Karim Abdel Gawad & Nour El Sherbini Crowned 2023 Grasshopper Cup Champions

Nour El Sherbini defeated Hania El Hammamy 11-6 11-7 11-9 to successfully defend her title, whilst Karim Abdel Gawad overcame Joel Makin 11-6 9-11 11-8 11-6 to win his maiden Grasshopper Cup title at the Halle 622 in Zürich, Switzerland.

Former World No.1 and World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad of Egypt secured his second PSA World Tour title of 2023 with victory over Joel Makin of Wales in a thrilling 65-minute showdown at the 2023 Grasshopper Cup.

The 32-year-old Egyptian made a dominant start by clinching the first game 11-6 with a spectacular volley boast winner and looked poised to quickly wrap up the eagerly anticipated final as he raced to a 5-0 lead in the second game with a dazzling display that delighted the capacity crowd. However, Makin showed his trademark resilience by clawing his way back to a 5-5 and eventually managed to close-out the game 11-9.

The Welshman came out with a fiery determination in the opening rallies of the third game, catching Gawad off guard with a crisp backhand drive on the game's fourth point. However, the Egyptian remained resolute, capitalising on any slight mistakes from his opponent's racket to edge the game 10-8.

The fourth game mirrored the intense battle seen throughout the match, with brutal rallies keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats and with every point won by the Welshman met with resounding cheers from the crowd, hoping for a decisive fifth game. However, Gawad, who had the support of women’s champion Nour El Sherbini coaching him between games, played arguably the best squash of the match to arrive at 10-6 when a back-wall boast from a scrambling Makin fell just short of the front wall, which provided the Egyptian with the platform to claim a well-deserved victory.

The women’s final saw Nour El Sherbini defend her Grasshopper Cup title with a clinical victory over compatriot Hania El Hammamy for the second straight year.

The defending champion brought an intensity to the match final which was evident from the opening rally as she unleashed a vicious backhand cross-court winner that set the tone of the match.

After El Sherbini claimed the first game 11-6 in 15 minutes and raced to a 5-3 lead in the second game, her momentum was momentarily halted after being forced to take an injury break to attend to a small cut to her knee. The 27-year-old however remained resolute and soon after the resumption of the match extended her lead, claiming the second game 11-7 with another brilliant attacking forehand boast.

Despite trailing at the beginning of the third game and a further stoppage to attend to the cut on her knee, El Sherbini continued to impose her dominance and eventually closed-out the game 11-9 to claim a deserved straight-game victory.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Men’s Final:
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [5] Joel Makin (WAL) 11-6 11-7 11-9 (65m)

Women’s Final:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 (63m)

Another action-packed day at the Halle 622 in Zürich determined the four finalists at this year’s Grasshopper Cup with former World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad set to face Joel Makin in the men’s finals whilst Nour El Sherbini will take on Hania El Hammamy in the women’s final.

The women's final is particularly noteworthy as it marks the third time that Egyptian stars Nour El Sherbini and Hania El Hammamy will meet in a title showdown this season. El Hammamy secured a victory at the QTerminals Qatar Squash Classic in September, but Nour El Sherbini swiftly retaliated by clinching her inaugural U.S. Squash Open title, triumphing over the World No.3.

Reigning Grasshopper Cup women’s champion Nour El Sherbini , who beat El Hammamy in last year's final, showed remarkable prowess throughout her journey to this year's final. Her path to the championship match involved impressive wins against Lucy Turmel, Sarah-Jane Perry and Georgina Kennedy.

Hania El Hammamy, on the other hand, has navigated her way to the final by overcoming two of her fellow Egyptians, Fayrouz Aboelkheir and Rowan Elaraby, before prevailing over Nele Gilis in the semi-finals, securing her spot in yet another title showdown against World No. 1 El Sherbini.

The 2023 Grasshopper Cup men's final promises to crown a new champion as Joel Makin and Karim Abdel Gawad face off in this tournament's final for the very first time. This match will mark the seventh meeting between the two on the PSA World Tour, with their most recent encounter taking place at the 2022 Windy City Squash Open in Chicago, where Joel Makin emerged victorious in four games.

Joel Makin has displayed exceptional form enroute to the final, delivering commanding performances and not conceding a single game. His victories over formidable opponents, including Mohamed Abouelghar, Youssef Ibrahim and Baptiste Masotti, underscore his remarkable journey to the championship match.

Former World No. 1 and World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad, on the other hand, has weathered a challenging route to earn his place in the final. His journey included a second-round triumph over Raphael Kandra, a quarter-final victory against top seed Mohamed ElShorbagy and a semi-final conquest over his Marwan El Shorbagy.

