BREAKING NEWS!! Ashour Pulls Out of El Gouna International Due to Injury

Three-time El Gouna International Squash Open champion Ramy Ashour has withdrawn from the 2017 edition of the World Series tournament after failing to recover from a hamstring strain sustained during last month’s Allam British Open.


Ashour, who won the tournament in 2012, 2014 and 2015, will be replaced as the event's number five seed by former World No.1 James Willstrop, while Germany’s World No.10 Simon Rösner moves into the number eight seeded position and will play a qualifier in round one.


A lucky loser, a randomly selected player who loses in the final round of qualifying, will move into the main draw once qualification is completed and will take on Spain’s World No.15 Borja Golan.


Revised Main Draw – 2017 El Gouna International Squash Open

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)

Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v [Qualifier]

Cameron Pilley (AUS) v [Qualifier]

Omar Mosaad (EGY) v [6] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)

[5] James Willstrop (ENG) v Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)

Paul Coll (NZL) v [Qualifier]

Tarek Momen (EGY) v [Qualifier]

[WC] Marwan Tarek (EGY) v [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)

[4] Nick Matthew (ENG) v Fares Dessouky (EGY)

Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) v [Qualifier]

Cesar Salazar (MEX) v [Qualifier]

Diego Elias (PER) v [7] Ali Farag (EGY)

[8] Simon Rösner (GER) v [Qualifier]

Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [Qualifier]

Borja Golan (ESP) v [Lucky Loser]

Zahed Mohamed (EGY) v [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)


Qualification for the El Gouna International Squash Open takes place between April 5-6, while the main draw will be held between April 7-14, with glass court matches taking place at the New Marina.


Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at www.e7gezly.com/event/elgounaintlsquashopen and 50% of the ticket price will go to Abu Reesh Hospitals.

Nigeria Squash Federation, NSF welcomes all delegates to the 2017 National congress/council meeting

Nigeria Squash Federation, NSF welcomes all delegates to the 2017 National congress/council meeting

Date: 5th-7th April, 2017
Venue : media centre, National Stadium Abuja, Nigeria
Time: 10:00am

PSA Foundation Raises Over £4,000 for #Sunshine4Sumner Campaign at British Open

The PSA Foundation raised over £4,000 during the recent Allam British Open for 11-year-old squash player Sumner Malik, who has been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) – a rare form of brain tumour.

A combination of raffle ticket sales and donations helped make up the total, with squash fans being rewarded for their generosity by winning some fantastic prizes, such as on-court sessions with Women’s British Open champion Laura Massaro and former World No.1 James Willstrop.

The #Sunshine4Sumner fundraising initiative is the latest charitable activity organised through the support of the PSA Foundation, following on from the Foundation’s ‘ReBound’ initiative, which has helped underprivileged children and adults around the world get active through the sport of squash by channeling used squash gear to squash community programmes around the world.

"We would like to thank all players and spectators for their incredible generosity throughout the tournament," said PSA Marketing and Foundation Manager Adriana Olaya.

"Sumner’s story has touched the hearts of everyone involved in the squash community and we are delighted that, through the efforts of the PSA Foundation, we have been able to help Sumner and his family at such a difficult time."

In November 2016 - as part of the #Sunshine4Sumner campaign - the PSA gave Sumner and his family a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Cairo for the PSA Men’s World Championship, where he attended the tournament as a VIP guest and stayed in the same hotel as the players.

The #Sunshine4Sumner campaign is currently aiming to raise £12,000 to help fund monthly life-saving infusions under CED trials on compassionate grounds.

Squash fans that want to help Sumner can do their bit by visiting: www.sunshine4sumner.com/donate

In-Form Gaultier Targeting Maiden El Gouna International Title

World No.1 Gregory Gaultier will head to the upcoming El Gouna International Squash Open - staged between April 7-14 - in the midst of some of his best ever form, one year after his controversial final defeat to former World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy on Egypt’s Red Sea.

The 34-year-old Frenchman has been in stunning form of late, going 14 matches unbeaten and capturing three Tour titles in a row at the Swedish Open, Windy City Open and British Open - the latter of which saw him overtake ElShorbagy at the summit of the World Rankings to become the oldest World No.1 of all time.

