massive achievement,” said Makin. “I hadn’t gotten past a first round before the start of the season so to see the hard work that’s been put in over the summer pray off so quickly is really pleasing.


“Obviously it is massive to be there for the first time and I’m excited to be in the latter stages of one of the biggest tournaments on the calendar.


“There’s been no secret change, it just feels like the accumulation of years of work coming together. I feel like I’ve been gradually increasing my level and because of that I’ve been able to impose my game and my physicality on court better so hopefully I can keep going that way.


“I’ve had a good few weeks recently and had some good results so I’m looking forward to playing again tomorrow and seeing what I can do.”


Makin will go up against 2017 tournament runner-up and World No.4 Tarek Momen for a place in the semi-finals after the Egyptian defeated former World No.1 James Willstrop while another former World No.1, Karim Abdel Gawad, the 2016 tournament winner, prevailed in a breath-taking clash with rising English star Declan James to keep his tournament alive.


Gawad was pushed all the way by the World No.20 and was forced to come from behind, and withstand a huge last ditch barrage, in order to prevail and set up a last eight encounter with compatriot and World No.2 Ali Farag.


“Declan gave me a very hard time on there today - that was a very, very tough match,” said Gawad.


“I think what made the difference was that I wanted to win so badly. In the end he gave me a few unforced errors that gave me a confidence push, and I think he dropped a bit physically. I saw that and I just kept pushing and pushing.”


Gawad will take on compatriot, and World No.2, Ali Farag with World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy set to face Peruvian former World Junior Champion Diego Elias in a compelling clash following their third round victories over Adrian Waller and Mazen Hesham, respectively.


Lima-based Elias, the World No.13, was a quarter-finalist here last year and showed signs of returning to some of his best form as he swept aside Hesham - one of the most gifted players on the PSA World Tour - with ease, prevailing 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 in just 36-minutes.


“The key today was the warm up - I had to be ready for him from the start because he’s the kind of player who can send you five directions in one rally,” said Elias.


“Last season, I got injured and lost in the first round of nearly every tournament. But now, I’m feeling fine and it is always good to play the World No.1 and challenge yourself so I’ll be ready for it.”


The other quarter-final will see Paul Coll of New Zealand face Germany’s Simon Rösner.


Results - 2018 Qatar Classic: Third Round

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Adrian Waller (ENG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-5, 11-7 (31m)

[8] Diego Elias (PER) bt Mazen Hesham (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (36m)

[7] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Borja Golan (ESP) 3-0: 11-3, 12-10, 3-0 retired (26m)

[4] Simon Rösner (GER) bt Tom Richards (ENG) 3-1: 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7 (45m)

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt James Willstrop (ENG) 3-1: 7-11, 11-0, 11-1, 11-7 (39m)

Joel Makin (WAL) bt Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) 3-1: 11-4, 11-8, 7-11, 8-3 retired (60m)

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Declan James (ENG) 3-2: 8-11, 11-9, 13-11, 7-11, 11-2 (72m)


[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-0: 12-10, 11-4, 11-6 (39m)


Draw - 2018 Qatar Classic: Quarter-finals

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v [8] Diego Elias (PER)

[7] Paul Coll (NZL) v [4] Simon Rösner (GER)

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) v Joel Makin (WAL)

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v [2] Ali Farag (EGY)

Welshman Makin Halts World No.6 Rodriguez In Qatar Classic Thriller

World No.33 Joel Makin, the 24-year-old from Pembrokeshire, Wales, shocked Colombian World No.6 Miguel Angel Rodriguez in a thrilling 106-minute encounter to reach the third round of the 2018 Qatar Classic PSA World Tour Platinum event taking place in Doha on a day of action that also saw World No.2 Ali Farag and World No.10 Karim Abdel Gawad narrowly escape second round defeats.


Makin pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career last week at the Channel Vas Championship and proved that result was no fluke as he out-hustled and out-played the tenacious Rodriguez, winner of the 2018 British Open, to secure his place in the third round of a major PSA event for just the second time in his career courtesy of an 11-4, 6-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-9 triumph.


He will now got up against Frenchman Mathieu Castagnet for a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament and the rising star says he is hungry to capitalise on the opportunity and go one step further than his round of sixteen finish at the U.S. Open earlier this month.


“My first round match yesterday was tough but I felt like I got the win last week (over ElShorbagy) out of my system in that match and felt like I played much better today," said Makin.


"I knew I had to be so patient today because if you open the court up too soon against Miguel he has such quick reactions and can hurt you from anywhere.


"I was just trying to slow the ball down and take the pace out of the game. I had to be disciplined, and maybe it was a bit boring at the end, but it was all about controlling the pace when I wanted it, not when he decided it.


