Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy lifts Qatar Classic women's squash title
The 2023 QTerminals Qatar Classic women’s squash tournament came to a thrilling finish on Friday, with Egyptian Hania El Hammamy lifting the title in style at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
El Hammamy beat compatriot and World No.1 Nour El Sherbini 3-2 (9-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6) in a thrilling final to win the exhilarating contest.
“It’s definitely unbelievable for me. Last week, I lost in the third round in Paris (to Sabrina Sobhy at the Paris Squash 2023 tournament). But I’m proud of the way I’m fighting every day and the way I bounce back after each loss,” El Hammamy was quoted as saying after the title win in Doha.
“Playing against Nour was very hard. She’s the classy image of being a World No.1 and a World Champion. She’s the one I look up to and try to learn from. I’ll carry that image with me when it’s my time to be on top,” she added.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Hania Elhammamy for her exceptional display of skill and resilience, securing her place as the QTerminals Qatar Classic 2023 women's champion! #QatarSquach #QatarClassic2023 #QTerminals pic.twitter.com/EhC6PA5zao
— Qatar Squash Federation (@qatar_squash) September 15, 2023
The women’s event thus made an exciting return after a seven-year break. Curiously, El Sherbini had been a part of the 2015 final as well, going down to Englishwomen Laura Massaro in a five-set thriller.
Things quickly grew heated on Friday between the two players, who were meeting for the fifth time this year, with both winning two matches each.
El Sherbini took the opening game 11-9, but El Hammamy took back the second set by a similar margin. Though the third set saw a seesaw of emotions, it was El Sherbini who came out on top (11-9).
But El Hammamy refused to give up and came back into the game with another 11-9 win.
El Hammamy stunned El Sherbini in the decider, quickly gaining a 9-1 lead before El Sherbini staged a late recovery. However, it was too little too late for the player often referred to as ‘The Warrior Princess.’
“I’m disappointed that I lost this match, but I’m really proud that I did two finals back-to-back. It’s just the start of the season,” said a disappointed El Sherbini.
Congratulations to Ali Farag and Diego Elias on winning their quarter finals matches! Stay tuned for the men’s final tomorrow featuring these two amazing players #QatarSquach #QatarClassic2023 #QTerminals pic.twitter.com/C6scxreQqr
— Qatar Squash Federation (@qatar_squash) September 15, 2023
Earlier, Egypt’s World No.1 Ali Farag secured his place in his third Qatar Classic final, beating Welsh World No.10 Joel Makin 11-7, 11-8, 11-8.
He will take on Peruvian World No.2 Diego Elias, who qualified for Saturday’s final with a 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 win over training partner Mazen Hesham.
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