British Open 2016


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REPORTS & RESULTS BY ROUND 

Previews

Qualifying

Round 1

 Round 2

Quarters

Semis

Final

 

Latest

 

DRAW
  Allam British Open 2016
Men's Draw
21-27 March
Hull, UK, $
150k

First Round
22-23 Mar
second Round
24 Mar
Quarters
25 Mar
Semis
26 Mar
Final
27 Mar
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY)
11-7, 12-10, 11-4 (42m)
[Q] Nicolas Mueller (SUI)
Mohamed Elshorbagy
11-6, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5 (63m)
James Willstrop
Mohamed Elshorbagy
11-8, 11-8, 11-9 (47m)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Mohamed Elshorbagy
11-8, 11-7, 11-7 (44m)
Karim Abdel Gawad
Mohamed Elshorbagy
1-2, 11-5, 11-9 (28m)
Ramy Ashour
James Willstrop (ENG)
5-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-7 (46m)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Daryl Selby (ENG)
11-5, 11-7, 11-5 (25m)
[Q] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)
Mohamed Abouelghar
11-3, 11-8, 11-8 (43m)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
[Q] Raphael Kandra (GER)
11-8, 11-4, 11-6 (39m)
[6] Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
[8] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA)
11-6, 8-11, 12-10, 11-6 (67m)
Saurav Ghosal (IND)
Saurav Ghosal
11-6, 11-6, 0-0 retired (24m)
Marwan ElShorbagy
Marwan ElShorbagy
11-9, 11-7, 4-11, 12-10 (88m)
Karim Abdel Gawad
Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
11-3, 6-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-4 (64m)
Borja Golan (ESP)
Mazen Hesham (EGY)
11-2, 11-4, 6-11, 11-9 (46m)
Fares Dessouki (EGY)
Fares Dessouki
12-14, 11-3, 12-10, 11-9 (91m)
Karim Abdel Gawad
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
11-13, 11-7, 14-12, 11-4 (65m)
[4] Omar Mosaad (EGY)
[3] Nick Matthew (EGY)
11-7, 11-4, 11-8 (43m)
[Q] Adrian Waller (ENG)

Nick Matthew
4-11, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-4 (68m)
Ali Farag

Ali Farag
11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6 (56m)
Ramy Ashour
Ramy Ashour
11-6, 12-10, 8-11, 9-11, 11-7 (74m)
Gregory Gaultier
Ali Farag (EGY)
11-6, 11-6, 11-5 (40m)
[WC] Tom Richards (ENG)
Ryan Cuskelly (AUS)
13-11, 9-11, 12-10 (88m)
[Q] Paul Coll (NZL)
Ryan Cuskelly
11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 13-11 (106m)
Ramy Ashour
[Q] Cesar Salazar (MEX)
1-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-3 (51m)
[5] Ramy Ashour (EGY)
[7] Simon Rösner (GER)
11-8, 11-9, 11-8 (67m)
Max Lee (HKG)
Simon Rösner
11-8, 10-12, 10-12, 11-7, 11-4 (95m)
Chris Simpson
Simon Rösner
11-6, 11-6, 11-8 (47m)
Gregory Gaultier
Chris Simpson (ENG)
11-5, 12-14, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 (84m)
[Q] Zahed Mohamed
Stephen Coppinger (RSA)
11-3, 11-13, 11-3, 11-5 (54m)
[Q] Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS)
Stephen Coppinger
11-5, 11-1, 11-9 (44m)
Gregory Gaultier
Cameron Pilley (AUS)
8-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-2, 11-7 (76m)
[2] Gregory Gaultier (FRA)

 qualifying


Results - Qualification Finals: Men's 2016 Allam British Open
[1] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt [L] Richie Fallows (ENG) 3-1: 7-11, 15-13, 11-8, 11-4 (44m)
[8] Nafiizwan Adnan (MAS) bt [13] Lucas Serme (FRA) 3-0: 16-14, 11-7, 12-10 (61m)
[5] Zahed Mohamed (EGY) bt [9] Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-1: 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8 (57m)
[3] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bt Joe Lee (ENG) 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 (36m)
[4] Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt [12] Laurens Jan Anjema (NED) 3-2: 12-10, 11-8, 6-11, 15-17, 11-6 (62m)
[6] Adrian Waller (ENG) bt Henrik Mustonen (FIN) 3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 11-2 (31m)
[15] Raphael Kandra (GER) bt [7] Omar Abdel Meguid (EGY) 3-1: 11-2, 11-8, 3-11, 11-9 (48m)
[11] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [2] Leo Au (HKG) 3-2: 10-12, 11-5, 11-8, 7-11, 11-1 (75m)


 