Gaultier’s last appearance in Egypt saw the 2015 World Champion forced to pull out at the semi-final stage of the PSA Men’s World Championship in November, but he is firing on all cylinders this time around as he aims to lift a third World Series crown in succession.

"I’m very confident at the moment and hope I can carry on with the same positive dynamic," said Gaultier.

"I have been training hard since I got back from my last injury in the World Championship. I take really good care of my body with lots of work with all my physios and coaches. That’s really the key in between tournaments for me to stay as fresh as possible.

"At my age there is no more pressure. I just play as hard as I can and take as much pleasure as possible during my matches and during the events."

Gaultier led defending champion ElShorbagy by two games in last year’s final, but a virtuoso fightback from the 26-year-old Egyptian saw him bring the match back to all square in front of a passionate home crowd.

The match then ended in controversial style when ElShorbagy appeared to have spoken during one of Gaultier’s serves before slotting the ball into the nick, putting himself match ball up, despite Gaultier’s remonstrations with the referee.

"I just served and he spoke after I finished my swing, which stopped me totally," revealed Gaultier.

"I looked at him, but then he played that ball. I couldn’t react at all, but what happened, happened. I tried to explain the situation to the referee, but he couldn't hear me or wasn't trying to.

"You are not supposed to talk to your opponent during a rally. It was at a crucial time and I was really frustrated, but that’s the way it is. I should have dealt better with it for the next point, that's how I see it.

"I would have liked to win of course as I have never won before in El Gouna in that fantastic venue, but overall we had a fantastic match. Mohamed was playing great squash and did well to come back.

"My regret probably was to have let it slip from being 2-0 up, I barely lose in this situation. All these situations you face in your career need to be analysed so you deal with it better in the future."

The qualifying stage for the El Gouna International Squash Open takes place between April 5-6, with the main draw beginning on April 7 and lasting up until the final on April 14.

Gaultier will line up against tournament wildcard Marwan Tarek in the opening round and the ‘French General’ is seeded to face ElShorbagy in the last four for a place in the final.

Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at www.e7gezly.com/event/elgounaintlsquashopen and 50% of the ticket price will go to Abu Reesh Hospitals.

pics of Yemisi in the UK today with the 'ex squash pros' Adekunle Adebiyi & Femi shittu

 Picture of Yemisi today having Launch with Mr Adekunle Adebiyi ,ceo Adekunle Adebiyi sport foundation

Yemisi Olatunji with Femi Shittu, the chairman organising committee of the forth coming " Diaspora National under 16 & 19 junior squash championship in November 2017.

MUST READ! Nigeria's Squash Queen, Yemisi Olatunji still making waves in the UK after her outstanding performance at the just concluded Ipswich Squash tourney....

MUST READ! Nigeria's Squash Queen, Yemisi Olatunji still making waves in the UK after her outstanding performance at the just concluded Ipswich Squash tourney....

Obviously there are better days ahead for the Naija Squash bae Yemisi Olatunji as Nigerians (Squash lovers) in Diaspora have rallied round  the squash queen to support her chosen career.
 A report reaching NAIJA Squash media from Mr Adekunle Adebiyi CEO Adekunle Adebiyi sport foundation :-

Before anything, first We will meet with Capt Dayo Awobokun, a member of the Lagos state Squash Association.  The unsung hero of the Lagos state Squash success story.

Capt Dayo as he is popularly known in the nigerian squash circuit has been supporting squash in Nigeria for the past 27 years and his efforts are unrelenting as he continues to do more in order for squash to develop in nigeria.

It's after meeting and getting the approval from capt Dayo before the team will be assembled. Those in the frame to assist Yemisi are seasoned professionals with experience to help Yemisi reach the pinnacle of her chosen career.

Mr. Niyi Oyewumi a former Nigerian junior champion and a former national squash player.

Shakiru Matti a former Nigerian squash player who has been the national junior squash Coach of two countries (Guatemala and Canada).

