Racketball becomes ‘Squash 57’ in Global Rebranding

Racketball becomes ‘Squash 57’ in Global Rebranding
August 30, 2016 All News, Top Stories, WSF News

Racketball, a form of squash sport played on a squash court which has grown significantly in popularity in England and has begun to take hold elsewhere, will be rebranded as Squash 57 in an initiative spearheaded by the World Squash Federation.

It was earlier this year that the WSF, in partnership with England Squash, signposted a change of name for the game, which is played with a larger ball and a shorter racket. The new name focuses on the key difference to squash – the larger ball, which has a maximum diameter of 57mm (compared with 40mm for a squash ball).

The game is a popular introduction to squash and can keep generations of players fit and active, and playing on court well into later years.

Following consultation including a questionnaire to more than 20,000 England Squash members, focus groups, and consultation with other stakeholders including international federations and equipment manufacturers, the new name has been selected.

The rebrand will ensure that the game is seen as part of the squash family, whilst also eliminating any confusion with ‘racquetball’, a primarily North American game played on much larger courts with no tin and a different type of ball.

WSF Chief Executive Andrew Shelley said: “There is no doubt that the game, already popular in England with 12,000 weekly participants, will grow to complement squash in many other countries.

“Whilst current players will doubtlessly still call Squash 57 by its old name, the change has formally been made. As it grows, Squash 57 will be seen more clearly as a discipline of squash, and may even give us greater chance of adding it to major events such as the Commonwealth and other major Games in future.”

England Squash CEO Keir Worth added: “We support the WSF’s position and hope that an increased synergy between squash and Squash 57 will broaden appeal and create a stronger playing community. We are excited to be working in partnership with the WSF and will drive Squash 57 to the widest possible audience.”

The game will become Squash 57 from 1st October.

Gohar And Ashour Open Up Early Advantage On PSA Road To Dubai Standings

18-year-old World Junior Champion Nouran Gohar and three-time Men's World Champion Ramy Ashour have taken the first steps towards qualifying for the lucrative season-ending Dubai PSA World Series Finals after taking the honours at the first PSA World Series Tournament of the 2016/17 season - the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Finical Hong Kong Open.

Come June 2016 only the top eight players on the standings will qualify for a coveted place at the Dubai PSA World Series Finals, with every match in the PSA World Series vital in determining who gets a shot at one of the sport’s most prestigious and financially rewarding titles, and Gohar left it until the last moment to qualify for the prestigious tournament last season.

A good run at the Allam British Open, the final event on the calendar, secured her a place amongst the top eight but she began the 2016/17 season in red hot form, defeating World No.2 Laura Massaro and World No.3 Nicol David before downing US star Amanda Sobhy to take the Hong Kong crown and sit atop the Road To Dubai Standings on 100 points.

"It was such a great feeling to be in Dubai last season and be among top eight players in the world, so I'm really going to work hard this season to make sure I can qualify again," said Gohar.

"I have started very well here in Hong Kong but I will have to continue to push hard and see how it goes throughout the season."

Ashour, the 28-year-old who missed out on competing in Dubai last season despite a late charge towards the climactic event on the calendar, showed signs that he has recovered from his injury woes as he saw off compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad in a highly entertaining five-game finale in Hong Kong.

The victory means Ashour takes the maximum 100 points on offer - more than he accumulated throughout the entirety of the 2015/16 season - to top the standings after one event with 2016 Dubai PSA World Series Finals winner Gregory Gaultier and World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy both outside the top eight after surprise second round defeats last week.

The journey towards the Dubai PSA World Series Finals continues on October 8 when the Delaware Investments U.S. Open gets underway in Philadelphia. Gaultier and Massaro will be hoping to successfully defend their titles as the Road To Dubai intensifies.