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 12-10, 11-8, 12-10 (53m)
In a day filled with thrilling squash action at Halle 622 in Zurich ended with Karim Abdel Gawad, a former World No.1 and World Champion, carve a path to the men's final by defeating Marwan ElShorbagy.

The opening game between Karim Abdel Gawad and Marwan ElShorbagy was a closely contested affair, with ElShorbagy holding a 10-8 lead. However, Gawad displayed tremendous composure, saving two game balls and navigating past a couple of let decisions at 10-10, eventually clinching the game with a sublime forehand drop-volley.

In the second game, it was Gawad who surged to a 10-8 lead, and this time, he capitalised on his opportunity, moving within one game of the final. The English No.2, Marwan ElShorbagy, had multiple chances in the third game but faltered once more, losing valuable game balls from 10-7 up. His final shot into the tin sealed the match for Karim Abdel Gawad, who celebrated his victory with a resounding roar and secured his place in the final by winning the subsequent point with a trademark backhand drop.

[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [3] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-9, 11-4, 11-7 (47m)
Hania El Hammamy secured her spot in the final by defeating Nele Gilis with a resounding 47-minute 11-9 11-4 11-7 victory, setting up a much-anticipated final clash with reigning champion Nour El Sherbini. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch, as Hania El Hammamy aims to avenge her previous losses to Nour El Sherbini, both at the Grasshopper Cup last year and at the U.S. Squash Open Presented by TRUIST last week.

Hania El Hammamy has held the upper hand against Nele Gilis in their previous encounters, maintaining a strong record against the Belgian player. In the opening game, she surged to a 4-0 lead, with Gilis trying to claw her way back, but El Hammamy closed it out with an 11-9 victory.

In the second game, Gilis, hampered by a nosebleed, struggled to keep pace with El Hammamy and suffered an 11-4 loss. The third game saw a more even contest, with Gilis mounting a challenge from 6-5 down, but Hania El Hammamy displayed resilience, winning six of the next seven points to secure her spot in the final.

[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) 11-8, 11-6, 11-5 (56m)
Welsh contender Joel Makin kept his quest for a first-ever PSA World Tour Gold event title alive by defeating Baptiste Masotti of France in the semi-finals, maintaining his formidable form. This victory grants him a second opportunity to seize glory in Zürich after his previous final appearance at the GillenMarkets Canary Wharf Classic earlier this year.

Joel Makin's signature relentless style and tenacity proved effective against the formidable inform Masotti, who was coming off an impressive win against Mostafa Asal. The Welshman showed his brilliance with a cross-court nick on the backhand at 8-6 up in the first game, eventually clinching it with a well-placed trickle boast.

In the second game, Masotti started with successive winners, but Makin's patience prevailed as he secured an 11-6 win while the Frenchman's frustrations grew.

In the third game, Masotti's attempts to chase the match led to increased errors, playing into Makin's hands. At 7-4 down, a missed opportunity by Masotti, a front-court backhand into the tin with Joel Makin recovering, ultimately handed victory to the No.5 seed.

[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 12-10, 11-3, 11-4 (24m)
Nour El Sherbini, the World No.1 and last year's champion, delivered a commanding performance to secure her spot in consecutive Grasshopper Cup women’s finals. She triumphed over Gina Kennedy with a convincing 12-10 11-3 11-4 victory.

Nour El Sherbini faced a formidable challenge in the opening game, saving a game ball at 10-9 down and eventually winning 12-10. Georgina Kennedy displayed her prowess in a closely fought game, but in the second game, Nour El Sherbini elevated her game, securing the first six points and closing it out 11-3. Georgina Kennedy initiated the third game with a deep winner, but Nour El Sherbini maintained control, ultimately winning the match with a delicate backhand drop, reminiscent of her quarter-final win.

This victory marked Nour El Sherbini's eighth consecutive win against Georgina Kennedy, with her recent victory being a 3-2 triumph at the U.S. Squash Open Presented by TRUIST last week. The stage is now set for an epic showdown in the final, as Nour El Sherbini seeks to defend her title against Hania El Hammamy, who is determined to turn the tide in her favour.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Men’s Semi-Finals:
[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) 11-8, 11-6, 11-5 (56m)
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 12-10, 11-8, 12-10 (53m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Women’s Semi-Finals:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 12-10, 11-3, 11-4 (24m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [3] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-9, 11-4, 11-7 (47m)

Mohamed ElShorbagy and Mostafa Asal, the top two seed, were both knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Grasshopper Cup, making a spectacular day the Halle 622 in Zurich, Switzerland.

