The start of a new year is always an exciting time – mainly because it means we’re approaching the biggest squash events on the planet once again. Last year was an action-packed 12 months of tournaments. The Commonwealth Games was a particular highlight, with Georgina Kennedy becoming the first English woman to win the gold medal.
Of course, there are no Commonwealth Games to look forward to in 2023, unfortunately (roll on 2026 in Australia!) but there is still a lot going on. With a surge in interest in the sport, fans might be looking at betting reviews to find out where to place their squash bets. So here’s a round up of some of the most eagerly anticipated events this year.
PSA World Championship
Undoubtedly the biggest tournament in the sporting calendar for squash fans, the World Championship brings together the top players on the planet to battle it out for the right to be crowned World Champion. Cairo hosted last year’s event, with two Egyptian players taking the honours in both mens and womens categories.
Ali Farag won his third title in four years, while Nour El Sherbini won her fourth straight title to continue her dominance of the women’s game. It was a great tournament for homegrown players, with both sets of finalists coming from Egypt. We will see if the country’s success continues in 2023!
World Tour Finals
The 2022 PSA World Tour came to another thrilling conclusion at the Mall of Arabia in Cairo once again. It was the fourth consecutive year that the World Tour Finals had been held there and, once again, it was the Egyptian players that ruled the roost. The last five to ten years really have seen Egypt take over the sport. Is it a good or a bad thing that one country is so dominant? That’s open to debate.
Nour El Sherbini beat 2021’s champion, Nouran Gohar, in straight sets in the final to take the women’s crown. The men’s contest almost saw New Zealander Paul Coll cap off a wonderful year, but Mostafa Asal won his second title. We look forward to returning to Cairo for more top-class squash this year.
British Open
The oldest squash tournament in the world, the British Open, was held at the University of Hull in 2022 and saw two number two seeds upset the odds and take the titles. The men’s competition, in particular, saw some of the big names fall out of the running very early.
Paul Coll was able to win his second consecutive championship, once again defeating the unfortunate Ali Farag in the final. Hania El Hammamy took the women’s title, beating compatriot Nouran Gohar in the final. Hull will be the place to go for this most prestigious of tournaments this year too.
Tournament of Champions
After a year without any competition because of the COVID pandemic, squash returned to the iconic Grand Central Terminal with the Tournament of Champions. It was an Egyptian masterclass again – but there were some surprise beaten finalists.
Peru’s Diego Elias reached a career-high world ranking as he made the final, but he could not better the formidable Ali Farag. Amanda Sobhy raised American hopes by making the women’s final – but she could not get going against the eventual champion Nouran Gohar. It was so good to have squash back in New York City, one of the cornerstones of the global squash community.
US Open
The US Open was another great advert for the game, as Nouran Gohar matched the record set by Nicol David by winning her third straight title. Her power and pace were just too much for fellow Egyptian Nour El Sherbini.
The men’s tournament saw Diego Elias become the first South American champion in less dramatic fashion. He claimed the title after Ali Farag was forced to concede after just two points because of injury. Hopefully the 2023 edition of this incredible event will provide a little more action in the way of a men’s final.
So, loads of amazing action in 2022 and lots to look forward to in 2023 as we repeat these iconic squash tournaments. Keep an eye on Squash Mad where we have all the action!