  Allam British Open 2016
Women's Draw
21-27 March
Hull, UK, $
130k
First Round
22-23 Mar
second Round
24 Mar
Quarters
25 Mar
Semis
26 Mar
Final
27 Mar
[1] Laura Massaro (ENG)
11-2, 11-5, 11-6 (25m)
[Q] Olivia Blatchford (USA)
Laura Massaro
11-9, 12-10, 11-5 (35m)
Line Hansen
Laura Massaro
11-8, 11-5, 11-7 (39m)
Camille Serme
Camille Serme
12-10, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9 (80m)
Nouran Gohar
Nouran Gohar
11-7, 9-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8 (75m)
Nour El Sherbini
[14] Delia Arnold (MAS)
9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9 (64m)
Line Hansen (DEN)
[16] Emily Whitlock (ENG)
11-5, 11-7, 11-5 (34m)
Victoria Lust (ENG)
Emily Whitlock
11-5, 11-8, 11-3 (31m)
Camille Serme
[WC] Fiona Moverley (ENG)
11-7, 11-6, 11-3 (29m)
[5] Camille Serme (FRA)
[8] Nouran Gohar (EGY)
11-2, 11-1, 11-3 (25m)
Heba El Torky (EGY)
Nouran Gohar
11-7, 11-3, 11-8 (27m)
Annie Au
Nouran Gohar
11-9, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9 (70m)
Raneem El Welily
[Q] Sarah Campion (ENG)
11-5, 11-6, 11-5 (28m)
[9] Annie Au (HKG)
[11] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
11-8, 11-3, 7-4 retired (21m)
[Q] Mariam Metwally (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry
11-9, 14-12, 11-6 (41m)
Raneem El Welily
[Q] Nele Gillis (BEL)
11-5, 11-3, 11-3 (21m)
[3] Raneem El Welily (EGY)
[4] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
11-3, 11-7, 11-6 (32m)
Nicolette Fernandes (GUY)
Nour El Sherbini
11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 11-1 (27m)
Liu Tsz-Ling
Nour El Sherbini
11-4, 11-7, 14-12 (34m)
Amanda Sobhy
Nour El Sherbini
11-6, 2-11, 11-9, 11-6 (43m)
Nicol David
[Q] Liu Tsz-Ling (HKG)
13-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-7 (35m)
[16] Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
[12] Alison Waters (ENG)
11-4, 11-5, 11-6 (22m)
Rachael Grinham (AUS)
Alison Waters
11-8, 11-2, 11-3 (28m)
Amanda Sobhy
[Q] Coline Aumard (FRA)
11-7, 11-7, 11-4 (29m)
[7] Amanda Sobhy (USA)
[6] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-7, 15-13 (61m)
[Q] Tesni Evan (WAL)
Omneya Abdel Kawy
11-5, 11-5, 11-9 (22m)
Joey Chan
Omneya Abdel Kawy
11-4, 12-14, 12-10, 11-2 (46m)
Nicol David
Joey Chan (HKG)
11-5, 11-9, 10-12, 10-8 retired (54m)
[12] Low Wee Wern (MAS)
[14] Joshna Chinappa (IND)
12-10, 7-11, 11-9, 11-5 (40m)
Donna Urquhart (AUS)
Donna Urquhart
11-4, 11-7, 11-6 (27m)
Nicol David
[Q] Mayar Hany (EGY)
11-8, 11-9, 11-0 (26m)
[2] Nicol David (MAS)

 qualifying


Results - Qualification Finals: Women's 2016 Allam British Open
[1] Tesni Evans (WAL) bt [16] Hollie Naughton (CAN) 3-0: 11-4, 11-9, 11-8
[6] Liu Tsz-Ling (HKG) bt [14] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-2: 11-8, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6 (59m)
[9] Mariam Metwally (EGY) bt [5] Samantha Teran (MEX) 3-1: 9-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9 (48m)
[3] Coline Aumard (FRA) bt [10] Milou van der Heijden (NED) 3-0: 11-3, 11-9, 11-8 (32m)
[4] Olivia Blatchford (USA) bt [11] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-7, 15-13 (41m)
[15] Mayar Hany (EGY) bt [8] Nadine Shahin (EGY) 3-1: 10-12, 11-9, 11-5, 12-10 (37m)
[12] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [7] Deon Saffery (WAL) 3-0: 11-2, 11-6, 11-4 (26m)
[2] Sarah Campion (ENG) bt [13] Cyrielle Peltier (FRA) 3-0: 11-6, 11-5, 11-7 (23m)


 

 

REPORTS                                                                click on images for larger view

Final

Egyptian Duo Elshorbagy and El Sherbini Lift Titles

Women’s World No.5 Nour El Sherbini and Men’s defending champion Mohamed Elshorbagy have captured the 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series, titles after respective victories over fellow Egyptians Nouran Gohar and Ramy Ashour in Hull’s Airco Arena - with El Sherbini becoming the first female Egyptian to lift the coveted title.

El Sherbini's match with Gohar saw the lead change hands multiple times throughout the 75-minute encounter with both players trading points with gusto in a tightly-contested and highly-charged battle. El Sherbini eased to the opening game before Gohar, playing with a maturity that belied her youth, fought back to go a game ahead and put herself within touching distance of the famous crown.

But El Sherbini came back at her and showcased the credentials that has seen her surge to the upper echelons of the Women’s game, taking the match 11-7, 9-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8 to become the tournament’s second youngest winner at just 20 years of age after New Zealand’s Susan Devoy in 1984.

"It was a really tough match," said El Sherbini.

"Nouran is just 18 and she brought out all of the squash I had today. I really had to do all I could to win, it was really close. The last two points were really hard, I’m speechless.

"I’m really proud to be representing Egypt anywhere so to be the first Egyptian to win the British Open is a huge thing for me. I’m really proud to be one of the four finalists today. I’m really happy that Egypt is proud of me and I want to keep making them proud."

Meanwhile, Elshorbagy has made it five World Series titles in a row after a strong display saw him end a four-match winless streak against fierce rival Ashour.

The man from Alexandria was in fine fettle against 2013 winner Ashour, whose movement looked inhibited, and powered to victory in the first two games before seeing off a resurgent Ashour in the third to close out an 11-2, 11-5, 11-9 triumph.

"I’m really happy to be able to defend my title and win my second British Open," said Elshorbagy.