"I feel like I’m getting good wins and getting close to reaching the latter stages of tournaments at the moment. Today was a big ranking win for me and one that could mean me going into the last eight, so I will do what I can to try and make that happen in a few days because I want to be competing day in day out with the top guys."


Castagnet secured his third round spot with a 3-0 win over Australia’s Cameron Pilley while 2016 tournament winner and former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad used his get out of jail free card to come from two-games down to beat Malaysian former World Junior Champion Eain Yow NG 3-2.


NG had beaten local favourite Abdulla Al Tamimi in the first round and picked up where he left off as he produced squash of the highest calibre in the opening games to leave Gawad, the World No.10 from Giza, searching for a way to stop the onslaught - which he duly found to turn the match upside down and keep alive his hopes of winning the title for the second time in his career.


"You do not become Junior World Champion if you are not very good, strong and skilful and he made it a very tough battle for me today," said Gawad.


"I didn’t start positive, I was weak. But I used my experience today to be tough on court and I'm very relieved to be into the next round - where I know I have to play better."


Gawad will now go up against England’s Declan James after the Nottingham-based player beat Karim Ali Fathi in straight games while tournament second seed Ali Farag will face India’s Saurav Ghosal after coming through a thrilling battle with compatriot Mohamed Abouelghar in what was a match of the season contender.


For long spells Farag was powerless to stop the attacking barrage coming from the racket of Abouelghar but his persistence and grit paid off in the crucial fifth game when, tied at 9-9, he managed to sneak two decisive rallies to escape from the clutches of defeat.


“I don’t know how I won that, I think I just got lucky at the end,” said Farag afterwards.


“He’s such a dangerous player, he’s so attacking, so dangerous, so skilful. It was a very hard match mentally and physically, so I’m just really glad to win. There are no easy matched at this level so I just have to fully focus on my recovery now and come back and give it my best tomorrow.”



The third round of the PSA World Tour Platinum event will be played tomorrow, October 30.


Results - 2018 Qatar Classic: Second Round - Bottom Half

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 11-7 (27m)

James Willstrop (ENG) bt Max Lee (HKG) 3-1: 11-6, 4-11, 11-8, 11-9 (48m)

Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 3-0: 16-14, 11-2, 11-8 (48m)

Joel Makin (WAL) bt [5] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) 3-2: 11-4, 6-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-9 (106m)

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Eain Yow Ng (MAS) 3-2: 9-11, 11-13, 11-3, 11-4, 11-4 (61m)

Declan James (ENG) bt Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (35m)

Saurav Ghosal (IND) bt Leo Au (HKG) 3-0: 11-2, 11-3, 11-5 (29m)

[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-2: 10-12, 11-5, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9 (68m)


Draw - 2018 Qatar Classic: Third Round

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v Adrian Waller (ENG)

Mazen Hesham (EGY) v [8] Diego Elias (PER)

[7] Paul Coll (NZL) v Borja Golan (ESP)

Tom Richards (ENG) v [4] Simon Rösner (GER)

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) v James Willstrop (ENG)

Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) v Joel Makin (WAL)

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Declan James (ENG)

Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [2] Ali Farag (EGY)

World No.1 ElShorbagy Begins Qatar Classic Title Defence In Style As English Duo Spring Surprises

World No.1 ElShorbagy Begins Qatar Classic Title Defence In Style As English Duo Spring Surprises

World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy, the 27-year-old from Egypt, began his bid to retain the Qatar Classic crown with a comfortable defeat of Hong Kong’s Tsz Fung Yip to book his berth in the third round of the PSA World Tour Platinum event currently taking place in Doha.


ElShorbagy, who is searching for his fourth Qatar Classic title after triumphing here in 2013, 2015 and 2017, was in cruise control early on as he swept aside World No.27 Yip in a dominant 11-3 opening game, before quickly doubling his lead with an 11-9 second game.


But the man from Alexandria didn’t have it all his own way and was guilty of a lapse in concentration which cost him the third game. Yip, buoyed by getting a game to his name, then pressed ElShorbagy in the fourth and at times had the hard-hitting Egyptian on the back foot. But ElShorbagy managed to do just enough to stem the tide and prevail  11-3, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 to set up a meeting with England’s Adrian Waller after the 28-year-old scored a surprise upset over former World No.3 Omar Mosaad.


“That was the first time I’ve ever played against him (Yip) so I was not sure what to expect but I know how good he is and he played very well,” said ElShorbagy.


“He’s shown great potential and I think he will go up the rankings in future for sure but for me, I have to make sure I stay positive for the rest of the season. There are a lot of players out there that are playing really well at the moment, so I have to stay hungry and motivated.