[4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [8] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) 11-9, 11-6 (25m)
Gina Kennedy set the stage for the quarter-finals of the Grasshopper Cup 2023, with a resounding start, dispatching Samtomi Watanabe 11-9 11-6 in the day's opening match.

In the early exchanges, there was precious little to distinguish between the two competitors. At a critical juncture, with the score delicately poised at 5-6. However, Watanabe quickly seized the initiative by claiming the subsequent two points. She had a golden opportunity to create a noticeable gap between herself and Kennedy at 8-6 but squandered the chance by striking the tin with the court at her mercy.

This missed opportunity proved to be a turning point, as Georgina Kennedy then skilfully wrested control of the game 11-9, largely due to another unforced error from Watanabe.

In the second game, the Japanese player seemed to be her own worst adversary, plagued by a series of errors. Despite an exhilarating victory roar following a protracted rally at 4-6 down, that would be the extent of her success. Kennedy remained composed, maintaining a minimal count of her own errors to seal the win.

Georgina Kennedy's adept performance and Watanabe's struggles on the court encapsulated the essence of this clash.

[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) 11-3, 11-6 (26m)
Joel Makin secured a spot in the Grasshopper Cup semi-finals with a flawless straight-games victory over the formidable Youssef Ibrahim. Despite Ibrahim's impressive upset of the No.4 seed, Mazen Hesham, in the second round, the young Egyptian was unable to replicate that feat in the quarter-finals, succumbing to Joel Makin 11-3 11-6 in just 26 minutes.

The matchup showed a stark contrast in playing styles, ultimately favouring Makin's unwavering consistency over Ibrahim's flair for shot making. Notably, the Welshman delivered a performance free from unforced errors, a testament to his composure on the court. In contrast, Ibrahim grappled with issues on his forehand, failing to match the dynamic brilliance he exhibited on day three.

Makin's remarkable precision and error-free execution in the match, coupled with Ibrahim's struggles, underlined the critical factors in this encounter.

[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11-5, 11-8 (21m)
World No.1 Nour El Sherbini demonstrated her prowess against the experienced English contender, Sarah-Jane Perry, securing her place in the semi-finals.

Nour El Sherbini asserted her dominance in the first game, skilfully setting the tempo and pace of play, eventually claiming the game 11-5.

Sarah Jane-Perry, displaying the resolute determination that has been the bedrock of her illustrious career, mounted a comeback in the second game. Overcoming an early deficit, she grasped a 7-6 lead, punctuating this feat with a delightful backhand drop shot. However, the top seed promptly countered with a splendid backhand drop shot of her own on the very next point.

From that juncture, the Egyptian reclaimed the momentum, culminating in a stylish victory shortly thereafter with a remarkable winner, executing a high backhand volley.

[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt [2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 7-11, 11-6, 11-8 (60m)
Baptiste Masotti pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating Mostafa Asal in a thrilling three-game quarter-final match, brimming with unexpected twists and intense drama.

Competing before an enthusiastic, home crowd fervently supporting the Frenchman, the two contenders engaged in a gripping battle that spanned over an hour. Ultimately, Masotti clinched victory shortly after a conduct stroke granted him a pivotal advantage.

The encounter started with Moustafa Asal making an imperious statement, unleashing a forehand winner from the back corner on the very first point, followed by a backhand winner from the front corner. He went on to secure the first game 11-7 win, catalysed by a no-let call.

Fuelled by the unwavering support of the crowd, Masotti launched a spirited comeback in the second game which he won 11-6, thereby forcing the match into a decisive third game. It was in this climactic phase that the contest truly came to life.

At the critical juncture with Masotti trailing 5-4, a bump to his cheek resulting from an on-court collision prompted an injury break. Upon his return, Asal swiftly captured the subsequent two points, momentarily regaining the upper hand. However, the tide shifted again as Masotti claimed the next two points, levelling the score at 7-7.

A brilliant Asal backhand momentarily swung the momentum back in favour of the Egyptian, but that would be the last point he'd secure. A conduct stroke for unnecessary physical contact, combined with a regular stroke, transformed a single point into two, propelling Masotti into the lead. The Frenchman then clinched a tense and extended rally, holding the crowd in rapt anticipation, and sealed his triumph with another stroke. This remarkable victory sets up an enticing semi-final showdown with Joel Makin.

[3] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) 11-8, 12-10 (30m)
Nele Gilis ignited the evening session of the Grasshopper Cup quarter-finals with an impressive 11-8 12-10 victory over Sabrina Sobhy.

Following a somewhat sluggish start in her previous match against Kenzy Ayman, Nele Gilis displayed an entirely different demeanour in this encounter, charging out of the gate to secure five of the first six points. The Belgium No.1 managed to keep her American opponent at bay, capturing the first game 11-8.