"It’s been a crazy season for me. Last season, when I won four World Series titles, I was telling my mother and my brother that I didn’t know how I was going to keep up with that next season but I’ve won five already so this is a dream for me. I’m just really proud of what I have been achieving this season.

‘I have to be thankful to my team, they are the ones that are keeping my body healthy because our matches are just something different. We give something different to our sport and I really hope we keep playing for the future and we have such a great rivalry. It’s great to have him [Ashour] back here again."
 

Semi Finals

Egyptian Quartet Make History At 2016 British Open

The final of the 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament, will feature four Egyptians for the first time in the history of the prestigious event after Ramy Ashour, Mohamed Elshorbagy, Nouran Gohar and Nour El Sherbini all secured semi-final wins in Hull’s Airco Arena.

Ashour earned his place in the showpiece finale after coming through a spectacular 74-minute encounter against World Champion Gregory Gaultier. The duo drew loud applause from a capacity crowd at the end of a series of brutal, breathtaking rallies, full to the brim with attacking artistry and frantic retrieving from both combatants.

Ashour looked to have conceded the initiative after allowing a two-game lead to slip through his grasp but he recovered from five-points down in the fifth to take an 11-6, 12-10, 8-11, 9-11, 11-7 victory through to the next stage.

“When the injury happened to me in November in Seattle I was thinking that I was done,” said Ashour, who was making his first appearance in four months after a hamstring injury sustained in the World Championship.

“For some reason, I didn’t remember where the years went. I would go back and watch and I wouldn’t feel anything. I was thinking that there was something wrong there.

“I was thinking about losing the match in the fifth. At the same time, you’re playing the World Champion. It’s a mental battle, not just physically. There’s no words to describe how I’m feeling. It was very dreamy for me just to be back."

Meanwhile, defending champion Elshorbagy advanced to the final for a second successive year after sweeping to victory against compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad.

Elshorbagy dominated the 44-minute spectacle and gave Gawad very little chance to attack with a series of punishing drives keeping his younger compatriot rooted in the back of the court and he duly triumphed courtesy of an 11-8, 11-7, 11-7 scoreline.

The World No.1 will take on Ashour in a mouthwatering repeat of the 2014 World Championship final, a match widely renowned to be one of the greatest of all time. Elshorbagy is 7-1 down on the head-to-head record between the two but admits he is looking forward to the encounter.

"Playing Ramy tomorrow will be completely different,” Elshorbagy said.

“I’m three years younger than the older generation, Nick, Greg and Ramy and I’ve been playing with them for so many years. I wasn’t relaxed when I was playing them because I was trying to catch up with them and win titles like them. This time, I know I have already won this title last year so I will be a bit more relaxed.

“If we both stay injury free we’re going to give something special for our sport. He played an amazing match today because Greg [Gaultier] was playing so well and it was great to see him moving and he has been getting better every day. I am sure that, tomorrow, we will have such an amazing match in front of an amazing crowd.”

The Women’s final will be a battle between the two youngest finalists in British Open history with 18-year-old World Junior Champion Gohar set to meet El Sherbini, who was just 16 years of age when she reached the 2012 final.

Gohar played with pace and precision in a virtuoso performance against last year’s winner Camille Serme to surge into a two-game advantage but a resilient Serme fought back to ensure parity. A nail-biting fifth game was decided by the narrowest of margins but it was Gohar who edged it to reach her first ever World Series final, where she could become the youngest ever Women’s winner - just two months after triumphing in the the junior edition of the iconic tournament.

“It’s amazing, it’s a very good thing, it’s my biggest achievement so far being in the British Open final,” she said.

“I was in the British Open Junior final just a few months ago and now I’m in the final of the senior tournament. Being in the final of the most prestigious tournament of the year is an unbelievable achievement. I’ve been playing lots of tournaments, lots of matches so it has given me experience and helped me improve my game."

El Sherbini defeated five-time winner Nicol David with a superb 3-1 victory, sending her into a final that will be completely dominated by Egyptians - the first time a single nation has provided all four finalists since Australia in 1977.
 

 

 

 

Quarter Finals

Ashour Heads Trio of Egyptians in Semi-Final Lineup

There will be three Egyptian men in the semi-final stage of the prestigious Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament, for the first time in the modern era after 2013 champion Ramy Ashour led World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy and Karim Abdel Gawad into the last four in Hull.

Ashour downed compatriot Ali Farag in a scintillating 56-minute encounter that saw both players showcase some exquisite squash with Ashour in particular hitting a spectacular corkscrew shot that died in the forehand back corner. The 28-year-old closed out the victory by an 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 scoreline to move in to the last four where he will face World Champion Gregory Gaultier.

“I’m really happy with my performance especially coming back from injury, it means a lot to me and everyone who believed in me,” he said.

“It’s just great to be in the semi-finals but I’m not expecting anything and I won’t get ahead of myself. I wasn’t playing in patches today which is a great sign. I just want to push myself as best I can until my body or my mind breaks down.

“He’s [Farag] a very respectful character and I think he is now the ‘over-dog’ rather than the ‘under-dog’. His movement is unbelievable and he’s definitely a top-10 quality player.”

Elshorbagy safely secured his passage into the next round with a strong victory over Colombia’s Miguel Angel Rodriguez.

Rodriguez put in a valiant display but, despite some excellent retrieval skills and a trademark dive wowing an enraptured crowd, Elshorbagy’s class shone through as the man from Alexandria powered to an 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 victory.

"Trying to defend this title is going to mean so much to me and my team,” said Elshorbagy.