“When you have a hard day, you just need to stop and remember why you started in the first place.


”I always have great results here in Qatar - I feel at home on this court so I am going to try and do my best this week to enjoy my squash and hopefully win another title.”


Meanwhile Waller, the World No.36 from Enfield, England, cruised to a surprise last sixteen berth as he dominated 2016 World Championship runner-up Omar Mosaad to record an empathic 11-0, 11-2, 11-5 win that saw him restrict the powerful Egyptian to just seven points in total and record one of the biggest wins of his career.


Speaking after the match Waller said: “I don’t know how I did that - I was just concentrating on my game and the score took care of itself really.



“I don’t think Omar was at his best today but it was nice to take advantage of the opportunity. I just tried to not let him into the game and the lead in the second game allowed me to relax and loosen up which gave me a dominant position.


“It’s great to be into the next round and it will be. Good test for me to play Mohamed. It’s evident how good he is and especially here but I’ll just give it my best and see what happens.”


Waller’s compatriot Tom Richards, the World No.30, also scored an upset victory to book his place in the third round of the event for the first time in his career as he overcame World No.16 Ryan Cuskelly of Australia courtesy of a clinical performance that saw him reproducing the kind of free-flowing squash that took him to a high of World No.12 back in 2013.


The 32-year-old responded from losing the opening game to prevail 5-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 and set up a second round encounter with Germany’s Simon Rösner.


“It means a lot to win today and reach the third round,” said Richards.


“Ryan is a great player but I feel like I played some really good squash today. I used the conditions well and I’m just delighted to be fit and healthy and playing. I knew I had the game to beat and could beat him, but equally I knew he was more than capable of blowing me away, so I’m just happy to come through.”


The other winners on the first day of second round action were Peruvian Diego Elias, New Zealand’s Paul Coll, Spaniard Borja Golan and Egyptian Mazen Hesham.


Action from the second round continues tomorrow, October 29.


Results - 2018 Qatar Classic: Second Round - Top Half

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) 3-1: 11-3, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 (34m)

Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Omar Mosaad (EGY) 3-0: 11-0, 11-2, 11-5 (22m)

Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt Daryl Selby (ENG) 3-1: 3-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-3 (42m)

[8] Diego Elias (PER) bt Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-1: 10-12, 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 (42m)

[7] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Cesar Salazar (MEX) 3-1: 13-15, 11-7, 11-6, 11-4 (53m)

Borja Golan (ESP) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-0: 13-11, 11-8, 12-10 (48m)

Tom Richards (ENG) bt Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 3-1: 5-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 (58m)

[4] Simon Rösner (GER) bt George Parker (ENG) 3-0: 11-3, 11-3, 11-5 (36m)


Draw - 2018 Qatar Classic: Second Round - Bottom Half

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) v Nicolas Mueller (SUI)

Max Lee (HKG) v James Willstrop (ENG)

Cameron Pilley (AUS) v Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)

Joel Makin (WAL) v [5] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Eain Yow Ng (MAS)

Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) v Declan James (ENG)

Leo Au (HKG) v Saurav Ghosal (IND)

Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v [2] Ali Farag (EGY)

Lasusa elected at World Squash AGM

American Peter Lasusa has been elected as World Squash Federation (WSF) Vice President at the WSF AGM held in the Egyptian capital Cairo.
Lasusa, a former Chairman of US Squash is the President of Management Leadership Resources Inc.

Upon his election, Lasusa commented: “I would like to congratulate my predecessor Gar Holohan who did so much work for the last two years, and now I look forward to applying my broad experience in many aspects of our sport to help WSF achieve its vision. I am genuinely excited!”

Holohan had completed a two-year term, in which he involved himself fully across all facets of WSF business, with a special interest in governance and branding. Following the vote, WSF President Jacques Fontaine paid tribute to the Irishman for his commitment to the role.

Vice President Sarah Fitz-Gerald, the five-time World Champion from Australia, was returned unopposed for a second term for the other Vice President position that was being contested by rotation. (The President and other two Vice President terms end in 2020).


The Federation AGM, with 45 nations represented and superbly hosted by the Egyptian Squash Federation, was presided over by President Fontaine, and also dealt with formal business. This included amendments to the Articles of Association (reinforcing safeguarding policy); adopting updated World Squash Anti-Doping Rules; reducing the general warm-up period before the start of matches from five minutes to four minutes; Forward Plan and accounts.

The conclusion of the meeting saw Fontaine make a presentation to Chris Herridge, the retiring Chairman of the WSF Courts and Equipment Commission after thirty years as the world authority on everything related to court construction and products. The President also acknowledged the Egyptian Federation, presenting President Assem Khalifa with a plaque recognising their hosting.