The roles reversed at the outset of the second game, with Sabrina Sobhy taking a narrow lead at 4-1 in less than four minutes. However, Gilis swiftly regained her composure, orchestrating a remarkable turnaround by claiming the subsequent five points. Advancing from a 6-4 advantage, she surged to 10-8, positioning herself on the cusp of victory with two match balls.

Sobhy displayed remarkable resilience by fending off both match balls, with the second being saved through a finely executed delicate backhand drop. Nevertheless, her efforts fell short as Nele Gilis, after a successful video review at 10-10, earned herself another match ball, eventually sealing the game 12-10 and the match victory in 30 minutes.

[3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) 11-3, 11-9 (20m)
Marwan ElShorbagy played the role of the party pooper, dashing the hopes of Swiss No.1 and home favourite Nicolas Mueller.

Having previously faced a divided crowd in his victory over Swiss compatriot Dimitri Steinmann, Mueller had the overwhelming support of the packed Halle 622 audience from the very start. However, this support didn't translate into an early advantage in the rallies, as Marwan ElShorbagy surged to an imposing 10-1 lead.

Although Mueller managed to secure the next two points, each greeted with resounding cheers from the spectators despite the scoreline, it was the English No.2 who claimed his third game ball, edging into the lead.

In the second game, a determined Nicolas Mueller fought valiantly, vigorously waving his arms and pumping his fist after every point won, inching back to a 6-5 deficit. However, ElShorbagy remained resolute in his quest to thwart the Swiss celebrations, as he aimed to replicate last year's feat of eliminating Mueller from the tournament.

Marwan ElShorbagy reached match point at 10-9 and seized the opportunity without hesitation, deceiving Mueller with a forehand down the line that sent the Swiss player in the wrong direction, ultimately securing victory.

[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [5] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 11-8, 8-11, 11-7 (48m)
Hania El Hammamy showed remarkable resilience in a challenging three-game showdown against her fellow Egyptian, Rowan Elaraby to secure her place in the semi-finals of the Grasshopper Cup.

As the No.2 seed, El Hammamy had previously beaten her compatriot in all three of their prior PSA World Tour encounters, yet the fourth meeting proved to be a demanding test, demanding a full three games and a strenuous 48 minutes.

Falling behind 3-0 in the opening game, El Hammamy displayed her tenacity by mounting an impressive comeback, stringing together six consecutive points to position herself favourably. She ultimately sealed the first game with a stroke after executing a well-placed forehand boast.

In this gripping contest, the forehand boast was a favoured weapon of the World No.3 during the opening game. However, Elaraby displayed her own prowess in the second game, countering effectively and, notably, crafting a remarkable backhand winner from an awkward position on game ball, eliciting awe from the crowd.

The deciding game witnessed a closely fought battle in the early exchanges, with both players in contention. Nonetheless, a series of unforced errors from Elaraby's racket proved pivotal, as a backhand shot into the tin ultimately handed El Hammamy the victory.

In her post-match reflection, the 23-year-old victor praised her adversary, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by Elaraby.

El Hammamy's semi-final opponent will be the No.3 seed, Nele Gilis, setting the stage for a compelling rematch after their recent encounter at the U.S. Open Presented by TRUIST last week.

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) 12-10, 9-11, 11-9 (58m)
In a late-night classic at the Grasshopper Cup quarter-finals, Karim Abdel Gawad delivered an unforgettable performance by dethroning the top seed Mohamed ElShorbagy.

With this being their 25th encounter on the PSA World Tour, the seasoned Egyptian competitors treated the packed venue to a spectacular display of the squash, battling relentlessly across three captivating games that spanned 58 thrilling minutes.

In a heart-pounding first game that extended for 29 intense minutes, Gawad showed his resilience by staving off a game ball at 10-9. He ultimately clinched the game 12-10 when ElShorbagy's shot struck the tin, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.

The second game witnessed the first substantial gap, with Gawad leading 8-6. Nevertheless, ElShorbagy launched a spirited comeback, claiming four of the subsequent five points and ultimately securing the game after a video review, thereby levelling the match.

