Egypt’s squash player Nour El Sherbini wins British Open title
Egypt squash star and world number one Nour El Sherbini claimed her second British Open title after defeating compatriot Raneem El Welily 3-0 in the final on Sunday, while World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy lost the men’s title to Colombia’s Miguel Angel Rodriguez, according to Ahram Online.
The 22-year-old El Sherbini, who clinched the prestigious title for the first time in 2016, needed 47 minutes to beat world No.2 El Welily (11-6, 11-9, 14-12).
El Sherbini, who eliminated defending champion Laura Massaro of England in the semi final, also met El Welily in four other finals this season; with each winning two titles.
“I’m really happy,” El Sherbini was quoted as saying by psaworldtour.com after the final.
“The British Open is the biggest tournament on Tour and it was an honour to win it once and now I have two and I’m really proud. We always have very tough battles, it’s never an easy 3-0 and I’m really glad it’s ended this way.
“The last tournament in Gouna she was 10-5 up and I came back but I didn’t make it so this time I was glad that I came back and do it.
“I’m glad I came back and won the third. Every time we play, it gets harder. We’re really good friends and I learn from her a lot and role model to any player.
“I hope this battle continues and we keep playing each other in the finals,” she concluded.
In the men’s contest, Egypt’s World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy missed out on his third British Open title after losing 2-3 to Colombia’s Miguel Angel Rodriguez later on Sunday.
It is the first ever World Series title for World No.14 Rodriguez, who took 102 minutes to beat ElShorbagy (11-7, 6-11, 8-11, 11-2, 11-9).
The 27-year-old ElShorbagy reached his 10th final of the season after beating last year’s winner and three-time British Open champion Gregory Gaultier of France.
“I think everything was mental – I dreamed it,” the Colombian said after the match.
“I had emotions during the week but I am just speechless. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to win this major tournament – the greatest of all time,” he added.