The 2017 Dubai PSA World Series Finals will take place from June 5-9 at the Dubai Opera, further information can be found by visiting www.worldseriesfinals.com

ROAD 2 DUBAI STANDINGS
RANK
NAME
POINTS
MALE
FEMALE
1
Ramy Ashour (EGY)
100
1
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
100
2
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
65
2
Amanda Sobhy (USA)
65
3=
Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)
40
3=
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
40
3=
Max Lee (HKG)
40
3=
Nicol David (MAS)
40
5=
Simon Rösner (GER)
25
5=
Laura Massaro (ENG)
25
5=
Cameron Pilley (AUS)
25
5=
Camille Serme (FRA)
25
5=
Fares Dessouky (EGY)
25
5=
Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
25
5=
James Willstrop (ENG)
25
5=
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
25






9=
Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY)
15
9=
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
15
9=
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
15
9=
Annie Au (HKG)
15
9=
Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
15
9=
Joshna Chinappa (IND)
15
9=
Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
15
9=
Emily Whitlock (ENG)
15
9=
Tarek Momen (EGY)
15
9=
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
15
9=
Ali Farag (EGY)
15
9=
Joelle King (NZL)
15
9=
Mazen Hesham (EGY)
15
9=
Alison Waters (ENG)
15
9=
Tsz Fung Yip (HKG)
15
9=
Ho Tze-Lok (HKG)
15

Egyptian Pair Gohar And Ashour Claim Hong Kong Open Crowns

There was double delight for Egyptian squash in the finals of the 2016 Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open as three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour and World Junior Champion Nouran Gohar took the honours inside Hong Kong Park Sports Centre today.

In the women's final 18-year-old Gohar, who beat World No.2 Laura Massaro before ending World No.3 Nicol David's ten years of dominance at this event to reach the final, got off to a slow start against American Amanda Sobhy, quickly falling behind courtesy of a 6-11 first game that saw the Boston-based 23-year-old on fire.

But Gohar managed to lift her game and turn the match around by saving four game balls in the second game to snatch it 12-10 and from then on she was in total control, dominating the court to secure the title courtesy of a 6-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8 win.

"I can't believe it," said a delighted Gohar.

"I was 1-0 down and 10-7 down in the second game and I was just trying to stay on court and not be beaten 3-0 in the final.

"I tried to fight for every point and it paid off in the end. Raneem [El Welily], my mum and my coach, gave me a game-plan but I couldn't execute it on court in the first game.

"But I managed to change it up and push myself - I told myself it is a final and you have to give everything to win and I'm so happy to win - it's an amazing feeling to win a World Series tournament."

In the men's finale 28-year-old Ashour looked to have put his recent injury demons to bed as he came through a highly competitive and entertaining five-game battle with compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad, the World No.8 who was competing in his first ever PSA World Series tournament final.

2010 and 2012 champion Ashour has endured an injury-plagued two years on Tour, with repeated hamstring difficulties restricting him to competing in only a dozen events, but he looked to be back to his unpredictable best during a 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6 win that saw him string together spell-binding runs.

"It feels great to win here and winning the title means so much to me," said Ashour.

"I played a very tough opponent today. Karim's very smart and fluid on court so it is not easy to beat him and he's actually one of my favourite players on Tour. It was a collaboration of ideas to get past him but I thought it was a great show and I think we both enjoyed it

"It's been tough journey for me to get here but I've always wanted it so much. I feel empty without squash - playing fulfils everything inside me. I appreciate being able to play and to lunge without pain is such a blessing - I'll do whatever it takes to keep being the best I can be.

"I have so many people to thank - my parents, coaches, physio, promoters, sponsors, doctors, lawyers and fans - they've all helped me get to where I am now."

2016 Hong Kong Open – Women's Final
[5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [7] Amanda Sobhy (USA) 3-1: 6-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8 (43m)

2016 Hong Kong Open – Men's Final
Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 3-2: 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6 (75m)

The victory sees Ashour and Gohar open up an early lead on the PSA Road To Dubai as the race to qualify for the season-ending Dubai World Series Finals gets underway.

The duo collected 100 points each to top the standings after the first PSA World Series tournament of the season and take the first step towards securing a place at the lucrative event that will take place in the Dubai Opera in June.
More pics after the cut

Ramy, Nourah wins HK Squash Open

Told ye all the artist is back...
Ramy Ashour is the 2016 men's HK Squash open champion,same in 2010 & 2012
The champ speech after his victory: it depends how much you want it and i've always wanted it so much. I'll keep doing whatever it takes to be the best i can be.
Ramy Ashour 3-2 Karim Gawad (11-9,8-11,11-6,5-11,11-6)

FEMALE

Nouran Gohar is the new HK Champion
Nouran(Egy)3-1 Amanda Sobhy(usa) (6-11,12-10,11-7,11-7)

WATCH HONK KONG OPEN FINALS LIVE ON YOUR PHONE BY 9:00 A.M.