Closing the meeting, Fontaine said: “Squash is united to move forward to see the sport flourish, and achieve an Olympic Games place in Paris in 2024. I devote myself to both these objectives.”

The preceding day had seen the important wide-ranging WSF Conference where delegates heard about and discussed such topics as the squash bid for a place on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Programme, and an updated strategic outline – both in partnership with the Professional Squash Association (PSA).

Other topics included the review into the delegate voting formula at AGMs; updates on general areas of activity such as World Squash Officiating, Coach Education and Championships, amongst others.

Naturally, with the AGM being held in Egypt, the opportunity was also taken to include a presentation to give delegates an insight into the Egyptian pathway to great international squash success.

ENGLAND SQUASH PARTNER WITH PSA TO LAUNCH DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR MEMBERS

Laura Massaro

Other countries need to get involved in this as well. Guys what do you think?

England Squash has partnered with the Professional Squash Association (PSA) to produce a new digital magazine for its members.

Branded as England Squash Magazine, the digital platform will be available online and on Apple and Android, and will allow for engaging new digital-only features such as audio and video content, presenting a new channel for England Squash members to access world-class content and editorial. The new magazine will focus on all levels of the sport including grassroots, juniors, seniors, masters and elite.

Keir Worth, England Squash Chief Executive Officer said: “We are proud to continue our strong partnership with the PSA to help us deliver what will be a fantastic asset for our organisation, its members and the wider sport. It will present new opportunities for us and will allow us to embrace new technology in order to keep our content relevant to changing audience needs.”

Tommy Berden, Chief Commercial Officer of the PSA said: “During the past five years we have built a strong working relationship with England Squash and are pleased to strengthen that bond through the creation of a new online magazine for their membership.

“We look forward to working closely with them to help produce a product that will bring further value to their membership and increase the digital footprint of England Squash within the squash community.”

England Squash Magazine will be launched and available to its members and the wider squash community in time for the British National Squash Championships in February 2019. The magazine will be published four times a year.

For further information, contact Donna Helmer, Content and Communications Manager: donna.helmer@englandsquash.com

QATAR CLASSIC: TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

The men’s 2018 Qatar Classic gets under way this week when the best male players in the world descend on Doha for a chance to win the PSA Platinum title.

The Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex will play host to the event, where World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy leads the draw for a chance to win his fourth title at the event.

The Egyptian World Champion is the hot favourite heading into the tournament, having reached the final for the last five consecutive events.

World No.1 ElShorbagy will face either Wildcard Qatar’s Syed Azlan Amjad or Hong Kong’s Tsz Fung Yip in round two – with the top eight seeds receiving a bye into round two.

Situated at the opposite end of the draw is compatriot and rival Ali Farag. The World No.2 has beaten ElShorbagy once already this season in the final of the Oracle NetSuite Open and could come up against the ‘Beast from Alexandria’ in the final in Doha should they both play to their respective seedings.

Farag faces a tricky opening round in Qatar as he faces compatriot and World No.9 Mohamed Abouelghar, who has enjoyed a strong start to the season by winning his biggest ever title at the J.P. Morgan China Squash Open.

Other strong contenders for the title include World No.4 Tarek Momen, who will be high on confidence after his biggest tournament win at the Channel VAS Championships at St George’s Hill.

The number three seed will face ‘Swiss Rocket’ Nicolas Mueller in round two as both players receive a bye into the second phase.

U.S. Open runner-up Simon Rösner will take on either England’s George Parker or New Zealand’s Campbell Grayson for a place in round three as he targets his second major PSA title after falling narrowly short to ElShorbagy in Philadelphia earlier this month.

Home interest comes in the form of World No.24 Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi who faces Malaysia’s World No.42 Eain Yow Ng in round one.

The two wildcards are Azlan Amjad and Abdulrahman Al-Malki who face Hong Kong’s Tsz Fung Yip and Australia’s Cameron Pilley, respectively, in the opening round.

The Qatar Classic features a prize purse of $177,750 and the winner will automatically qualify for a spot at June’s PSA World Tour Finals.

The PSA World Tour Finals features both a men’s and a women’s event, with entrants comprising of the reigning PSA World Champions, the season’s Platinum event winners and players that qualify by placing high enough on the PSA Road to Dubai Leaderboard.

Live matches from the glass court will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV (Rest of World) and Eurosport Player (Europe only), while action from the semi-finals and finals will be shown live by major broadcasters around the world, such as BT Sport, beIN Sports, Fox Sports Australia and Astro.