The third game unfolded with a similar back-and-forth pattern early on, but Gawad gradually moved closer to victory, commanding a 10-6 lead. ElShorbagy mounted yet another comeback, saving the first of three match points. However, Karim Abdel Gawad persevered and, amidst the backdrop of the Zurich night, sealed a dramatic and sensational victory.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt [2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 7-11, 11-6, 11-8 (60m)
[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) 11-3, 11-6 (26m)
[3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [8] Nicolas Müller (SUI) 11-3, 11-9 (20m)
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) 12-10, 9-11, 11-9 (58m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11-5, 11-8 (21m)
[4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [8] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) 11-9, 11-6 (25m)
[3] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) 11-8, 12-10 (30m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [5] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 11-8, 8-11, 11-7 (48m)

Day three of the Grasshopper Cup 2023 saw the remaining eight second-round matches, across the men’s and women’s draws, played out in the best-of-three format on the all-glass show court at Halle 622 in Zurich, Switzerland.

[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Raphael Kandra (GER) 11-6, 11-7 (23m)
Karim Abdel Gawad stormed into the second round with a convincing 23-minute 11-6 11-7 victory over Germany No.1 Raphael Kandra. Karim Abdel Gawad showed his class and impeccable shot selection to take a quick lead in the first game and despite Kandra's late resurgence, it was Gawad, often referred to as the 'Baby-Faced Assassin,' who closed-out the game 11-6.

Game two saw Kandra refusing to concede ground, engaging in relentless rallies, and holding the score level at 7-7. Nevertheless, Gawad's superior shot selection and strategy helped him clinch the second game 11-7, setting the stage for an exciting quarter-final showdown against top-seeded Mohamed ElShorbagy.

[5] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt Georgia Adderley (SCO) 11-5, 11-5 (20m)
Rowan Elaraby defeated Georgia Adderley 11-5, 11-5 in a swift 20 minutes. Elaraby dominated the match with a diverse range of shots, executed with ease. Her opponent, the Scottish No.1 struggled to match the tempo as Elaraby moved effortlessly into the quarter-finals.

[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 (42m)
Top-seeded Mohamed ElShorbagy took control of the opening rallies of his match against Spanish No.1 Iker Pajares Bernabeu by dictating the tempo of the rallies from the start. His strategic play and the ability to stretch the Spaniard around the court proved decisive. ElShorbagy claimed the first game 11-7, however Pajares fought back in game two, establishing a 5-3 lead and displaying a more clinical edge to his game. The Spanish No.1 even earned five match balls against the World No.4 and eventually secured the game with a well-executed drop shot. The battle raged on in the third game, reaching a 6-6 deadlock, but ElShorbagy dug deep, played flawlessly, and won five consecutive points to secure a quarter-final berth.

[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 11-6, 11-6 (21m)
Second-seeded Hania El Hammamy showed her ability to control the match as she faced her 17-year-old compatriot Fayrouz Aboelkheir. El Hammamy maintained an aggressive court position, capitalising on Aboelkheir's early mistakes. Despite promising signs from her young opponent, the experienced 23-year-old El Hammamy sealed the first game 11-6. She continued her momentum into the second game, where Aboelkheir struggled to respond, resulting in another 11-6 game score and a swift advance to round two.

[8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bt Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 11-8, 7-11, 11-7 (57m)
In an intense Swiss showdown, Nicolas Mueller triumphed over compatriot Dimitri Steinmann, earning himself a quarter-final clash with Marwan ElShorbagy. This battle between friends and countrymen was a closely contested affair, ultimately decided in favour of Mueller after 57 gruelling minutes.

Mueller claimed the first game 11-8, but Steinmann staged a remarkable comeback in the second, taking it 11-7. However, Mueller regained his composure in the third game, securing an early lead that Steinmann couldn't overcome, eventually falling 11-7.

[3] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt Kenzy Ayman (EGY) 11-9, 11-5 (22m)
Nele Gilis overcame a slow start against Kenzy Ayman to set-up a quarter-final showdown with Sabrina Sobhy. Nele Gilis, coming off a quarter-final run at the U.S. Squash Open Presented by TRUIST, found herself trailing 7-2 early in the match against the World No.50, who had caused an upset in the previous round. Nevertheless, the Belgium No.1 fought back and managed to take the first game 11-9. The second game was a more comfortable affair for Gilis, as she established an early lead and maintained it throughout to clinch a 22 minute victory.

[3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) 11-6, 11-9 (27m)
Former champion Marwan ElShorbagy managed to fend off a late charge from Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi to secure a place in the quarter-finals. ElShorbagy, the 2016 Grasshopper Cup Champion and a finalist last year, took the first game 11-6 and controlled much of the second, with three match balls at 10-7. Al Tamimi played his best squash when facing defeat, saving two match points with remarkable shots, However, it was ElShorbagy who ultimately claimed the victory on a no-let decision after a forehand drive down the line.

