News from the PSA World Tour
RESULTS: PSA Challenger 10 National Capital Open, Bethesda, USA
Semi-finals:
[Q] Wade Johnstone (AUS) bt Jaymie Haycocks (ENG) 7-11, 11-9, 11-3, 9-11, 11-5 (58m)
Amr Khaled Khalifa (EGY) bt [2] Martin Knight (NZL) 11-7, 4-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7 (62m)
Final:
Amr Khaled Khalifa (EGY) bt [Q] Wade Johnstone (AUS) 11-8, 11-6, 11-4 (30m)
Khalifa Nets National Capital Crown
Unseeded Egyptian Amr Khaled Khalifa claimed his second Tour title of the year when he beat Australia’s Wade Johnstone in the final of the National Capital Open, the PSA World Tour Challenger 10 squash event in its fourth year at Bethesda Sport & Health in Bethesda, USA.
Khalifa, the 18-year-old world junior champion from Cairo, made his breakthrough in the semi-finals where he battled from 2/1 down to overcome second-seeded New Zealander Martin Knight.
And in the surprise climax of the championship, Khalifa lined up against 29-year-old Johnstone, a US-based qualifier from Perth whose earlier scalps included third seed Jan Koukal, the Czech number one.
But while the Egyptian teenager was marking his seventh final in only 15 Tour event appearances since 2009, Johnstone was celebrating his long-awaited Tour final debut after competing in 89 events on the men’s circuit since 2000!
The youngster was too good for Johnstone however, as Khalifa wrapped up his sixth Tour title triumph with an 11-8, 11-6, 11-4 victory in 30 minutes.
“Khalifa exhibited superior court movement and coverage with excellent balance and touch,” said tournament organiser Rod Barnes. “Johnstone never gave in but was shaded in most departments.”