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30 Apr 2019

MAURITIUS TO HOST WORLD’S BEST MALE SQUASH PLAYERS IN JUNE 2020



Mauritius will host a professional squash tournament for the first time after an agreement was reached with title sponsors Necker Gestion Privée to bring a men’s PSA World Tour Gold tournament to the island in June 2020.

The Necker Mauritius Open will offer up $100,000 worth of prize money and will be staged at a new multi-sports complex, the RM Club, which is due to begin construction in the Rivière du Rempart district of Mauritius in June 2019. The club will contain two plaster squash courts, in addition to an ASB glass show court.

The tournament follows off the back of exhibition tournaments which have been held on the island for the past three years and featured players such as former World No.1s Gregory Gaultier and Karim Abdel Gawad, and current World No.4 Simon Rösner. A 24-man draw will do battle for the inaugural title.

“We’re excited to bring professional squash to Mauritius and are pleased to see that the calendar for the 2019/20 season is taking shape,” said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough.

“The PSA World Tour has a reputation for hosting tournaments in some incredible locations around the world, and we’re looking forward to adding the beautiful island of Mauritius to that list.

“I’d like to thank Necker for their support of the tournament, and I’m sure that the Mauritius Open will be a strong addition to the PSA World Tour calendar.”

Necker Gestion Privée Chief Executive, Rémy Mabillon, said: “After having successful invitational squash events in Mauritius over the past three years, we are very pleased to move the Necker Squash Pro up to a $100,000 PSA event.

“Squash is a fabulous sport that deserves to be seen and played everywhere, even on a small island like Mauritius. I’m sure players will enjoy their time here, and visitors can combine their holidays with some great matches. We are looking forward to seeing all players and fans in June 2020.”

The tournament will be shown live on SQUASHTV and also the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour.

Tickets will go on sale in 2020.

FARAG AND EL WELILY EXTEND LEAD AT THE TOP OF WORLD TOUR FINALS LEADERBOARD


Egyptian World No.1s Ali Farag and Raneem El Welily have extended their respective advantages at the top of the men’s and women’s PSA World Tour Finals Leaderboard.

The PSA World Tour Finals will take place in Cairo, Egypt from June 9-14 and will feature both a men’s and women’s tournament.

The reigning World Champions and all seven PSA World Tour Platinum winners will qualify for the prestigious event. The remaining places are allocated to the highest ranked players on the PSA World Tour Finals leaderboard and points are on offer at all PSA World Tour events throughout the season.

Farag continued his strong run of form, which has seen him claim six PSA titles this season, after winning both the DPD Open Squash and El Gouna International this month.

The World No.1 sits at the top with 21,225 points, with compatriot and World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy in second place on 15,615, World No.3 Tarek Momen in third and Karim Abdel Gawad in fourth.

Both ElShorbagy and former World No.1 Gawad have already sealed their places at the season-ending tournament. ElShorbagy won both the U.S. Open and Hong Kong Open titles, while Gawad claimed victory at December’s Black Ball Squash Open.

Germany’s Simon Rösner, New Zealand’s Paul Coll, Peru’s Diego Elias and Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar occupy the remaining places in the top eight on the leaderboard.

Meanwhile on the women’s leaderboard, El Welily heads the standings with 16,455 points after winning three successive PSA World Tour tournaments, including the Black Ball Squash Open, DPD Open Squash and the El Gouna International.

Compatriot and World Champion Nour El Sherbini remains in second place on 12,085 points, with World No.3 Nour El Tayeb behind her on 8,360 points.

France’s Camille Serme moves up to fourth after reaching the semi-finals of the El Gouna International and DPD Open Squash while New Zealand’s Joelle King sits in fifth but has already claimed her place at the season-ending tournament after winning the Hong Kong Open in November.

England’s Sarah-Jane Perry, Egypt’s Nouran Gohar and Wales’ Tesni Evans hold the last three spots in the top eight on the women’s leaderboard.

The world’s top male and female players head to Hull, England next month for the prestigious Allam British Open. The final PSA World Tour Platinum event of the season will be held between May 20-26.

Ghosal is the top seed

Saurav Ghosal.
Reigning champion Joshna Chinappa will spearhead Indian women’s campaign in the Asian individual squash championships to be held here from May 1 to 5.

Saurav Ghosal has been given the pride of place as the top seed in the men’s section.

Joshna is seeded two in the women’s section with Annie Au of Hong Kong taking the top place. Other Indians who have earned seedings, all women, are Sunayna (10), Tanvi (14) and Aparajitha (16).

Last time’s women’s runner up Dipika Pallikal Karthik has backed out of the championship this time. Other Indians taking part are Sunayna Kuruvilla, Tanvi Khanna and Aparajitha Balamurukan in the women’s section and Abhishek Pradhan in the men’s.