Shakiru also travels round the world giving squash lectures, seminars and coaching.

Kunle Adebiyi of the "Adekunle Adebiyi Sports Foundation" was former Nigerian national squash player, a retired top Coach in England.

Sadiq Taiwo, a seasoned professional squash player will be saddled with the coaching responsibility.

As a Slating point, the team are going to produce and release an action poster of Yemisi so that she is visible to Nigerians, particularly the squash players.

Yemisi will be the pioneer of a squash player having a team in place to support and monitor career progress.

We will be looking extend to other players based on their dedication, determination and hardwork to succeed and move their game to the next level.

Yemisi with Femi Shittu , chairman organizing committee for the forthcoming under 16 &19 squash junior tourney

NAIJA SQUASH MEDIA pics of the day

Squash! The only sport you can play this way......

GAULTIER AND MASSARO NAMED MARCH PSA PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

Frenchman Gregory Gaultier and England’s Laura Massaro have claimed the PSA March Players of the Month award after their historic triumphs during last month’s prestigious Allam British Open.

Gaultier became the oldest World No.1 of all time in the April rankings after a superb week of squash saw the 34-year-old lift the sport’s oldest and most distinguished title for the third time in his illustrious career.

The Frenchman had sealed the Windy City Open crown on the opening day of the month, but his displays in Hull were even more impressive as he struck down opponents with ease, with former World No.4 Miguel Angel Rodriguez and current World No.17 Cameron Pilley both being put to the sword for the loss of just a handful of points.

After marching past compatriot Mathieu Castagnet in the quarter-finals, his semi-final fixture with Egypt’s Ramy Ashour was brought to a premature end after a hip injury to the 2013 champion – leaving Gaultier up against three-time winner Nick Matthew in the climactic finale.

And he recovered from a game down to march to the title, seeing him usurp Mohamed ElShorbagy and overtake former Women’s World No.1 Sarah Fitz-Gerald to become the oldest player to top the rankings.


Laura Massaro celebrated her British Open win over Sarah-Jane Perry

Massaro, meanwhile, moved up to World No.2 for the first time since November 2016 after she became the first female English player since Janet Morgan in 1951 to lift the iconic British Open crown for a second time.

The 33-year-old – who also claimed the British Open title in 2013 – had gone almost 18 months without a World Series title, but returned to top form in Hull, with memorable victories over former World No.1 Raneem El Welily and defending champion Nour El Sherbini en route to a fourth British Open final in five years.

Her win over El Sherbini saw her battle back heroically from a two-game deficit to set up a first all-English Women’s final since 1991, with compatriot Sarah-Jane Perry standing between her and the prestigious title.

Massaro carried out her game plan to perfection and took the victory in four games to earn her third title of the season, leaving her as one of the front runners for the upcoming Orascom Development PSA Women’s World Championship.

El-Gouna is next! Egypt’s El Sherbini Relishing Prospect of Defending World Championship Crown on Home Soil

Reigning World Champion Nour El Sherbini is looking to become the first female Egyptian player ever to win the prestigious Orascom Development PSA Women’s World Championship crown on home soil when the tournament takes place between April 7-14 in El Gouna, Egypt.

El Sherbini overtook the iconic Susan Devoy to become the youngest ever female World Champion 12 months ago when she recovered from two games down to defeat England’s Laura Massaro in a climactic final - a win which also saw her overtake Massaro at the summit of the World Rankings the following month.

And the Alexandrian will be roared on by a partizan Egyptian crowd in El Gouna as she aims to lift her first major Tour title since last year’s triumph in Kuala Lumpur.

"I’m super excited to be playing in Egypt, I can't explain how exciting it is," said the 21-year-old.

"I always love playing in Egypt in front of my family and friends. The last [Women's] World Championship in Egypt in Wadi Degla [2014] didn't go my way and I lost first round, so I will give it everything this time to go as far as I can."

El Sherbini has lifted just one Tour title since her World Championship victory and, as such, her World No.1 ranking has come under threat from the likes of Massaro, World No.3 Camille Serme and compatriot Raneem El Welily.