[7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bt Mariam Metwally (EGY) 11-9, 11-2 (16m)
Sabrina Sobhy of the USA secured a 16-minute 11-9 11-2 victory over Mariam Metwally to earn a spot in the quarter-finals. Sobhy edged a tight first game 11-9, ending a thrilling rally with a backhand winner at 9-9. The American continued her dominance in the second game, storming to a 10-1 lead in just three-and-a-half minutes, ultimately sealing the victory with a delicate backhand shot to the front court.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Men’s 2nd Round:
[2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 11-5, 11-9 (34m)
[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt [9/16] Greg Lobban (SCO) 10-12, 13-11, 11-2 (48m)
[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 11-5, 11-6 (38m)
Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt [4] Mazen Hesham (EGY) 11-5, 5-11, 11-8 (42m)
[3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [9/16] Abdulla Al-Tamimi (QAT) 11-6, 11-9 (27m)
[8] Nicolas Müller (SUI) bt [9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 11-8, 7-11, 11-7 (57m)
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER) 11-6, 11-7 (23m)
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 11-7, 8-11, 11-6 (42m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Women’s 2nd Round:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [9/16] Lucy Turmel (ENG) 11-3, 12-14, 11-2 (34m)
[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt [9/16] Emily Whitlock (WAL) 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 (36m)
[8] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [9/16] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 8-11, 11-6, 11-8 (35m)
[4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt Grace Gear (ENG) 11-1, 11-3 (12m)
[3] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt Kenzy Ayman (EGY) 11-9, 11-5 (22m)
[7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bt [9/16] Mariam Metwally (EGY) 11-9, 11-2 (16m)
[5] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt Georgia Adderley (SCO) 11-5, 11-5 (20m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [9/16] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 11-6, 11-6 (21m)

The second day of the Grasshopper Cup 2023 featured eight second-round matches, best-of-three format, across the men’s and women’s draws on the all-glass show court at Halle 622 in Zurich, Switzerland.

[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 10-12, 13-11, 11-2 (48m)
French contender Baptiste Masotti secured a victory over Scottish No.1 Greg Lobban in the opening 2nd round match that lasted a gruelling 48 minutes and was characterised by intense back-and-forth action.

Masotti, known for his fiery pace, started the first game with a strong lead, before Lobban skilfully slowed down the tempo to eventually edge the opening game 12-10 in the tie-break.

The second game saw Masotti maintain his early advantage, building a 7-5 lead through his high tempo. Nevertheless, Lobban again fought back valiantly and secured a 10-7 lead, displaying remarkable stamina in the later stages of the match. The Frenchman, not to be outdone, staged a remarkable comeback to force a tie-break, and despite having four match balls, the Scottish No.1 failed to convert them, allowing Masotti to claim the game on his second attempt.

Masotti delivered a dominant and error-free performance in the third game to win it 11-2, setting the stage for a quarter-final clash with Mostafa Asal and making Lobban regret his missed opportunities in the earlier stages of the match.

[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt Emily Whitlock (WAL) 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 (36m)
Sarah-Jane Perry of England managed to overcome Emily Whitlock of Wales in a hard-fought battle that lasted 36 minutes.

Whitlock took control of the initial game with clinical precision and pushing Perry behind the T to win the game 11-8. Perry, determined to stage a comeback, adapted her strategy in the second game, gaining more control over the ball and positioning herself more aggressively to secure an 8-3 lead. Whitlock, however, demonstrated resilience by narrowing the gap to 9-7. Perry's early lead ultimately proved decisive as she clinched the second game 11-7.

The final decisive game Perry's physicality proved too much for Whitlock to handle with the English woman earning her ninth consecutive victory over her Welsh rival.

[2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 11-5, 11-9 (34m)
World No.4 Mostafa Asal made a triumphant return to the PSA World Tour in his second-round match against France's Auguste Dussourd. The match unfolded over 34 minutes with Asal showing his dynamic playing style.

The Egyptian wasted no time, comfortably taking the first game 11-5. Dussourd responded to hold his ground in the early stages of the second game, in despite multiple let calls. The Frenchman put up a resilient fight to take an 8-7 lead against the 22-year-old Egyptian, however the No.3 seed remained on the offensive and earned two match balls, ultimately securing the second game and advancing to the quarter-finals.

[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt Lucy Turmel (ENG) 11-3, 12-14, 11-2 (34m)
Nour El Sherbini produced a dominant performance against England's Lucy Turmel to secure a 2-1 victory in a closely contested match that lasted 34 minutes.

El Sherbini asserted her authority in the first game, seizing any opportunities that came her way to claim the game 11-3. Turmel started the second game with more confidence, taking an early 2-0 lead before El Sherbini staged a comeback, clawing her way to a 5-4 advantage using her physicality and court positioning. Turmel mounted a fightback and secured the game in the tit-break 14-12.