Harinder Pal Sandhu is accompanying the team as the coach.

29 Apr 2019

Welily, Farag champions of Gouna International Squash Open

2019 El Gouna International champions Raneem El Welily (left) and Ali Farag (right)
26 April 2019: Egyptians Ali Farag and Raneem el-Welily have been crowned champions of both men's and women's El Gouna International Squash Open.

Egypt's World No.1 Raneem El Welily has beaten her fellow World No.7 Nouran Gohar to be crowned champion of women's El Gouna International Squash Open. Welily defeated Gohar 3-1 in a 61-minute final Friday.

The pair have met 13 times on the PSA World Tour, with the reigning champion having won 10 of those. The last time Gohar beat Welily in a best-of-five was back in 2016, at the China Open.

For Egypt's Ali Farag, he ensured that both World No.1s took the honours on finals day of the 2019 El Gouna International Squash Open title as he followed up Raneem El Welily's victory with a 3-0 win over World No.6 Karim Abdel Gawad.

Farag built on a strong start to win 11-9, 12-10 11-3, picking up his 17th PSA Tour title in the process and the first on home soil since February 2015.

COLOMBIA’S RODRIGUEZ TO HEADLINE XII TORNEO INTERNACIONAL PSA SPORTA DRAW

Colombia’s World No.7 Miguel Rodriguez will headline the XII Torneo Internacional PSA Sporta when the PSA Bronze tournament takes place from May 29- June 2 in Guatemala.

Defending champion Rodriguez will be back in action at this season’s tournament after claiming last year’s title when he defeated Peru’s Diego Elias in the final.

The Colombian enjoyed a formidable month in May last year when he claimed the prestigious 2018 British Open title, before going on to claim his second successive PSA title at the Sporta Guatemala XI Torneo Internacional PSA.

This year will see another stellar line-up with Peru’s World No.9 Elias looking to go one step further than last year and Mexican twins Cesar and Arturo Salazar and Scotland’s Greg Lobban also all featuring in the draw.

They will face tough competition from the likes of Egyptian trio Karim El Hammamy, Mazen Gamal, Mohamed ElSherbini, United States’ Chris Hanson and Switzerland’s Dimitri Steinmann.

Home interest comes in the form of World No.122 Josue Enriguez, who was born in Guatemala City and will hope to produce a strong showing at his home event.

Entry List
1. Miguel Rodriguez (COL)
2. Diego Elias (PER)
3. Cesar Salazar (MEX)
4. Greg Lobban (SCO)
5. Arturo Salazar (MEX)
6. Karim El Hammamy (EGY)
7. Mazen Gamal (EGY)
8. Chris Hanson (USA)
9. Dimitri Steinmann (SUI)
10. Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY)
11. Alfredo Avila (MEX)
12. Victor Crouin (FRA)
13. Shahjahan Khan (PAK)
14. Auguste Dussourd (FRA)
15. Christopher Gordon (USA)
16. Rui Soares (POR)
17. Mario Yanez (MEX)
18. Michael McCue (CAN)
19. Jesus Camacho (MEX)
20. Martin Svec (CZE)
21. Juna Camilo Vargas (COL)
22. David Baillargeon (CAN)
23. Josue Enriquez (GUA)
24. Robert Downer (ENG)

British squash player praises Uganda’s natural beauty

British professional squash player Mr. Tom Ford has praised Uganda’s natural beauty saying it is exceptional.

Mr. Ford(middle) who has been in the country for a week for a Squash Tournament in Tororo decided to embark on an adventure where he said that he saw his dreams come true when he visited various tourism sites. He was in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Sipi Falls.

The 25-year old described his experience in Bwindi as raw and authentic especially when he saw the animals in their natural habitat.

He also described his experience at Sipi Falls where he said that it has dazzling scenery and a stunning landscape.

Mr. Ford, who was hesitant about boarding a boda-boda finally got the courage to get himself the experience in Uganda’s famous motorcycle mode of transport through the city traffic.

“The boda-boda ride across the city was really scary. I had to take a second thought to either board or not. But at last, I had to make up my mind for this one time deal,” he said.

While addressing journalists at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) on Friday, April 26, Mr.Ford revealed that he had always wanted to see the mountain gorillas.

“Tracking gorillas was an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. It was by far one of the most incredible things I have seen in my entire life,” he said.

He thanked UTB and its partners for making his dream come true.

Ms. Lily Ajarova, the UTB chief executive officer, told him that Uganda still has a lot to offer and also encouraged him to come back and explore.

“Uganda is blessed with diverse natural beauty, cultures, landscapes, flora and fauna. You should come back and visit Murchison Falls National Park, Semiliki National Park, Chimpanzees in Kibale and so many more destinations in Uganda,” Ms. Ajarova said.