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18-Year-Old Gohar Ends David's 10 Year Hong Kong Reign -semi Result update

18-year-old World Junior Champion Nouran Gohar followed up her quarter-final victory over 2015 runner-up and World No.2 Laura Massaro with a sumptuous performance to end World No.3 Nicol David's unprecedented 10-year winning-streak at the Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open and secure a place in the final.

David had gone an astonishing 58 matches unbeaten at the PSA World Series tournament, a streak that extended back beyond 2006, but came unstuck against a rampant Gohar, who utilised her ferocious power and attacking pace to outmuscle the Malaysian, who yesterday celebrated her 33rd birthday, 11-9, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9.

"I can't believe it - it's like a dream," said Gohar.

"I came here with no expectations and I just wanted to try and play well - so to be in the final is very pleasing.

"Nicol is a legend and she has been my idol since I was young but the Women's Tour is becoming so competitive now. There is nothing between the top eight to ten players and it keeps getting harder.

"I was 2-0 up but both games were close and they could have gone either way. I really couldn't believe it in the end."

Gohar will now face American Amanda Sobhy in the finale after the 23-year-old from Boston pulled off her own upset to defeat World No.1 and World Champion Nour El Sherbini courtesy of a spell-binding straight games victory.

Sobhy came from 0-4 down in the first game to then save five game balls and swing the early momentum to take the opening game 12-10 and inflict a blow that 20-year-old El Sherbini couldn't recover from.

"It took a little bit to get used to her pace at the start - she's not World No.1 for nothing," said Sobhy.

"At the start, I felt that I was just running and trying to retrieve, so I told myself to get into it, try and get the ball to the back and I'm very pleased with how I was able to come back.

"I think the first game was extremely important, given the fact I was 10-5 down. If she had won that game, it would have given her a lot of momentum, so the fact that I was able to win that, I think that the momentum shifted and I was able to build on a lot of confidence.

"I'm very excited to be in the final - it's amazing to be in my second World Series final and my first in Hong Kong. I absolutely love Hong Kong and I usually do very well here, so I hope to keep the momentum going tomorrow and maybe do one better."

In the men's draw home hero Max Lee's unexpected run finally came to a halt at the hands of maverick Egyptian Ramy Ashour, the three-time World Champion and 2012 Hong Kong Open champion.

Lee had delighted the crowd inside Hong Kong Park Sports Centre to become the first home player in 30 years to reach the last four but he couldn't stop a resurgent Ashour, who continued to play his unique blend of squash in a a 3-0 win.

"Last time I was here, I got kicked out of the quarter-finals, so to be in the final is a great feeling," said Ashour.

"Especially against a great opponent like Max, his squash is incredibly different and it took a lot out of me today.

"I'm happy with my performance, I'm glad that my body is holding up and everything is in place. I'm looking forward to playing tomorrow."

Ashour will face compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad in what will be the 25-year-old's first ever appearance in a World Series tournament final after he downed Australian challenger Ryan Cuskelly.

"I'm so happy, I can't describe the feeling," said Gawad.

"I was in control during the first two games but then he came back very strong and he was probably in control for the third and most of the fourth. I just gave everything to try and win that fourth because I knew he was getting better an better and a fifth game would be good for him.

"It has been a tough tournament and so many players have gone out. I had never reached the quarters here before so to be in the final in a great thing, but I don't want to get over excited either.

"There is still another match to play and I need to stay focused to come out and try and perform in that one."

2016 Hong Kong Open – Men’s Semi-final Results:

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) 3-1: 11-7, 11-6, 6-11, 12-10 (61m)

Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Max Lee (HKG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 (39m)

2016 Hong Kong Open – Final Draw:

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Ramy Ashour (EGY) 

2016 Hong Kong Open - Women's Semi-final Results:

[7] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-0: 12-10, 11-5, 11-6 (33m)

[5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [4] Nicol David (MAS) 3-1: 11-9, 11-7, 11-13, 11-9 (57m)

2016 Hong Kong Open - Women's Final Draw:

[7] Amanda Sobhy (USA) v [5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 

How to view Live squash videos...