“Winning it the first time is always the toughest but, now I have won, I’m relaxed. You deal with each match differently. Today was very tough because it was very hot today and they are the perfect conditions for him and the worst conditions for me.

"I had to deal with it and I was glad I was able to slow down the pace and keep it as tight as I can. He played really well but this is the British Open and I am playing my best squash here."

Elshorbagy will face compatriot Karim Abdel Gawad in the next round after he dispatched the younger Elshorbagy, Marwan, in four games, while World Champion Gregory Gaultier beat Germany’s Simon Rösner to set up a semi-final showdown with Ashour.

Defending Women’s champion Camille Serme took a step closer to retaining her crown after a stunning win against World No.1 Laura Massaro in a repeat of last year’s final.

Serme played at a high tempo throughout, with a plethora of attacking volleys paying dividends as Massaro struggled to find any fluency in her game and the 26-year-old took the match 11-8, 11-5, 11-7 to complete a stunning victory that dashed any hopes of home success after Nick Matthew and James Willstrop bowed out in the previous round.

"I felt good on court today, a bit nervous at the beginning, but I got more and more confident with my game," said Serme.

"Last year I was really focused on what to do and I’m really happy. I wanted to play a lot of volleys and try to attack as soon as I could without rushing it. I was trying to find the balance between rushing and not rushing."

Nouran Gohar caused the day’s big upset in the Women’s draw with a fine victory over close friend and Egyptian No.1 Raneem El Welily, while five-time winner Nicol David required four games to see off Omneya Abdel Kawy. Nour El Sherbini was the other victor with a straight games dismantling of United States No.1 Amanda Sobhy.
 

Second Round

Defending Champions Elshorbagy and Serme Through to Quarters

Defending champions Mohamed Elshorbagy and Camille Serme (right) sealed their places in the quarter-final of the 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament, on the fourth day of action at the prestigious event in Hull.

Current World No.1 Elshorbagy avenged his shock World Championship defeat to former World No.1 James Willstrop by downing the Yorkshireman 11-6, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5 - meaning that there will be no Englishmen in the quarter-final stage of the iconic tournament for the first time since 1992 after Nick Matthew also exited the event yesterday.

“I’ve been waiting for this match for four months, since the World Championship,” said Elshorbagy (left).

“After he got back from his injury, the first time I saw him return to his best was against me in the World Championship. I was really happy to see him playing that well, it’s important for the game to have someone like him to be playing very well. I was focused from the first point today, I thought we played such a high-quality match for a second round match.

“I got in my zone and I’m really happy that he played well so we pushed each other very hard.”

Serme, meanwhile, remains on course to retain her title in the Women’s event after a masterful performance against England’s Victoria Lust sent her through to the last eight.

The number five seed produced an array of sublime shots during a high-quality match as her attacking artistry at the front of the court in particular paid dividends throughout the 31-minute encounter.

She put Lust to the sword in a comprehensive 11-5, 11-8, 11-3 victory to seal her spot in the next round - where she will face Women’s World No.1 Laura Massaro (right), the only English player left in the competition, in a repeat of last year’s final.

"I am just trying to focus on today and not last year," Serme said.

"I just try to focus match after match, and try to think about the tactic and not the prestigious tournament. It would be be a good battle [against Massaro], a good match. I am going to give everything I have."

Massaro came through a difficult tie against Denmark’s Line Hansen to continue her attempts to lift a second British Open crown.

The 32-year-old was made to work hard for the win and found herself trailing her opponent in the first game before prevailing and she came through the second in determined style after triumphing on the tie-break. Some typically accurate hitting from the 2013 British Open champion saw her pull away in game three and she kept her composure to record an 11-9, 12-10, 11-5 triumph.

“It will be a good match for the crowd," said Massaro of her upcoming fixture against Serme.

"I’m glad to be in the quarter final, it’s nice to be off in three games with not much time to rest. I feel like I am playing well and much better than I was this time last year. Also I don’t have an 85-minute match in my legs like I did going into last years final so I just want to play my best.”

An injury to Saurav Ghosal saw Marwan Elshorbagy (left) progress to the next round where he will take on Karim Abdel Gawad, who reached the last eight at the iconic event for the first time in his career by beating compatriot Fares Dessouki, while Miguel Angel Rodriguez downed Mohamed Abouelghar to ensure he will face Mohamed Elshorbagy for a place in the semi-final.

The other matches in the Women’s draw saw World Junior Champion Nouran Gohar beat Hong Kong’s Annie Au to set up a quarter-final clash with Raneem El Welily (right), who saw off Sarah-Jane Perry.
 

Second Round (Lower Half)

Farag Stuns Three-time Champion Matthew In Second Round

Egyptian World No.14 Ali Farag (right) stunned the crowd at the 2016 Allam British Open in Hull as he knocked out three-time champion and World No.3 Nick Matthew in the second round of the prestigious PSA World Series tournament to inflict the home-favourite's worst British Open result since 2002.

Matthew was 2-1 up in an engaging, tightly-contested affair before his movement slowed considerably towards the end of the fourth after sustaining an ankle injury. Farag moved on to level things up and, despite battling bravely, a clearly struggling Matthew was unable to match him in the final game as Farag wrapped up a 4-11, 13-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-4 victory to set up a quarter-final meeting with compatriot Ramy Ashour.

“I knew he wasn’t at his best towards the end of the fourth but I am glad it didn’t get into my head and I was able to carry on playing my game,” said Farag.

“I can’t put it into words how good it feels to get through to the quarter-final. I don’t want to be satisfied yet, I want to keep progressing until the following round until I win it. It might not happen this year but maybe the year after and I will definitely come every year and do my best to win it.

