Crocked Ramy is out of ToC

Injury agony continues to haunt world champion Ramy Ashour, a three-time winner at Grand Central
By Squash Mad Reporter

World champion Ramy Ashour has been forced to pull out of the 2015 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions due to injury. The three-time New York champion will miss the first PSA World Series event of the year because of a knee problem. 

Ashour, who returned from injury to win a third world title in Qatar in November, has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming 2015 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions due to a meniscus injury.  

“I am going to miss playing in this amazing venue and I will especially miss the ToC crowds who have the most electrifying energy,” Ashour said. “I cannot wait to come back next year.”

After enduring an injury-plagued 12 months, Ashour appeared to have conquered his problems following his World Championship victory. But his army of New York fans will be disappointed to see his name removed from the line-up at New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal from January 16-23.

As a result, Ashour’s first round opponent Tarek Momen will now face England’s Adrian Waller, who gains automatic entry into the main draw following Ashour’s withdrawal, in the first round.

Tournament Chairman and Director John Nimick said; “Like all squash fans, I am saddened that Ramy will not have the opportunity to go for his fourth career ToC title this year, but I am excited about the depth and strength of the men’s draw and have no doubt ToC ’15 will be tremendous.

“We look forward to seeing Ramy Ashour on court again in Grand Central Terminal next year.”

2015 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions (Revised First Round draw):

[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) v [WC] Todd Harrity (USA)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI) v [Qualifier] Chris Simpson (ENG) v [Qualifier] [Qualifier] v [6] Borja Golan (ESP)
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) v Adrian Waller (ENG)
Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [Qualifier] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v Cameron Pilley (AUS)
Marwan Elshorbagy (EGY) v [4] Amr Shabana (EGY)
[3] Nick Matthew (ENG) v Daryl Selby (ENG)
Omar Mosaad (EGY) v [Qualifier] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) v [Qualifier] Stephen Coppinger (RSA) v [7] James Willstrop (ENG)
[5] Peter Barker (ENG) v Simon Rösner (GER)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL) v [Qualifier] Alister Walker (BOT) v [Qualifier] Max Lee (HKG) v [2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)

Tickets for the 2015 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions range in price from $8 to $170 and may be purchased at www.tocsquash.com. Patron packages are also available at www.tocsquash.com