Nour El Sherbini and Mostafa Asal were crowned PSA World Champions in Chicago after sealing dominant victories.
In a historic double, El Sherbini and Asal beat fellow nationals Hania El Hammamy and Ali Farag in the all Egyptian finals across the board.
Nour El Sherbini, 29, etched her name in squash history by winning her eighth World Championship title, matching the legendary Nicol David’s record. She overcame El Hammamy in her 10th consecutive World Championship final
“It’s amazing. I never thought I’d reach eight,” El Sherbini said after clinching her 44th PSA title. “Everyone was talking about Nicol’s record, and I didn’t think I’d come close. I’ve had a tough season, but this title means everything to my team and family.”
Her opponent, Hania El Hammamy, was contesting her first World Championship final, a factor Nour El Sherbini noted played into the match. “She’s young and incredibly talented. I had the edge today simply because I’ve been in this position before.”
Meanwhile, In the men’s final, Mostafa Asal produced a masterclass to defeat four-time world champion Ali Farag.
The win not only delivered the 22-year-old’s first PSA World Championship title, but it also preserved his position as World No.1, a position he would have lost to Farag had the result gone the other way.
Mostafa Asal did not drop a single game throughout the tournament, completing an incredible week by adding the world title to his British Open crown.
“Emotionally, I’m out of this world,” said Asal after winning his 21st PSA title.
He added, “There’s been a lot going on mentally this week, but to regroup and win both the World Championship and [to] stay No.1 is incredible.”
Mostafa Asal credited much of his resurgence to his mentor, James Willstrop. “My dad wanted me to return to Egypt, but [James] kept encouraging me, having long chats, and now here I am, World Champion.”
The prestigious PSA World Championships offered $1.3 million in prize money, split equally between men and women, and saw both titles return to Egypt.
The PSA World Tour next heads to Egypt for the Palm Hills Squash Open, taking place on May 22–27.