“There isn’t a game plan against the likes of Ramy, Nick or Greg [Gaultier], you just need to keep it towards the back as much as possible then when you have any opportunities you have to take them. Hopefully that will work.”

Ashour (left), who won this event back in 2013, came back from the brink of elimination after saving a match ball against Australian No.2 and sparring partner Ryan Cuskelly in a dramatic 106-minute encounter which was the second longest match of the Egyptian maverick’s career.

‘The Artist’ had gone two games up only to see his lead shattered by a resurgent Cuskelly, who refocused after an injury forced him off court for a short period during the third, before going 9-3 up in the deciding fifth game.

In a remarkable display of tenacity and skill, Ashour battled back and overturned a match ball for Cuskelly at 11-10 to bring an end to a thrilling encounter by an 11-5, 11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 13-11 scoreline.

“Every match I am just pushing myself," said Ashour.

"Today I was a bit hesitant so in the next match I will be all the way in. The match was scary in patches but it was definitely better than last time [against Cesar Salazar in round one]. I felt a lot freer on court and I didn’t think about my body as much.

"He played amazingly so all credit to him. If it wasn’t for my comeback at the end he could have got it. I’m trying to keep things as simple as I can, I’m not trying to think too much.”

Elsewhere in the Men’s draw, World Champion Gregory Gaultier and Germany’s Simon Rösner have also advanced after respective victories against Stephen Coppinger and Chris Simpson. Gaultier and Rösner will now go head-to-head in the next round for a place in the last four.

The Women’s event saw five-time winner Nicol David (right)cement her place in the quarter-final thanks to a routine win over Australia’s Donna Urquhart.

Malaysian icon David was on the front foot from the off and exhibited some majestic shots throughout an 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 win to move progress to the next round after just 27 minutes on court.

“All the girls are stepping up their games in each round which is exciting for the tour at the moment as we are all pushing each other but I'm really pleased with how I played today,” said David.

“I felt like I was feeling the court better and I know I always have to play good squash on the day, and I’m happy to win 3-0 and have this amount of recovery. I came into this tournament as number two seed and the underdog so I will give it my all and see where it takes me.”

Egyptian duo Nour El Sherbini and Omneya Abdel Kawy also won against Hong Kong pair Liu Tsz-Ling and Joey Chan, respectively, while United States No.1 Amanda Sobhy (left) took out England’s Alison Waters in an impressive three-game salvo.
 

Round One (Top Half)

Gawad Leads Charge As Upsets Abound

Egyptian Karim Abdel Gawad (right) pulled off the biggest upset of the competition so far as he downed World No.4 Omar Mosaad in the first round of the 2016 Allam British Open during a day of high drama that saw a six-strong contingent upset the odds to book a place in the second round of the prestigious PSA World Series tournament taking place in Hull.

Inside the Airco Arena, Gawad, the 24-year-old from Giza, played with poise and composure to halt the run of Mosaad - who reached the final at both the Canary Wharf Classic and Colombia Open inside the past month - and inflict a first round exit on World Championship runner-up Mosaad for the first time since January 2014.

"I'm over the moon to come through today," said Gawad.

"The last time we played I think I only took about four points from him so when I saw I was playing Omar in the first round I knew it would be tough. He's played a lot of tournaments recently and has had some good results and been in great form so I'm very happy to win.

"He's one of the toughest players on tour mentally and physically and I could feel he was tired today but I still had to play at my best to make sure I could get the win and I need to focus on the second round and push on in the next match."

Gawad will play compatriot Fares Dessouki for a place in the quarter-finals where Indian Saurav Ghosal (left) could await after he toppled number eight seed Mathieu Castagnet, winner of the Canary Wharf Classic, to reach the second round for the first time since 2013.

Castagnet, who had suffered with illness prior to the tournament, struggled to cope with Ghosal's pace and attrition and after sharing the first two games it was the World No.19 from Calcutta who asserted himself to earn an impressive win.

“Mathieu has been playing extremely well, his results over the last couple of months have been great," said Ghosal.

"He won at Canary Wharf which was a massive win. I knew I had to be ready for an absolute battle. I was expecting long lung busting rallies but I was very pleased with how I played."

Ghosal's long-time training partner James Willstrop, the English former World No.1 currently ranked No.12, was another surprise victor as he dismissed World No.7 Tarek Momen 3-1 to set up a last sixteen match with World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy (right)  while qualifier Mohamed Abouelghar also upset the odds to defeat an under-the-weather Daryl Selby 3-0.

In the women's draw Danish player Line Hansen completed a remarkable come back from behind victory to record an improbable win over Malaysian Delia Arnold, who ranked 11 places above her on the World Rankings at No.15.

Arnold shocked the squash world last year when she reached the semi-finals of the British Open but, after edging the first two games, she couldn't halt Hansen's charge as the 32-year-old sealed an incredible comeback.

“This is the best I’ve ever done at the British Open and I’ve played here a fair few times,” said Hansen.

“Last time we played, I lost 12-10 in the fifth so I knew it was going to be close but I also knew I was in with a chance. I’m just glad I finally got a good win. To be honest, I got a little bit annoyed because I definitely thought I shouldn’t have lost the first.

“I was just thinking that I had to hit through the ball rather than try to be pretty and it worked.”

Hansen will face World No.1 Laura Massaro in the next round after the top seed saw off American Olivia Blatchford with ease while fellow Englishwoman Victoria Lust overcame higher ranked Emily Whitlock in straight games to progress.