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Download Mobdro App. from Google. Install and tune in to BT Sports Europe...

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Happy bday to the squash queen Nicol David

She shared this on her instagram page after a massive game at the ongoing HK Squash Open

Ramy through to semi in Hk 2016 squash Open

 Told ye all the Artist is back,
Ramy Ashour beats Simon Roesner 3-1: 12-10,7-11,11-4,11-8

Hong Kong semi-final for Karim Abdel Gawad as giant killer Cameron Pilley takes a bow

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Cameron Pilley (AUS) 3-1: 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7 (52m)
Cuskelly also beat James Willstrop

What a bad day for the Elshorbagy brothers

The two brothers are out of the psa world tour Hong kong squash open

Ramy Ashour as usual came from two games down to defeat Marwan Elshorbagy 3 - 2 in the second round of the Hong Kong Open

 Cameron Piley knocked the world number one Mohammed Elshorbagy out of the Hong Kong Open in the second round...

World Champion And World No.1 Crash Out As Seeds Crumble In Hong Kong .Result update

World Champion Gregory Gaultier and World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy both crashed out of the 2016 Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open during a whirlwind day of second round action that saw all but one of the men's seeded players sent packing.

In a repeat of last year's title decider ElShorbagy - who claimed the trophy in both 2014 and 2015 - went up against hard-hitting Cameron Pilley but it was the 33-year-old Australian who enthralled the crowd, saving match ball in the fourth game before sealing an impressive victory 11-9, 8-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-9 after a punishing 91 minutes of action.

"I have a decent record again Mohamed so I know how to play him," said Pilley, who stunned World Champion Gregory Gaultier and then World No.2 Nick Matthew to reach the Hong Kong Open final last year.

"There are days, like the final last year, where players can just completely out play you, so I knew I had to make sure I was sharp from the first point and that I stuck to my game plan today.

"I didn't want him coming on and blasting me off court so I had to stick in there and make it known that I was in for the long haul. Getting that mental side right is huge, and I've managed to do that pretty well over the past year.

"I had a great run here last year and when you have a run like that you try and replicate the same things you did the year before - so I've been trying to eat the same things, get on the same schedule and get those same feeling and vibes. Hopefully I can get back into that routine and leave it all out there tomorrow."

Pilley will now face World No.8 Karim Abdel Gawad, the only remaining seed in the competition, for a place in the semi-finals while 21-year-old Fares Dessouky pulled off a huge upset against World Champion Gregory Gaultier, coming from 2-1 down to knock the 32-year-old out of a PSA World Series event at the second round stage for the first time since 2009.

Dessouki played a relentless attacking game from the off as he tested Gaultier's traditionally impeccable movement and it was a tactic that paid off, as sumptuous winner after sumptuous winner delivered the victory after 83-minutes.

"To beat Greg feels amazing," said Dessouky.

"Most of the times we have played he has beaten me 3-0, but last time, in El Gouna, it was much closer so I knew I could get to him. I trained really hard in the summer for these kind of tough battles and I think I played one of my best matches today.

"The pressure was all on his shoulders so I used that as an advantage. I have worked hard on trying to kill the ball more and improve my short game and it worked. It's great to be in the quarters so I'll try and recover as best I can and come back for another big match."

Dessouki will now take on local favourite Max Lee after the World No.18 played with precision and confidence to outmanoeuvre World No.9 Ali Farag and reach the last eight of his home event for the first time in his career.

"I'm so happy," said Lee. "I was getting very excited towards the end of the fourth game because I wanted to win here in front of my home crowd - to be in the quarters is great."

In the women's draw Egyptian Nour El Tayeb stole the headlines as she kept alive hopes of reaching a second consecutive Hong Kong Open final by defeating best friend and number three seed Raneem El Welily - the former World No.1.

The 23-year-old reached the title-decider on her last appearance in Hong Kong in 2014 and she produced a performance of note to upset the seedings and beat El Welily 3-1 in a replica of their last meeting during the 2015 U.S. Open, when a thrilling encounter saw El Tayeb triumph in five-games albeit at the expense of a shoulder injury that ruled her out for the rest of the season.