However, El Sherbini is looking forward to the impending battle for her crown as she bids to recapture her best form.

"It’s very tough on the Tour right now," El Sherbini admitted.

"Everyone is playing well and anyone can win any event. It's tough and challenging, but that's the game and I love it like this.

"Being the World Champion and the World No.1 was really huge for me and the final match against Laura is one of my best ever memories. Being 2-0 down and coming back, I can remember every point in the match. To able to say you are the World Champion is just amazing.

"But being the defending champion won't change the way I approach the tournament. It’s the last tournament of the season [aside from the PSA Dubai World Series Finals], so it's just a case of giving it one more push and giving it everything."

Qualification for the Orascom Development PSA Women’s World Championship takes place between April 5-6, with the main draw beginning on April 7 and lasting up until the final on April 14.

El Sherbini begins her title defence against a qualifier in round one and is seeded to meet World No.5 Nouran Gohar in the last four.

Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at www.e7gezly.com/event/elgounaintlsquashopen and 50% of the ticket price will go to Abu Reesh Hospitals.

Pioneers in accord to save the game of Squash in Nigeria -Tournament Director, Sunday Wilson Egberipou

Tournament Director,  Sunday Wilson Egberipou

In a bid to save the game of Squash from dying former players of the Squash Racket game across Nigeria and in the diaspora are putting together a 3-Day U16 and U19 tournament tagged,  the First Ex-Squash Pro U16 and U19 National Squash Tournament. 

According to the Tournament Director,  Sunday Wilson Egberipou,  the tournament slated for the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos is an intervention to save the sport that was once a household among sports in Nigeria.


The tournament aimed at exposing young Squash players in the country will hold between April 27th and 29th.

Mr Kunle Adebiyi, a key member ex -Squash pros. 

Yemisi Olatunji is today been hosted by the former Nigerian squash junior champion Niyi Oyewumi and family.

 Yemisi Olatunji is today been hosted by the former Nigerian squash junior champion Niyi Oyewumi and family.

Yemisi checked out from her hotel accommodation in Ipswich UK to be hosted by the Oyewumi until her return to Nigeria sometime this week.

Yemisi had a successful outing in the UK and the tournament was an eye opener and a confirmation that with the right technical support to complement the support of Capt Dayo Awobokun and others, she able to pull her weight amongst the best international women players.

She will also be meeting with Kunle Adebiyi of "Adekunle Adebiyi Sports Foundation" to look into how she can develop and market her image by creating a platform whereby she can maximise her potential in reaching the pinnacle of her chosen Sport.

Capt Awobokun was around in the UK providing support and coaching.

Happy birthday Mr Biyi Mabadeje former Capt. ikoyi club squash section

Happy birthday Mr Biyi Mabadeje
Former Hon. Commissioner of science and technology, Lagos State,
Capt O'trafford squash club.