“I’m thrilled to win, Emily’s a tough player and she’s been playing well so to get off in three is great and I’m really happy with how I played,” said Lust.

 

Round 1 (Bottom Half)

Ashour, Kawy And Gaultier Escape British Open First Round Exits

The opening day of action at the 2016 Allam British Open saw the high-profile trio of three-time World Champion Ramy Ashour (right), current World Champion Gregory Gaultier and Women's World No.6 Omneya Abdel Kawy narrowly avoid crashing out of the prestigious PSA World Series tournament, dubbed the 'Wimbledon of Squash', at the very first hurdle.

Inside Hull's Airco Arena 2013 British Open winner Ashour, the maverick Egyptian who was making his competitive comeback following a four-month injury enforced absence, found himself 2-0 down to Mexican qualifier Cesar Salazar and facing an ignominious exit before he managed to finally assert himself on proceedings and show glimpses of the form that saw him become the most dominant force in squash during 2012.

Ashour fell behind 11-1, 11-6 before finding his range and rhythm to canter through the last three games and remind his world tour competitors that he can still be a force to be reckoned with.

“I was just happy and grateful that I was moving and playing,” he said.

"I think with my injuries I trying too hard and training too much - I was always thinking more is better but I realise now that was wrong. I'm getting smarter with my training now and I'm just grateful that I'm here an table to hit the ball.

“At the moment I have no aim, no goal. I’m just trying to forget about what I want, or what I would like.”

Ashour's come-from-behind victory was mirrored by current World Champion Gaultier (left)- who was also making his first appearance since suffering an ankle-injury during January's Tournament of Champion - as he twice overturned game deficits against Australian Cameron Pilley to reach the second round.

The Frenchman was unconvincing as he trailed 1-2 in games before he managed to spark into life and take the last two games 11-2, 11-7.

“Obviously I am pleased to win and come through,” said Gaultier. “I didn’t know what to expect and I did the best I could with the preparation time I had which wasn’t idea. I was in great form in January and it was very hard to start over again after the injury.

“Today wasn’t the best squash but I just did what I could. At 2-1 down I was telling the coaches that I just wanted to go back to France but they found the right words to motivate me and thankfully it worked.

“I’m happy to still be in the tournament and hopefully I can play better in the next round.”

In the women's draw there were impressive first round wins for title favourites Nour El Sherbini and five-time winner Nicol David (right), who both came through 3-0 over Nicolette Fernandes and Mayar Hany, respectively, while Kawy matched the feats of compatriot Ashour by coming from two-games down to defeat Welsh qualifier Tesni Evans.

A serial semi-finalist on the PSA World Tour Kawy started sluggishly and looked out of sorts during the opening two games before she showed why she has consistently been one of the top ranking players on tour for the past decade as she fought back to win three games in a row to keep her competition alive, although she did require six match ball opportunities.

"I knew I have won from being 2-0 down before so I kept talking positively to myself and I knew that I could win," said Kawy (left).

"In the fifth game the points were all crucial and I'm just really thankful that I came through it. She made a few mistakes and I was pushing myself to hang in there and work as hard as I could to win those points."

Former World No.2 Jenny Duncalf suffered the most high profile first round upset on day one as she fell to qualifier Liu Tsz-Ling of Hong Kong - the 24-year-old who ranks over 20 places below Duncalf on the World Rankings.

“It’s like I’m in a dream,” said Liu afterwards.

“I’ve never played her before and I knew that it would be a hard match. I didn’t think much about winning or losing, I just stuck to playing my game."
 

Qualifying

Coll Topples Au As Qualification Comes To A Close

New Zealand's Paul Coll, the man who became a viral sensation for his acrobatic exploits during the Canary Wharf Classic just 12 days ago, scored a dramatic upset win over number two seeded Leo Au of Hong Kong to progress to the main draw of the 2016 Allam British Open as two days of intense qualification action came to a close today.

The World No.41 narrowly lost out in the opening game, 10-12, but responded in style to edge ahead 2-1 before Au raised his levels to force a decider. It was all one way traffic in the fifth however as Coll, ranked 15 places lower than Au, dominated to lose just one point on his way to setting up a first round clash with Australian Ryan Cuskelly.

German Raphael Kandra was the only other upset winner in the men's draw, as he defeated Wimbledon Open runner-up Omar Abdel Meguid 3-1 to set up a first round fixture with Colombian Miguel Angel Rodriguez, while in the women's draw England's Sarah Campion marked her return to competitive PSA World Tour action for the first time since giving birth to her first child with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Cyrielle Peltier.

Campion will take on Hong Kong's Annie Au in the main draw while Nele Gilis, Mayar Hany and Mariam Metwally all upset the seedlings to defeat Deon Saffery, Nadine Shahin and Samantha Teran, respectively, to move into the main draw of the prestigious PSA World Series tournament which takes place at the Airco Arena from March 21 - 27 - with the University of Hull also playing host to select matches on March 21 and 22.
 
Previews

Elshorbagy Seeded to Meet Ashour in El Gouna International Draw

World No.1 Mohamed Elshorbagy will lead a world-class field when the 2016 El Gouna International, the last PSA World Series tournament of the 2015/16 season, begins on Sunday April 24 in Egypt - and is seeded to face defending champion Ramy Ashour in the quarter-final stage in what will be the latest instalment of their fierce rivalry.

Elshorbagy, who succumbed to a 3-2 defeat to fellow Egyptian Ashour in last year’s final, has dominated on the PSA World Tour in recent months, lifting four consecutive World Series titles which has given him a strong lead at the summit of the PSA Road to Dubai Standings.

