Egypt’s Hania el-Hammamy and Ali Farag have emerged victorious at the prestigious J.P. Morgan Squash Tournament of Champions held in New York from 23 January to 30 January.
El-Hammamy, ranked World No. 3, overcame reigning World Champion Nouran Gohar in a gripping final to secure her first title at this event, while top-seed Farag, the World No. 1, clinched his fourth Tournament of Champions title by defeating Diego Elias.
El-Hammamy’s journey to victory was marked by resilience, as she ended a seven-match losing streak against Gohar.
The match unfolded with dramatic momentum shifts, culminating in a hard-fought 8-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-6, 11-8 scoreline, with El-Hammamy sealing her victory on her fourth match ball.
Meanwhile, in the men’s final, Farag’s encounter with Elias was equally compelling. After a tight start, where both players showcased their prowess in two consecutive tie-breaks, the match took an unexpected turn.
With Elias facing conduct penalties, Farag capitalized, finishing the match 9-11, 12-10, 14-12, 11-1.
Reflecting on his triumph, Farag noted the importance of the tournament’s location as it’s his favorite venue to play at.
Alongside their personal successes, these achievements clearly demonstrate Egypt’s prowess in the sport, with both players playing a significant role in the nation’s legacy.
El-Hammamy’s win is especially noteworthy as she continues to rise in the ranks of women’s squash, while Farag further cements his status as a leading figure in men’s squash.
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