Nigeria's Squash Athletes Gbenga Adeyi & yemisi met today in the UK

Massaro Rises to World No.2 in April Women’s Rankings

England’s Laura Massaro has moved back into the world’s top two for the first time since November 2016 after the PSA Women’s World Rankings for April were released today (April 1). Massaro became the first Englishwoman since Janet Morgan in 1951 to lift the iconic Allam British Open title for a second time when she triumphed in an all-English final with Sarah-Jane Perry in Hull last weekend. That victory was enough to propel the 33-year-old Lancastrian to the World No.2 spot, one place behind World Champion Nour El Sherbini, who fell to Massaro in the semi-finals of the sport’s longest-running tournament. As a result, Camille Serme, Raneem El Welily and Nouran Gohar all move down a place to round out the top five, while Nicol David’s first Tour title since 2015 at the Ciudad de Floridablanca sees her rise to No.6. Amanda Sobhy - who is currently out of action with a ruptured achilles tendon - falls to No.7 - while Perry sits at No.8. England’s Alison Waters and Joelle King complete the world’s top 10. Annie Au, Nour El Tayeb and Emily Whitlock are on the rise to sit at respective rankings of No.11, No.12 and No.13, with Whitlock claiming a career-high ranking after her quarter-final finish in Hull. Egypt’s Omneya Abdel Kawy drops six places to No.15. Elsewhere, in the top 20, Donna Urquhart and Tesni Evans both move up one place to sit at No.17 and a career-best No.18, respectively, while US No.2 Olivia Blatchford makes her debut in the world’s top 20, rising up eight places to No.19 courtesy of her runner-up berth in Floridablanca. Hong Kong’s Joey Chan drops three places from No.17 and the 28-year-old rounds out the top 20. PSA Women’s World Rankings Top 20 - April 2017 RANK NAME NATIONALITY POINTS UP/Down 1 Nour El Sherbini EGY 1,439.375 = 2 Laura Massaro ENG 1,283.750 ↑3 3 Camille Serme FRA 1,188.125 ↓1 4 Raneem El Welily EGY 1,153.125 ↓1 5 Nouran Gohar EGY 967.500 ↓1 6 Nicol David MAS 796.875 ↑1 7 Amanda Sobhy USA 748.125 ↓1 8 Sarah-Jane Perry ENG 670.000 = 9 Alison Waters ENG 501.111 ↑1 10 Joelle King NZL 437.222 ↑1 11 Annie Au HKG 430.500 ↑1 12 Nour El Tayeb EGY 413.125 ↑1 13 Emily Whitlock ENG 371.250 ↑2 14 Joshna Chinappa IND 350.556 = 15 Omneya Abdel Kawy EGY 316.875 ↓6 16 Victoria Lust ENG 285.000 = 17 Donna Urquhart AUS 280.000 ↑1 18 Tesni Evans WAL 278.333 ↑1 19 Olivia Blatchford USA 268.889 ↑8 20 Joey Chan HKG 250.556 ↓3

Gaultier Becomes Oldest World No.1 of All Time

Frenchman Gregory Gaultier has become the oldest player ever to top the PSA World Rankings at the age of 34 years and three months after this month’s Men’s rankings, released today (April 1), saw him overtake Egypt’s Mohamed ElShorbagy to eclipse the previous record set by Sarah-Fitz Gerald - who last topped the Women's rankings in February 2003 - by a single month.

Gaultier’s history-making rise comes courtesy of a sensational run of form that has seen him win three tournaments in succession, with last week’s triumph at the iconic British Open in Hull - which saw him win the sport’s longest-running tournament for a third time - following recent triumphs at the Swedish Open and Windy City Open.

"To be number one as well again at my age is an amazing feeling – it’s pure pleasure," said Gaultier, whose run of 14 matches unbeaten is also the longest of his career.

World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad, who would have taken top spot had he made it to the quarter-final stage in Hull or if Gaultier hadn’t lifted the title, sits one place behind the Frenchman with just 24 ranking points separating the two.

Previous incumbent ElShorbagy has fallen to World No.3 - his lowest ranking since September 2014 - while his younger brother Marwan moves into the world’s top five for the first time in his career after reaching the final of the Windy City Open last month. British Open runner-up Nick Matthew is sandwiched between them at No.4.

Ali Farag moves up two places to World No.6, with former World No.1 James Willstrop dropping to No.7. Egypt’s Ramy Ashour, who topped the rankings for the entirety of 2013, sits at No.8, while Fares Dessouky moves to No.9 to mark the first time he has reached the world’s top 10, which is rounded out by Germany’s Simon Rösner.

Tarek Momen drops out of the top 10 to No.11, while England’s Daryl Selby and Paul Coll of New Zealand are both on the rise, moving to No.12 and No.13, respectively.

Spain’s Borja Golan - a former World No.5 - moves back into the top 20 to sit at No.15, with Mohamed Abouelghar’s quarter-final finish in Hull, which saw him upset Gawad, seeing him rise to a career-high World No.19 ranking.

Former World No.4 Miguel Angel Rodriguez closes out the top 20 after dropping six places. Omar Mosaad, who began the season ranked at No.3, has fallen 10 places to sit at No.23.


PSA Men’s World Rankings Top 20 - April 2017