Ashour, meanwhile, has struggled with the hamstring injury that has dogged the last few years of his career and hasn’t been seen on the PSA World Tour since he limped out of his World Championship clash with Omar Mosaad in November. Ashour meets a qualifier in round one as he looks to kickstart his aspirations of lifting a fourth successive El Gouna International crown, while Elshorbagy’s opening round fixture against Egyptian maverick Mazen Hesham is the pick of the first round action.

World No.4 Omar Mosaad is seeded to meet Elshorbagy in the semi-final but has a difficult encounter with Cameron Pilley in round one.

On the opposite side of the draw, World Champion Gregory Gaultier and World No.3 Nick Matthew are seeded to meet in the last four, while the likes of Egyptian trio Tarek Momen, Karim Abdel Gawad and Marwan Elshorbagy will be standing in their way in a draw that is full to the brim with outstanding talent.

"The El Gouna International has firmly established itself as one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring tournaments on the PSA World Tour calendar," said Tournament Promoter Amr Mansi.

"An abundance of talent, including 19 of the world’s top 20 players, is set to engage in some unforgettable matches across six days of truly world-class action as the event, now entering its fifth year, continues to go from strength-to-strength."
 

Home Star Massaro Tops Women’s Draw

After falling at the last hurdle against Frenchwoman Camille Serme in the 2015 Allam British Open, England’s World No.1 Laura Massaro, who became just the third English player to top the World Rankings this January, returns to Hull's Airco Arena from March 21 - 27 as favourite to triumph at the prestigious ‘Wimbledon of Squash’ in one of the most compelling draws of recent years.

Massaro, the 2013 British Open champion, has taken two of five PSA World Series titles available so far during the 2015/16 season, at the US Open and Qatar Classic, but with Nicol David, Raneem El Welily and Nour El Sherbini all also having tasted success and with the likes of defending champion Serme, Tournament of Champions runner-up Amanda Sobhy and serial semi-finalists Nouran Gohar and Omneya Abdel Kawy also in the mix, the 2016 British Open could be one of the most competitive tournament's in the event's illustrious history.

Massaro begins her bid for the title against a qualifier on March 22 en route to what is a likely quarter-final clash with 2015 winner Serme. El Welily, the woman who ended David's nine-year reign as World No.1, is seeded to meet Massaro in the semi-finals while David and El Sherbini could clash in a their third consecutive World Series semi-final - where the Malaysian will be hoping to stop a run of three consecutive defeats to the Egyptian.

Serme will begin her defence with a tricky encounter with tournament wildcard and local favourite Fiona Moverley while Gohar and Sobhy will be hoping to progress beyond the last eight stage when they are seeded to meet El Welily and El Sherbini, respectively.

With Massaro, David, El Sherbini, Sobhy and Gohar playing some of their best squash in recent months, Serme returning to winning ways at the recent Cleveland Classic and El Welily back to the form that saw her top the world rankings, the 2016 Women’s British Open has all the ingredients to go down as one of the most thrilling ever.
 

Nicol David Excited To Compete

Five-time champion Nicol David says she is excited to compete in the illustrious Allam British Open later this month when the 'Wimbledon of Squash' gets underway in Hull's Airco Arena from the 21st March in what will be the last PSA World Series tournament of the women's 2015/16 season.

The 2015/16 World Series season has been one of the most competitive ever on the PSA World Tour with David, World No.1 Laura Massaro, former World No.1 Raneem El Welily and Egyptian sensation Nour El Sherbini all having tasted success in recent months. With the likes of defending champion Camille Serme, Tournament of Champions runner-up Amanda Sobhy and Egyptian's Nouran Gohar and Omneya Abdel Kawy also in the British Open mix, David is preparing for a huge challenge.

"It is exciting times for squash at present to have everyone pushing each other to perform at their best each time we compete with each other," said David.

"That's the challenge that drives me to push harder in my training and to prepare for battle. But this year is another new year and I'll approach the tournament the way I do each time - that is to focus on my first round match then take it from there."

After lifting just one World Series title in the last 12 months, December's Hong Kong Open, David will be hoping to return to winning ways in Hull and lift the special trophy once again.

"The prestige of this event is the highlight for me and to be part of the British Open every year is truly special," said David.

"It is the longest running squash tournament in the history of the sport and every player is gunning to win that title to make their mark in the squash world.

"It is such a thrilling experience winning this title knowing you're part of an elite group of legendary squash players who have put their name on this trophy. The British Open title was probably seen as the highest regard before the World title was introduced so it does carry a lot of weight winning this title."

The 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament, takes place in Hull, England from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th March. Qualification rounds will take place at the University of Hull on the 19th & 20th March while the main draw action will be played at the Airco Arena from the 21st March.
 

Ramy Ashour Targets World Tour Return

Three time World Champion Ramy Ashour is hoping his injury nightmare will soon be behind him as he aims to return to competitive action at the prestigious 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament which begins on Monday March 21 at the Airco Arena in Hull.

The current World No.5 from Egypt has grappled with injury over the past two years and has made just a handful of appearances since his 2014 World Championship victory, where he marked his return from a six-month absence to lift the sport’s biggest prize.

After winning the NetSuite Open in his first tournament of the 2015/16 season, injury curtailed his participation in his next two events at the Delaware Investments US Open and 2015 World Championship and he has been out of action in the three months since. However, ‘The Artist’ is hopeful that his latest attempts at rehabilitation will prove fruitful as he looks to win a first British Open crown since 2013.