Draw – Round One
2018 Qatar Classic – Draw
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) [Bye]
[WC] Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) v [17/32] Tsz Fung Yip (HKG)
[17/32] Alan Clyne (SCO) v Adrian Waller (ENG)
[9/16] Omar Mosaad (EGY) [Bye]
[9/16] Daryl Selby (ENG) [Bye]
Chris Simpson (ENG) v [17/32] Mazen Hesham (EGY)
[17/32] Raphael Kandra (GER) v Arturo Salazar (MEX)
[8] Diego Elias (PER) [Bye]
[7] Paul Coll (NZL) [Bye]
Peter Creed (WAL) v [17/32] Cesar Salazar (MEX)
[17/32] Borja Golan (ESP) v Nathan Lake (ENG)
Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) v [17/32] Greg Lobban (SCO)
[17/32] Tom Richards (ENG) v Mohamed Reda (EGY)
[9/16] Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) [Bye]
[17/32] Campbell Grayson (NZL) v George Parker (ENG)
[4] Simon Rosner (GER) [Bye]
[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) [Bye]
[9/16] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) [Bye]
[9/16] Max Lee (HKG) [Bye]
[9/16] James Willstrop (ENG) [Bye]
[17/32] Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [WC] Abdulrahman Al-Malki (QAT)
Youssef Soliman (EGY) v [17/32] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
[17/32] Joel Makin (WAL) v Rex Hedrick (AUS)
[5] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) [Bye]
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) [Bye]
Eain Yow Ng (MAS) v [17/32] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
[17/32] Gregoire Marche (FRA) v Karim Ali Fathi (EGY)
Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) v [17/32] Declan James (ENG)
[17/32] Leo Au (HKG) v Ben Coleman (ENG)
[9/16] Saurav Ghosal (IND) [Bye]
[9/16] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) [Bye]
[2] Ali Farag (EGY) [Bye]

WATCH LIVE ACTION FROM THE QATAR CLASSIC

World-class squash returns to Doha for the 2018 Qatar Classic between October 27 – November 2 with action shown LIVE on SQUASHTV (Rest of World), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and DAZN (Japan only)

Taking place at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, the Qatar Classic will see the best male players in the world battle it out for the PSA Platinum title.

Defending champion and number one seed Mohamed ElShorbagy will lead the draw as he aims for his fourth title in the capital. He will compete alongside stars such as compatriots Ali Farag and Tarek Momen, as well as Germany’s World No.5 Simon Rösner and Colombia’s 2018 British Open winner Miguel Angel Rodriguez.

Coverage begins at 12:00 local time (UTC +3) on Saturday October 27.

SQUASHTV, Eurosport Player & DAZN Schedule: October – December, 2018
Qatar Classic: October 27 – November 2, 2018
Everbright Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Squash Open: November 19-25, 2018
Black Ball Squash Open: December 3-9, 2018

Fans based outside of Europe can subscribe to SQUASHTV here.

For fans living in Europe, subscriptions must be made to Eurosport Player.

• Early rounds are exclusive to SQUASHTV and Eurosport Player only. Semi-finals and finals from World Series tournaments, the World Championships and selected other tournaments will be shown on SQUASHTV, Eurosport Player and multiple broadcasters around the world.

2019/20 PSA Men’s World Championships to Be Held in Qatar

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) announced today that the 2019/20 PSA Men’s World Championships will take place in Doha, Qatar between October 31 - November 8, 2019.

The PSA World Championships is the most prestigious and lucrative tournament on the PSA Tour calendar, and the 40th edition of the iconic event will be staged at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, where a prize purse of $325,000 will be up for grabs as 64 of the best male players in the world compete for the honour of becoming World Champion.


Qatar will stage the sport’s pinnacle tournament for a fifth time after previously hosting the event in 1998, 2004, 2012 and 2014, with the 2014 final between Egyptian duo Ramy Ashour and Mohamed ElShorbagy going down in history as one of the sport’s greatest ever matches.


"We are delighted to announce that the 2019/20 PSA Men’s World Championships will take place in Qatar next season and are looking forward to seeing the world’s greatest players return to the country for what promises to be an exciting week of action," said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough during an official press conference, held during the second day of action at the 2018 Qatar Classic.

"Qatar is a major destination on the international squash scene and has hosted some incredible tournaments and matches down the years. There is also a promising crop of young Qatari players starting to make their mark on the PSA Tour, including Abdullah Mohd Al Tamimi, who is on the verge of making the world's top 20.



"The Qatar Squash Federation has taken the tournament to another level in terms of the presentation and production values in recent years and we are looking forward to working with them over the coming months."