"I can't really believe that I have won," said El Tayeb. "It just feels great to be playing pain-free and winning again.

"When I was 8-2 up in the fourth I couldn't really b

David triumphed in group stage at the Hong kong 2016 squash Open

Just 24 hours after watching Men’s wildcard Tsz Fung Yip stun World No.5 Miguel Angel Rodriguez in the first round of the Men's 2016 Cathay Pacific Sun Hung Kai Financial Hong Kong Open, Women's wildcard Ho Tze-Lok emulated her compatriot to eliminate former Women’s World No.2 Jenny Duncalf in a five-game thriller inside the Hong Kong Squash Centre today.

Yip showed class and composure as he dictated the play against Rodriguez yesterday and today it was the turn of World No.75 Ho to display similar traits, as she rallied from 2-0 down to pull off a huge upset and send Duncalf out of the tournament at the first hurdle.

Duncalf looked on course for an easy win after taking the first two games 11-1 and 11-4  but the wildcard fought back, slowing the game down to take Duncalf out of her rhythm and it paid off as she took the third 11-7 before saving seven match balls in the fourth to set up an improbable fifth-game victory.

“I’m really, really surprised,” said Ho. “To win is really unexpected and I just hope I can come back and do my best tomorrow and enjoy the opportunity.

“In the first game I just couldn’t see the ball. She was hitting it so hard and fast, the ball was past me before I could even see it.

“I had to change my plan and slow down the pace and play deep and straight. I just keep telling myself to take it one point at a time.”

Ho will now face Frenchwoman Camille Serme in the second round after the 2015 British Open winner staved off a fightback from India’s Dipika Pallikal Karthik during a day that was dominated by five-game epics.

32-year-old World No.2 Laura Massaro was forced to call on all of her experience to come through 3-2 over fearless Egyptian 15-year-old Hania El Hammamy while defending champion Nicol David - the Malaysian who hasn't lost here in a decade - flirted with elimination against Welsh player Tesni Evans before eventually coming through 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-5 after 68-minutes.

"The first round is always tough and we've played some really good matches before so I knew it would't be easy," said David.

"She went in there just playing her shots and making very few mistakes and I had a few lapses as well. She played a great match and I had to work hard to stay consistent in the end and that's what saw me through.

"The first round match is always an adjustment but I'm really pleased to come through in the end. I constructed my game much better in the fifth and didn't really let her in. I put the pressure on and it is very pleasing to come through."

THE ARTIST IS BACK: Egyptian maverick Ramy Ashour marked his return to PSA World Tour

In the Men's tournament at Honkong Squash Open Egyptian maverick Ramy Ashour marked his return to PSA World Tour action with an entertaining 3-0 win over Indian number one Saurav Ghosal that saw the three-time World Champion moving without any signs of the hamstring issues that have plagued him over the past few years.

Ashour has missed the lion's share of the past two seasons on Tour and has seen his World Ranking plummet to a decade-low No.12, but he looked to have put his demons to rest as he scampered around court in an encounter that saw both men produce fast-paced, entertaining play before Ashour sealed it 12-10 in the third.

"Of course I'm happy to get off to a winning start," said Ashour afterwards.

"It's good to have a purpose. It's been a tough couple of years and I'm looking forward to understanding myself better and being more consistent.

"I think I'm healthy - at least I am up to now. I just want to have a good relationship with my body an keep it that way. It gives you confidence to come through a match - it lets me know I'm doing something right and it's good to be back."

Ashour will face compatriot Marwan ElShorbagy - the man he limped off court against last time out during April's El Gouna International - in the next round after the 23-year-old came through a tough five-game battle with Switzerland's Nicolas Mueller while World Champion Gregory Gaultier got off to a commanding winning start against compatriot Gregoire Marche.

