Egyptian aims for World Series crown
By NATHAN CLARKE
After securing his place in the season-ending Dubai PSA World Series Finals with a fifth consecutive PSA World Series title at last month’s Allam British Open, World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy says he is looking forward to competing in Dubai for the first time ever when he will be aiming to collect a maiden World Series Finals crown this May.
Even with one qualifying tournament remaining, this month’s El Gouna International, Elshorbagy holds an unassailable lead atop the Men’s Road To Dubai Standings and is assured of his place at the lucrative tournament, which he feels will be the perfect ending to the 2015-16 season.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in Dubai, I’ve been there a few times because my father used to work there, so I know how amazing the place is,” said Elshorbagy.
“I’m really excited to be going there and I’m looking forward to competing in May. It’s going to be the perfect way to end the season in the summer.”
Elshorbagy lost out to compatriot Ramy Ashour in the title-decider during the 2013 World Series Finals but has dominated the PSA World Tour since then, with his unrelenting dedication to self-improvement the key ingredient behind a period of success that has seen him collect 13 titles inside two years – reaching a further four finals.
“I work hard on my game every day and I try to improve each day,” said the 25-year-old.
“I train and see what went wrong in each tournament. Even if I win a tournament it doesn’t mean I didn’t make any mistakes. I always go back to my team and see what I did wrong.
“Being World No.1 isn’t just about winning a title or two, you need to be consistent throughout the whole year and it’s not easy.
“I know I’ve already achieved a lot this season but, as an athlete, you always try to win more titles, you’re not satisfied, you want to always win and that’s what I’ll be trying to do in Dubai.”
The 2015/16 Dubai PSA World Series Finals take place from May 24-28 in Dubai. Tickets for the tournament can be purchased by visiting https://www.ticketmasteruae.ae/etkinlik-grup/699890/ALL/en
Picture by STEVE LINE (www.squashpics.com) courtesy of PSA