"I have been working hard over the past few months to recover from my injuries and I hope to be able to compete at the Allam British Open later this month," said Ashour.

"Winning the tournament in 2013 was a special moment for me and fingers crossed I can compete in that great event again in a few weeks.”

The 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament, takes place in Hull, England from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th March. Qualification rounds will take place at the University of Hull on the 19th & 20th March while the main draw action will be played at the Airco Arena from the 21st March.

 

World No.1 Laura Massaro Relishing Challenge

Women’s World No.1 Laura Massaro, the 32-year-old from Preston, is looking forward to going into this year’s 2016 Allam British Open at the Airco Arena, Hull as the tournament top seed as she bids to win the illustrious ‘Wimbledon of Squash’ for the second time in her career.

Massaro, who last week triumphed at the National Squash Championship in Manchester, became just the first Englishwomen in 22 years to win the Allam British Open when she defeated Nicol David to take the title when the tournament made its debut in Hull in 2013. Three years on she is hoping for a repeat performance this March.

“Winning the Allam British Open in 2013 was huge for me,” said Massaro. “To beat Nicol David, who was then No.1, in front of a home crowd in my first ever British Open final is something that I will never forget.

“Once you get on court you only focus on playing squash but when the crowd get behind the British players, especially in the latter stages, and become more vocal it really does give you an incredible boost and, as a player, it is a feeling that is hard to replicate at any other tournament in the world.

“That 2013 win was unexpected and exciting but I feel capable of winning this year also. Having two British Open title would be very, very special. My focus is on playing my best and doing everything I can to make it happen.”

After winning in 2013 Massaro fell short at the final hurdle in both 2014 and 2015, losing to David and Frenchwoman Camille Serme, respectively, but despite those defeats she says she has nothing but positive memories from her time in Hull.

“I only have good memories from playing in Hull over the past few years and that helps me everytime I go there because I only think of the tournament positively,” said the 2014 Women’s World Champion.

“Last year was also special for me because I came to the 2015 British Open after taking a break from the sport and I had to real expectations on me. I came from 2-0 down against Nicol, in a match that if one of my fondest ever memories, to make the final and even though I lost that match it was another great memory in Hull.

“I’ll be the top seed this year and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be number one but there are so many players with the talent and ability to go all the way that I know I can’t take anything for granted.”

The 2016 Allam British Open, PSA World Series tournament, takes place in Hull, England from Saturday 19th to Sunday 27th March. Qualification rounds will take place at the University of Hull on the 19th & 20th March while the main draw action will be played at the Airco Arena from the 21st March.
 
Defending Champion Camille Serme Relishing Return

One year after the most famous victory of her career Camille Serme, the World No.4, says she is relishing the prospect of returning to Hull to defend her Allam British Open crown when the prestigious ‘Wimbledon of Squash’ gets underway on March 21 at the Airco Arena, Hull.

Serme defeated home favourite and current World No.1 Laura Massaro 3-1 to secure the title in 2015, which has been contested since 1922, and become the first ever Frenchwoman to lift the historic trophy in a victory that saw her become headline news all across France in what she says was an amazing period of her career.

“Winning the British Open in 2015 was an incredible moment for me,” said Serme.

“It was my first ever PSA World Series win and for that to come at the British Open, considering how prestigious and historic the tournament is, was amazing.

“The British Open is the longest running tournament and the history makes it the most prestigious tournament there is – it’s a really special event for all the players and it is one that we all want to win and I’m really looking forward to returning there this year.”

With Massaro currently in the form of her life, five-time winner Nicol David returning to her best form and former World No.1 Raneem El Welily aiming to regain her peak form the Women’s Tour is in the most competitive and unpredictable era in its history, which will see Serme go into the 2016 staging of the event as an underdog to retain her title.

But the 26-year-old from Créteil is happy to fly under the radar as she says the pressure is not on her.

“The reaction to my win in France was great both for me and for squash,” she said.

“I had loads of messages on my phone, on Facebook and Twitter and there was a lot of media coverage after the tournament which was great and I had a good team around me to help me with all of that.

“Being the defending champion will be a new experience for me and I am excited about that, but I am not putting any pressure on myself. I will approroach it as I will with any other tournament and take each match as it comes and hopefully it will all go well.”
 
World Champion Gaultier Eyeing British Open Return

#PSAWorldTour

2015 PSA World Champion Gregory Gaultier says he is hoping to return to competitive action this March in time to play at the prestigious Allam British Open, the historic tournament known as the ‘Wimbledon of Squash’, which takes place in Hull from March 21-27.

The Frenchman, a two-time winner of squash’s longest-running competition which acted as a de-facto World Championship prior to the first staging of the official World Championship in 1976, suffered an ankle ligament injury during his semi-final encounter with England’s Nick Matthew at the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions but believes a British Open comeback could be on the cards if his rehabilitation programme goes to plan.

“I had a rupture in one of my ankle ligaments and been ruled out of action for the next few weeks but hopefully I can get back to court as quickly as possible and in the best shape possible,” said Gaultier.

“The Allam British Open is the most prestigious tournament we play in and it is one that I really want to compete in during 2016. That drive to play in this famous competition is already part of my recovery motivation and I hope to be 100 per cent when the famous championship gets underway in Hull. It would mean a lot to me to be able to contend for the trophy again.”

 
 
NEWS
 

Schedule

First Round
22-23 Mar
second Round
24 Mar
Quarters
25 Mar
Semis
26 Mar
Final
27 Mar
 

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