Tournament Director Tariq Zainal said: "Hosting the PSA Men's World Championships is further proof of Qatar's commitment to the development of sport. Over the years, Qatar has grown to be a global destination for top sporting events, of which squash occupies a major place in the top hierarchy. We are happy and prepared to once again host a memorable event that promises to be the best ever.


"We believe the championship will be another opportunity for squash fans, especially in the region, to enjoy watching their beloved players compete at the highest level of the game. It will also provide an opportunity for upcoming stars to gain valuable experience, which a tournament of such nature provides. We are delighted to host this tournament and we look forward to welcoming the world in 2019."


The 2019/20 PSA Men’s World Championships will replace the Qatar Classic, PSA World Tour Platinum event on the PSA Tour calendar next season. The Qatar Classic will return to the calendar for the 2020/21 campaign.

Malaysia’s Yow NG Stuns Home Hero Tamimi In 2018 Qatar Classic Opening Round

Competing in the first round of a major PSA World Tour Platinum event for just the second time, Malaysia’s 20-year-old Eain Yow NG sealed one of the biggest victories of his career to knock home favourite and World No.24 Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi out of the 2018 Qatar Classic at the first hurdle - on a day that saw all three competing Qatari players crash out of the event.


Taking on the talented Tamimi in his own back yard, NG embraced the underdog role and attacked without fear from the off. Playing with a relaxed, composed manner the World No.42 took the game to the local man, forcing errors from the racket of a nervous Tamimi to take the opening game for the loss of just three points.


Tamimi, currently at a career high ranking, looked to have found his rhythm as he levelled the scores. But the errors began to flow once again in the third game, with NG happy to profit and re-establish his lead. He then came from behind in the fourth game to seal the win and book a place in the second round of a major event for the first time in his career.


“I knew coming into it today it would be tough to play him in his home town so I just told myself that there was no pressure and to relax and enjoy the match,” said NG, who led Malaysia to a Gold medal finish at the Asian Games Team Championship.


“He’s a very talented and tricky player, so I just had to play basic, keep the ball tight and stay focused. I knew there would be pressure on him and in the first game I could see he was a bit slow of the mark and I tried to take advantage of that and the first game was very important.


“I fought back very well in the third game after being down and I just kept focusing on trying to play good squash instead of getting sucked into his type of game. I believed that I could do it and it paid off for me at the end.


“To win this match means a lot to me as well because I’ve fallen short at the major events previously and have struggled to get to the main draws so wining today and getting into the second round for the first time is big for me. Playing against players like Karim Gawad, who’s someone I have looked up to, is the sort of thing that every player works for so I’m excited to just give it everything I’ve got and see what happens.”


NG will go up against former World Champion and 2016 tournament winner Karim Abdel Gawad in the second round while Qatari wildcards Abdulrahman Al-Malki and Syed Azlan Amjad also bowed out at the first round courtesy of straight-game defeats at the hands of Australian Cameron Pilley - who today celebrated his 36th birthday - and Hong Kong’s Tsz Fung Yip.


Elsewhere German number two Raphael Kandra was one of six players to narrowly come through in five games and secure a place in the second round of the PSA World Tour Platinum event, with the 27-year-old coming from behind to see off Mexican Arturo Salazar in a thrilling encounter.


Kandra, playing at a career high ranking of 19, was off the pace to start with but managed to turn the match around and prevail against the dangerous Salazar - who’s brother Cesar saved match ball to triumph in another five-game battle with Welshman Peter Creed.


“I wasn’t that comfortable on the glass court to start with today but the longer it went on the better I felt,” said Kandra afterwards. 


“I just focused on what I’m good at and it worked out for me in the end. I’m now going up against Diego (Elias) in the second round and I’m excited for the challenge - I will push as hard as I can to try and get the win.”


Egypt’s World No.45 Karim Ali Fathi also produced a surprise win on the opening day of action as he secured a 3-0 victory over France’s World No.31 Gregoire Marche while Mazen Hesham, Greg Lobban, Adrian Waller, Tom Richards, Borja Golan, George Parker, Mathieu Castagnet, Declan James and Joel Makin were the other winners on the day.