2016 Hong Kong Open – Men’s First Round, Bottom Half Results:
[4] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) bt [Q] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 3-2: 11-3, 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-7 (50m)
Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-0: 11-7, 11-6, 12-10 (47m)
Simon Rösner (GER) bt Cesar Salazar (MEX) 3-0: 12-10, 11-4, 11-2 (38m)
[5] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) bt [Q] Zahed Mohamed (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-6, 11-9 (57m)
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [Q] Raphael Kandra (GER) 3-1: 11-9, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7 (53m)
Max Lee (HKG) bt [Q] Joe Lee (ENG) 3-0: 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 (36m)
Fares Dessouky (EGY) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 (35m)
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) bt [Q] Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-0: 11-7, 11-4, 11-4 (40m)

2016 Hong Kong Open – Men’s Second Round Draw
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v Cameron Pilley (AUS)
Mazen Hesham (EGY) v [6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) v James Willstrop (ENG)
Ryan Cuskelly (AUS) v [WC] Tsz Fung Yip (HKG)
[4] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v Ramy Ashour (EGY)
Simon Rösner (GER) v [5] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
[7] Ali Farag (EGY) v Max Lee (HKG)
Fares Dessouky (EGY) v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)

2016 Hong Kong Open – Women’s First Round, Bottom Half Results:
[4] Nicol David (MAS) bt [Q] Tesni Evans (WAL) 3-2: 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-5 (68m)
[9] Joelle King (NZL) bt [Q] Nicolette Fernandes (GUY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 (44m)
[WC] Ho Tze-Lok (HKG) bt [14] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 3-2: 1-11, 4-11, 11-7, 18-16, 11-7 (52m)
[6] Camille Serme (FRA) bt Dipika Pallikal (IND) 3-2: 11-4, 11-6, 8-11, 6-11, 11-6 (52m)
[5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [Q] Olivia Blatchford (USA) 3-0: 11-8, 11-7, 11-7 (29m)
[13] Alison Waters (ENG) bt [Q] Low Wee Wern (MAS) 3-0: 11-5, 11-8, 11-7 (36m)
[15] Emily Whitlock (ENG) bt [Q] Mariam Metwally (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-4, 11-9 (31m)
[2] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [Q] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-2: 11-6, 9-11, 15-13, 7-11, 11-3 (60m)

2016 Hong Kong Open - Women's Second Round Draw:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) v [11] Annie Au (HKG)
[10] Joshna Chinappa (IND) v [8] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
[7] Amanda Sobhy (USA) v [12] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
[16] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v [3] Raneem El Welily (EGY)
[4] Nicol David (MAS) v [9] Joelle King (NZL)
[WC] Ho Tze-Lok (HKG) v [6] Camille Serme (FRA)
[5] Nouran Gohar (EGY) v [13] Alison Waters (ENG)
[15] Emily Whitlock (ENG) v [2] Laura Massaro (ENG)

This Egyptian mobile app will improve your squash

Ahmed Mohsen came up with the idea for a squash performance tracker app two years ago, when he was coaching Egyptian champion Omneya Abdelkawy.

What Mohsen wanted to do was create detailed analytics reports to help him assess and coach his player, but this was challenging.

“The process proved to be hectic and at times unreliable when approached in the simple manner of putting pen to paper,” he said. “This was due to the overwhelming amount of information and calculations needed to analyse the player’s development.”

Unperturbed, Mohsen started to formulate a code using equations, though this proved too complex for other coaches to use since they were not involved in its development. This led to the development of SquashApp, which aims to make it quick and easy to input information to help coaches and players track their performance and analyse trends.

“SquashApp is the only squash application designed by world class players and coaches putting hundred of hours of dedicated work in order to introduce to you all the tools, stats and support you need to step up your game,” Mohsen said.

“For squash players, coaches and institutions, SquashApp is specialised in delivering cutting edge data analysis. Using the latest analysis techniques we help sports people to start winning by numbers.”

Users can keep track of game rallies using the app’s seamless pointing system, with SquashApp doing the maths and generating a detailed dynamic analysis of every rally in order for players, parents, coaches and fans to have access to advanced game analysis and insights.

Currently available on iOS, SquashApp aims to fill a gap in the market, with two other companies currently focused on video analysis and coaching. Mohsen is in the process of turning it into a business, with the app available for free but making money through in-app advertising.

It is currently self-funded, but Mohsen hopes to raise US$150,000 over the next six months as he targets uptake in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Egypt, Canada, France and Malaysia.