She said that their objective is to involve everyone especially those in the sporting arena from within and internationals to come to explore the vast culture of Uganda. CREDIT http://www.pmldaily.com/

Mistura Durosinlorun retains trophy, three times in a row

Squash: Durosinlorun retains trophy, three times in a row Mistura Durosinlorun, an 11-year-old player, on Saturday retained her title as the U-13 Champion of the Ex-Squash Pro U-13 and U-16 championships for the third time.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Durosinlorun won the maiden edition of the tournament in 2017 and later in 2018.
She had a seemingly easy ride to the finals, until she met her first runner up Delight Allison of Akwa Ibom State in a best of five match.
Durosinlorun said she almost lost hope because she wasn’t sure of the game.
She said: “I wasn’t sure at some point.
“She had won two rounds and I wasn’t sure.
“I was tensed and the crowd didn’t make it easy on me.
“One thing I have learnt is never to play with so much tension.
“It felt like I was playing squash for the first time.
“I was overwhelmed by the pressure to win.
“Thank God I was able to win the last game.
“It could have gone either way.
“She’s one of strongest player have ever played against.
“I love the challenge.
“Next time, I’d train 10 times harder.”
NAN reports that Durosinlorun defeated Allison 3-2 in a very tough finals of the U-13 category for girls.
Allison, who gave a good account of herself, was however sad and hoped to redeem herself in the 2020 edition of the championships.
She said: “Even though I know I played well enough, I’m still sad that I was unable to win the last round.
“I hope that come 2020 I’d be better prepared that’s my goal.”
Allison won the first round 11-9, while Durosinlorun won the second set 11-8.
Allison had a come back and won the third set 10-6.
The Kwara State player changed the game when she won the fourth set 11-9.
She also won the last set 11-10.
In a hilarious final between the Nzei brothers from Akwam Ibom State, although Daniel couldn’t live up to his expectations, but he gave his brother a good run for his money.
Wisdom won 3-2, but Daniel didn’t let the last match go easily.
It could have gone either way.
Daniel said: “I’m not sad I lost, but I’d have loved to win.
“I was tensed in the last set, but I’m happy I made it to the finals.
“If I don’t have to play with my brother again I’d be glad.
“He’s tough.
“He doesn’t give up.
“He plays like it’s his last match.”
Wisdom said: “I’m glad I won.
“Maybe Danny will have to wait for 2020.
“I won’t be slowing down either.”
NAN reports that the champions will go home with cash prizes and medals to be given to the best four in all categories.
CREDIT: THE EAGLE ONLINE

25 Apr 2019

Ramy Ashour announces retirement from professional squash


Egyptian international and former world’s number one squash champion Ramy Ashour announced on Monday his retirement from professional squash after about 15 years on squash courts.

Ashour, 31, won two joiner world champion titles, three senior world championship titles, and stayed at World’s No.1 for 21 months between 2010 and 2013.

He has been ravaged by injury over the past decade, suffering a range of hamstring and knee issues. The latter has kept him out of action since last May.

Ashour was also voted in the summer of 2018 as the second greatest male player of all time behind Pakistan’s Jahangir Khan, with thousands of squash fans taking part in a poll conducted by the Professional Squash Association (PSA).

The former announced his retirement in a video he posted on Facebook.
“During my 25 years on the squash court, I won a combined eight World Championships (including senior, junior and team), and I never loved anything more than I have loved the game of squash. Squash has given me so much, but also took a lot from me physically and mentally,” Ashour said.

“While I look towards the next stage of my journey, I have to thank the people who have been with me every step of the way. First of all, my parents and my brother, who have always been there, have always been my biggest supporters and motivators, and shared with me my best and worst times.

“Last but not least, I want to say that I am grateful for all of you [the fans], the people I don’t know personally, who have always believed in me. You guys are the biggest reason I was always pushing to win,” he said.

PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough was among those to pay tribute to Ashour. He said in statement on PSA’s website that “Ramy has inspired countless aspiring squash players around the world and is without a doubt one of the most talented players the game has ever seen.”

Dessouky and Gohar Scalp World No.2s in El Gouna International Quarter-Finals

Egypt’s Fares Dessouky and Nouran Gohar shocked World No.2s Mohamed ElShorbagy and Nour El Sherbini, respectively, as the quarter-finals of the El Gouna International, PSA World Tour Platinum tournament drew to a close on a thrilling night of action at the Abu Tig Marina.

Dessouky, who currently sits at World No.42, beat compatriot ElShorbagy for the first time in four attempts, having lost the previous three to the former World Champion, to reach his first Platinum semi-final since he tore his ACL in November 2017.

The 24-year-old was given a wildcard spot for the tournament and will appear in the semi-finals in El Gouna for a third time after winning 15-13, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9.