Results - 2018 Qatar Classic: First Round

Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) bt [WC] Syed Azlan Amjad (QAT) 3-0: 11-4, 11-7, 11-7 (24m)

Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt Chris Simpson (ENG) 3-1: 5-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-4 (51m)

Greg Lobban (SCO) bt Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) 3-2: 5-11, 11-7, 9-11, 13-11, 11-5 (84m)

Raphael Kandra (GER) bt Arturo Salazar (MEX) 3-2: 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3 (55m)

Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt Peter Creed (WAL) 3-2: 7-11, 11-5, 5-11, 12-10, 11-8 (57m)

Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Alan Clyne (SCO) 3-0: 11-6, 11-6, 12-10 (38m)

Tom Richards (ENG) bt Mohamed Reda (EGY) 3-2: 9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 (60m)

Borja Golan (ESP) bt Nathan Lake (ENG) 3-2: 10-12, 11-2, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4 (56m)

Cameron Pilley (AUS) bt [WC] Abdulrahman Al-Malki (QAT) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 (26m)

George Parker (ENG) bt Campbell Grayson (NZL) 3-1: 12-10, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8 (68m)

Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt Youssef Soliman (EGY) 3-1: 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5 (58m)

Joel Makin (WAL) bt Rex Hedrick (AUS) 3-2: 8-11, 11-5, 13-11, 8-11, 11-3 (78m)

Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) 3-1: 11-3, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5 (40m)

Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, 11-7 (37m)

Declan James (ENG) bt Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) 3-0: 11-1, 11-5, 11-8 (38m)


Leo Au (HKG) bt Ben Coleman (ENG) 3-1: 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-3 (53m)


Draw - 2018 Qatar Classic: Second Round

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v Tsz Fung Yip (HKG)

Adrian Waller (ENG) v Omar Mosaad (EGY)

Daryl Selby (ENG) v Mazen Hesham (EGY)

Raphael Kandra (GER) v [8] Diego Elias (PER)

[7] Paul Coll (NZL) v Cesar Salazar (MEX)

Borja Golan (ESP) v Greg Lobban (SCO)

Tom Richards (ENG) v Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)

George Parker (ENG) v [4] Simon Rösner (GER)

[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) v Nicolas Mueller (SUI)

Max Lee (HKG) v James Willstrop (ENG)

Cameron Pilley (AUS) v Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)

Joel Makin (WAL) v [5] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Eain Yow Ng (MAS)

Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) v Declan James (ENG)

Leo Au (HKG) v Saurav Ghosal (IND)

Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v [2] Ali Farag (EGY)

3rd Mama Tunde Alaso Racket Festival

Adekunle Adebiyi Sports Foundation presents;
3rd Mama Tunde Alaso Racket Festival.

2nd Ex Squash Pros Diaspora U-13 & 16 Squash tourney

2nd Ex Squash Pros Diaspora U-13 & 16 Squash tournament

Egypt’s Mosaad Set to Headline QSF No.1 in November

Egypt’s former World No.3 Omar Mosaad will headline a top-class draw at the QSF No.1 between November 10-14 when the PSA World Tour Bronze tournament takes place in Doha, Qatar.
Mosaad will be joined by some big names in men’s squash, including Germany’s World No.19 Raphael Kandra, England’s former World No.9 Daryl Selby and Australia’s World No.23 Cameron Pilley.

Home interest comes in the form of Qatar’s No.1 Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi – who clinched his biggest ever PSA title at the Malaysian Open earlier this year - and the World No.24 will be looking to perform strongly in front of his home crowd.



Meanwhile, the two wildcard spots are taken up by World No.284 Hamad Al-Amri and World No.414 Rashid Al-Harib – who are both rising talents in Qatari squash.



They will face tough competition from the likes of Spain’s former World No.5 Borja Golan, Scotland’s World No.34 Greg Lobban, England’s World No.39 Chris Simpson and Malaysia’s World No.42 Eain Yow Ng.



QSF No.1 – Entry List

1) Omar Mosaad (EGY)

2) Raphael Kandra (GER)

3) Daryl Selby (ENG)

4) Cameron Pilley (AUS)

5) Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)

6) Borja Golan (ESP)

7) Greg Lobban (SCO)

8) Chris Simpson (ENG)

9) Eain Yow Ng (MAS)

10) George Parker (ENG)

11) Mohamed Reda (EGY)

12) Peter Creed (WAL)

13) Olli Tuominen (FIN)

14) Joshua Masters (ENG)

15) Richie Fallows (ENG)

16) Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP)

17) Ivan Yuen (MAS)

18) Chris Hanson (USA)

19) Tayyab Aslam (PAK)

20) Auguste Dussourd (FRA)

21) Christopher Binnie (JAM)

22) Bernat Jaume (ESP)

Wildcard) Hamad Al-Amri (QAT)

Wildcard) Rashid Al-Harib (QAT)

Momen wins Channel VAS Championships to end trophy drought

World No.4 Tarek Momen has ended a four-year trophy drought after beating fellow Egyptian Ali Farag 3-2 to win the Channel VAS Championships at St George’s Hill, PSA World Tour Gold event held in Weybridge.

Momen had been in brilliant form throughout the tournament – dispatching Cameron Pilley, Paul Coll and Diego Elias without dropping a single game – and was up against the 2017 runner-up in Farag.



