Sunday, November 17, 2024

Grasshopper Cup Squash 2023: Gawad and El Sherbini win titles

Karim Abdel Gawad and Nour El Sherbini completed an Egyptian double at the Grasshopper Cup, beating Joel Makin and Hania El Hammamy in their respective finals.

El Sherbini defended her title in ruthless fashion, beating her compatriot in the final for a second straight year.

El Sherbini said: “I think movement was the main key for me. Hania’s game is very physical and you have to find the balance between the physical movement and the squash.  

“I was trying to mix between moving well, getting her shots back and winning my points, but moving well today was definitely one of my main keys.”  

The win was a second straight victory in a major final for El Sherbini, and a second straight against El Hammamy, having beaten her 3-0 in the final of the US Open.

Gawad wrapped up his second PSA Tour title of 2023, beating Joel Makin 3-1 in the men’s final.

A former World No.1 and world champion, Gawad has had some tough draws in recent events after a difficult time with injuries, but now back inside the world’s top 10, he revealed that he’s loving his time on court again.  

“I think I’m playing very good squash,” he said. “I’m moving well on court, mentally I’m much better than in the years before and I’m enjoying every moment on court.  

“I’m enjoying the way I’m playing in the tournaments, and I’ll just keep working as hard as possible to maintain that level.”

Result: Men’s Final

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [5] Joel Makin (WAL) 3-1: 11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 11-6 (65m)

Result: Women’s Final

[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (63m)

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