“I'm happy to say to everyone that I'm back playing at a high level,” said Dessouky.

“Mentally as well, I was good today, I feel I'm playing better than before. I'm really happy to beat Mohamed today, it was a really tough match, especially after 14 months out injured.

“I love playing in Egypt, I feel like the people here love me, and I give my best here. I'm playing in front of my family and friends, this is something incredible, and I'm happy to be here in El Gouna one more time to play on this beautiful court."

Dessouky’s win guarantees a new men’s champion, and he will take on 2017 runner-up Karim Abdel Gawad for a place in the title decider.

Former World No.1 Gawad, who claimed top spot when reaching the final in El Gouna two years ago, ended the title defence of men's champion Marwan ElShorbagy as he claimed an 11-9, 12-10, 11-6 triumph.

A year ago to the day, ElShorbagy got the better of Gawad in the quarter finals en route to winning his maiden Platinum final, but this time, it was the World No.6 who took the victory in straight games.

“It was very tough. 3-0 against someone like Marwan means a lot to me as he is a very tough opponent. I am really happy to see him back and really happy with my performance today,” said Gawad, who won the last Platinum event held in Egypt, December's Black Ball Open

“I have very happy memories [of Gouna]. Reaching the finals and reaching World No.1 here in Egypt is a huge memory for me that I can never forget. Playing in Egypt is always different for me, wherever it is, in Gouna or Cairo. It is a great thing for me and I am always happy to playing a tournament here in Egypt.”

In the women’s draw, Gohar is into the semi finals of the El Gouna International after she beat World Champion El Sherbini for the first time since 2014.

Gohar had lost nine straight matches to El Sherbini since then, but played her best squash to win 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10, securing a match-up with France's Camille Serme in the last four.

“It feels amazing. The only other time I beat her was our first meeting and that was in Egypt as well, it is my lucky place,” Gohar said.

“I am really pleased with it. It was a really tough match which could have gone either way. I gave my best and she gave her best so I am really pleased with it. I expected her to come back. She was not going to leave it like that, even when I was 9-5 up in the last game. I was sure she was going to get everything and she was playing as if it was 0-0 or something. She is a true fighter and I really respect her for that."

World No.4 Serme won the opening match of the night in a high-quality four-game encounter with England's World No.6 Sarah-Jane Perry.

The pair had met nine times on the PSA World Tour previously, with the Frenchwoman having won seven of those. Serme fell behind after losing the first, but battled back to win the next three against a spirited Perry, who is still continuing her return from an elbow surgery.

“I knew I had the right tactic because I was leading in the first game, but I tried not to panic. Of course, she came back strongly but I knew what I had to do and I tried to stick to it,” Serme said.

“It was a big battle physically. I think physically, I could feel that she was getting tired with long rallies, so I was trying to force myself to have long rallies even though I was losing them. I had to try and make her tired, and maybe that helped in the end."

The action continues tomorrow as the semi finals take place at Abu Tig Marina. Play will start at 18:30 local time (GMT+2), with four matches set for tomorrow evening.

Matches from the glass court will be broadcast live on SQUASHTV (rest of world), Eurosport Player (Europe only) and the official Facebook page of the PSA World Tour (Indian subcontinent only). Play starts at 18:30 local time (GMT+2).

Results – Men’s Quarter Finals (Bottom Half): El Gouna International
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 12-10, 11-6 (43m)
[WC] Fares Dessouky (EGY) bt [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-1: 15-13, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9 (61m)

Results – Women’s Quarter Finals (Bottom Half): El Gouna International
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 3-1: 12-14, 13-11, 11-8, 12-10 (61m)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-2: 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 8-11, 12-10 (74m)

Draw – Men’s Semi Finals (Top Half): To Be Played Thursday 25th April
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v [3] Tarek Momen (EGY)
[4] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v [WC] Fares Dessouky (EGY)

Draw – Women’s Semi Finals (Top Half): To be Played Thursday 25th April
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v [13] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[4] Camille Serme (FRA) v [8] Nouran Gohar (EGY)

24 Apr 2019

PSA STARS REACT TO ASHOUR RETIREMENT

Egypt’s former World No.1 Ramy Ashour announced his immediate retirement from professional squash last night.



The Egyptian is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever players to grace a squash court, winning three World Championship titles, one British Open title and spent 21 months at World No.1 between 2010-2013 to name a few of his achievements.

Since making his PSA debut in 2004, Ashour has lifted a total of 40 PSA Tour titles, reaching 59 finals, while he won 358 of his 435 matches on the PSA Tour. Ashour’s final tournament win came at the Grasshopper Cup in March 2018 when he tore through the draw without dropping a single game to take the title.

See below reactions from the squash world as tributes pour in to the retiring star….
CREDIT: PSA NEWS











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