Momen was also a beaten finalist at this tournament, losing to Coll in 2016, and he twice went a game behind against the World No.2 today, but fought back both times to force a decider as he played some accurate, attacking squash.

The drama inside St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club rose to a crescendo in the fifth as Momen thought he had won it after playing a winner while holding a championship ball. Farag questioned whether the ball had clipped the tin, and Momen agreed to play a let to put his title win on temporary hold.

But the 30-year-old held his nerve to close out the win on the very next point as he completed an 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory to capture the fifth PSA Tour trophy of his career, and his first since the Macau Open in October 2014.



“I can’t believe it, it’s been four years since I won a title,” said an emotional Momen afterwards.

“It’s the biggest of my career and I’m really proud of this moment. As for Ali, I have the utmost respect for him, he’s a really good friend of mine. We’ve been away for a month and each of us has won a title, so we should be fine going back home.

“Putting everything aside, I’m really happy with how I’ve progressed mentally over the past year and a half. I used to give up when I was really tired, now I’m much better at it. I can be exhausted, but I can still push and find other plans.”

Final: 2018 Channel VAS Championships at St George’s Hill
[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) 3-2 [2] Ali Farag (EGY)  8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9 (87m)

Momen Wins Channel VAS Championships to End Trophy Drought

World No.4 Tarek Momen has ended a four-year trophy drought after beating fellow Egyptian Ali Farag 3-2 to win the Channel VAS Championships at St George’s Hill, PSA World Tour Gold event held in Weybridge.

Momen had been in brilliant form throughout the tournament - dispatching Cameron Pilley, Paul Coll and Diego Elias without dropping a single game - and was up against the 2017 runner-up in Farag.

Momen was also a beaten finalist at this tournament, losing to Coll in 2016, and he twice went a game behind against the World No.2 today, but fought back both times to force a decider as he played some accurate, attacking squash.

The drama inside St George’s Hill Lawn Tennis Club rose to a crescendo in the fifth as Momen thought he had won it after playing a winner while holding a championship ball. Farag questioned whether the ball had clipped the tin, and Momen agreed to play a let to put his title win on temporary hold.

But the 30-year-old held his nerve to close out the win on the very next point as he completed an 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9 victory to capture the fifth PSA Tour trophy of his career, and his first since the Macau Open in October 2014.

"I can’t believe it, it’s been four years since I won a title," said an emotional Momen afterwards.

"It’s the biggest of my career and I’m really proud of this moment. As for Ali, I have the utmost respect for him, he’s a really good friend of mine. We’ve been away for a month and each of us has won a title, so we should be fine going back home.

"Putting everything aside, I’m really happy with how I’ve progressed mentally over the past year and a half. I used to give up when I was really tired, now I’m much better at it. I can be exhausted, but I can still push and find other plans."

Result - Final: 2018 Channel VAS Championships at St George’s Hill
[3] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt [2] Ali Farag (EGY) 3-2: 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-5, 11-9 (87m)

Vote Yemisi Olatunji & Boye Oyerinde -Nigeria Sport Award

Organizers of the prestigious Nigerian Sports Award, Unmissable Incentives Limited, has announced that the nominations of Sports men and women for the various categories of awards for the 2018 edition would close on Sunday.
Executive Director, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Kayode Idowu, disclosed this while briefing the media on developments on the 2018 edition of the Nigerian Sports Award. Idowu also commended all sports lovers as well as stakeholders in the sports community in Nigeria for participating in the nominations process thus far.

“Although Nomination would close this Sunday, the quality of nominations we have gotten so far for this year’s edition of the award have been very impressive and this does not come as a surprise as our sports athletes have performed commendably at the different major sporting activities throughout the year,” Idowu said

Vote for your Racket Sports Person of the Year (Tennis, Table tennis, Badminton, Squash e.t.c)

Olatunji Yemisi (Squash)

Aruna Quadri (Table Tennis)

Marylove Edwards (Tennis)

vote our own Squash queen Yemisi Olatunji

Vote for your Sports Administrator of the Year

Ahmed Musa Kida (Basketball)

Amaju Pinnick (Football)

Francis Orbih (Badminton)

Boye Oyerinde (Squash)

vote for our able squash president Boye Oyerinde

Idowu then reiterated the call for all sports loving Nigerians who has not been involved to seize the opportunity of the remaining few days to nominate their favourite Nigerian athletes who have recorded excellence performance in the various sports during the course of the year for the 2018 award programme.

He urged Nigerian sports enthusiasts to visit the website of the award using the link – http://nigeriansportsaward.com/nomination or nominate on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.