Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini Successfully Defends Orascom Development PSA Women’s World Championship Title

Nour El Sherbini successfully defended her Orascom Development PSA Women’s World Championship title after defeating fellow Egyptian Raneem El Welily on Friday in El Gouna, Egypt.

“I’m over the moon, two or three months ago I wouldn’t have imagined that I would have won because I haven’t won a (major) title this season,” said El Sherbini.

Egypt’s first ever female squash World Champion and the youngest Women’s World Champion of all time dispatched compatriot Raneem comfortably to win 11-8, 11-9, 11-9.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I’m really happy to win in front of my home crowd and it’s never easy to play Raneem.[/perfectpullquote]

“I’ve grown up learning a lot from her and she’s told me a lot of things off the court and on the court. She’s the best ‘sister’ I could ever have besides my squash career and I am really thankful for everything she did for me,” The 21-year-old said.

El Sherbini’s victory became her first major title since she lifted her first World Championship title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia a year ago.

Egypt’s Gawad defeated by Gaultier

PSA

In the Men’s Category, Egyptian World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad was defeated 3-0 by World No.1 Gregory Gaultier in the final of the 2017 El Gouna International Squash Open, World Series tournament held in the New Marina on the banks of Egypt’s the Red Sea.

Despite the loss, Gawad will be ranked No.1 going in the season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals which takes place on June 6-10. Gawad admitted it was difficult to focus during the fixture.

“I think my defeat today is based on two factors, one; Greg was playing incredibly well tonight like he’s been since the beginning of the season.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“The second factor is the mental point of view. The fact I heard that I was going to be World No.1 next month last night was great news. I tried to keep focus, but so many people were sending me congratulations last night.[/perfectpullquote]

“I’m still learning. This is the first time this is happening to me, and I think that I am gaining the experience that will allow me to not feel so much pressure next time around. I was hoping to play my best squash here, but hopefully next time.” The 25-year-old said.

Featured photo: PSA