In the decisive match, El Sherbini's dominant performance continued, as she stormed to an 11-2 victory, earning her spot in the quarter-finals.

[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 11-5, 11-6 (38m)
Welsh No.1 Joel Makin clinched a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Egypt's Mohamed Abouelghar to earn his place in the quarter-finals. The 11-5 11-6 scoreline may suggest a routine win, but the 38-minute match told a different story.

Abouelghar showed his diverse shot-making abilities, keeping Makin on the move throughout the match. Nevertheless, Makin, the No.5 seed, demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, consistently returning Abouelghar's shots, including a crucial point on match point where he forced an error from the World No.30 with a backhand into the tin, ultimately sealing his victory.

[8] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 8-11, 11-6, 11-8 (35m)
Japanese No.1 Satomi Watanabe triumphed over England's Jasmine Hutton in a thrilling contest that ended with Watanabe securing a quarter-final berth. The match lasted 35 minutes and saw both players locked in a closely contested battle.

Watanabe conceded the opening game with a backhand boast into the tin while trailing at 10-8. However, the Japan No.1 regrouped and took control in the second game, winning it convincingly 11-6.
In a tense decider, with both players deadlocked at 8-8, Watanabe displayed her skill with a beautiful forehand winner. A 'no let' decision in the following point handed her two match balls, and she capitalised on the first one with a backhand drop-volley.

Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt [4] Mazen Hesham (EGY) 11-5, 5-11, 11-8 (42m)
In an electrifying encounter, Egyptian players Youssef Ibrahim and Mazen Hesham delivered a nail-biting match that ended with Ibrahim securing an incredible victory on match point with an outrageous winner.

Ibrahim, despite losing his previous two meetings with Hesham on the PSA World Tour, stormed to an 11-5 victory in the first game. Hesham, the No.4 seed, fought back strongly, levelling the match in the second game and taking a 7-4 lead in the third. Ibrahim however had other plans and closed the gap with a delicate backhand volley to spark a remarkable comeback. The World No.26 won five of the next six points, earning two match balls, and in a dramatic finish smashed an astonishing forehand shot into the nick to claim his first-ever PSA World Tour win over Egyptian rival.

[4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt Grace Gear (ENG) 11-1, 11-3 (12m)
Gina Kennedy, the World No.8, started her campaign with a commanding performance against compatriot Grace Gear to secure a resounding 11-1 11-3 victory in a brisk 12-minutes.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Men’s 2nd Round:
[2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 11-5, 11-9 (34m)
[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt [9/16] Greg Lobban (SCO) 10-12, 13-11, 11-2 (48m)
[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 11-5, 11-6 (38m)
Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt [4] Mazen Hesham (EGY) 11-5, 5-11, 11-8 (42m)
[3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) v [9/16] Abdulla Al-Tamimi (QAT)
[8] Nicolas Müller (SUI) v [9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI)
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v [9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER)
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) v [9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Women’s 2nd Round:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [9/16] Lucy Turmel (ENG) 11-3, 12-14, 11-2 (34m)
[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt [9/16] Emily Whitlock (WAL) 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 (36m)
[8] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [9/16] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 8-11, 11-6, 11-8 (35m)
[4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt Grace Gear (ENG) 11-1, 11-3 (12m)
[3] Nele Gilis (BEL) v Kenzy Ayman (EGY)
[7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) v [9/16] Mariam Metwally (EGY)
[5] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) v Georgia Adderley (SCO)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) v [9/16] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)

The opening day of the 2023 Grasshopper Cup was staged at the impressive Squash Arena Uster on the outskirts of Zürich with all 1st round matches played across two courts – one glass show court and one traditional court.

The championships are adopting a best-of-three game for the earlier rounds with the standout match of the opening day being an engaging gripping 48-minute showdown between Scottish No.1 Greg Lobban and England’s Nick Wall. The top-ranked Scottish player initially seemed poised for an easy victory when he led 10-7 in the second game, having already claimed the first game with a score of 11-4, however the Wall continued to fight hard and  displaying remarkable determination, thwarted three match points and ultimately clinched the tiebreak at 16-14 to force a decisive game.

The third game unfolded as a closely contested battle, deadlocked at 5-5 midway, before Lobban's greater experience appeared to come into play as he surged ahead, securing six of the next eight points to secure the win.

Qatar’s Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi, fresh from his recent title success on home soil, dispatched Ramit Tandon in straight games, while Youssef Ibrahim came from behind to defeat Adrian Waller after losing the first game of his 1st round match.

Grace Gear set the stage for an all-English second-round face-off with Gina Kennedy by defeating France's Enora Villard 2-0. In her debut best-of-three match on the PSA World Tour, Grace Gear narrowly clinched the opening game 11-9 and established a dominant 10-4 lead in the second game. Although Villard briefly threatened a comeback by taking two consecutive points, Gear sealed the victory after a Villard error.

Kenzy Ayman from Egypt also advanced to the second round, securing a 12-10 11-7 win, her first-ever PSA World Tour win against compatriot Hana Moataz. This marked a reversal of fortune for Ayman, who had lost their previous two encounters 3-0.

During the evening session, Swiss player Dimitri Steinmann engaged in a fierce three-game battle against England's George Parker whilst German No.1 Raphael Kandra defeated Yannick Wilhelmi, another Swiss crowd favourite.

The day concluded with a match between Swiss No.2 Steinmann and George Parker, where Steinmann took an early lead in the first game, eventually securing it in a best-of-three match. George Parker rebounded in the second game, winning six consecutive points to secure the game, however in the decisive third game, Steinmann maintained his advantage, eventually prevailing 11-5 5-11 11-6.

Local wildcard Yannick Wilhelmi jumped to an early 4-1 lead in the first game against the German No.1, but Kandra, a 32-year-old veteran, showed his experience, stringing together ten consecutive points to claim the first game. In the second game, Wilhelmi managed to keep pace with Kandra, reaching 9-8 in his favour before the German secured three consecutive points to progress to a round-two encounter with compatriot Nicolas Müller.

In other evening matches, Katie Malliff of England retired due to injury despite leading by a game, Jasmine Hutton defeated Swiss wildcard Cindy Merlo and Scotland's Rory Stewart fell to France's Auguste Dussourd. Mariam Metwally triumphed over Canadian Nicole Bunyan, who continues to search for her first win of the season. In the penultimate men's match, Iker Pajares Bernabeu defeated last-minute call-up Lucas Serme of France in two closely-contested games.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Men’s 1st Round:
[2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bye
[9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bt Rory Stewart (SCO) 11-7, 11-6 (27m)
[9/16] Greg Lobban (SCO) bt Nick Wall (ENG) 11-4, 14-16, 11-7 (48m)
[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bye
[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt [9/16] Patrick Rooney (ENG) 11-5, 11-4 (20m)
Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt [9/16] Adrian Waller (ENG) 8-11, 11-4, 11-3 (32m)
[4] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bye
[3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
[9/16] Abdulla Al-Tamimi (QAT) bt Ramit Tandon (IND) 11-7, 11-6 (21m)
[9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bt George Parker (ENG) 11-5, 5-11, 11-6 (40m)
[8] Nicolas Müller (SUI) bye
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bye
[9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER) bt [WC] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) 11-4, 11-9 (29m)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt Lucas Serme (FRA) 11-8, 11-5 (31m)
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bye

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Grasshopper Cup 2023, Halle 622, Zurich, Switzerland
Women’s 1st Round:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bye
[9/16] Lucy Turmel (ENG) bt Emilia Soini (FIN) 11-0, 11-4 (14m)
[9/16] Emily Whitlock (WAL) bt Aira Azman (MAS) 11-6, 11-9 (27m)
[6] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye
[8] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bye
[9/16] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt [WC] Cindy Merlo (SUI) 11-2, 11-7 (16m)
Grace Gear (ENG) bt [9/16] Énora Villard (FRA) 11-9, 11-6 (20m)
[4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bye
[3] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
Kenzy Ayman (EGY) bt [9/16] Hana Moataz (EGY) 12-10, 11-7 (20m)
[9/16] Mariam Metwally (EGY) bt Nicole Bunyan (CAN) 11-7, 11-8 (19m)
[7] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bye
[5] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bye
Georgia Adderley (SCO) bt [9/16] Katie Malliff (ENG) 4-11, 6-4 ret. (21m)
[9/16] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt Marie Stéphan (FRA) 11-4, 11-4 (13m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bye

Ali Farag has withdrawn from the highly anticipated Grasshopper Cup 2023 in Zürich, Switzerland due to injury. The World No. 1, who has already secured two Professional Squash Association (PSA) Platinum World Tour titles this season, had been eagerly anticipating his return to Zürich but unfortunately, a persistently painful knee injury from the previous year compelled him to make this difficult decision.

With the withdrawal of Ali Farag, the mantle of No.1 seed for the men’s event now falls to England's Mohamed ElShorbagy. Notably, the returning defending champion, Mostafa Asal, will assume the position of second seed, resulting in notable changes to the original men’s draw.

Switzerland's Nicolas Mueller will claim a top-eight seeding position and will be granted a first-round bye and subsequently face the winner of the contest between England's George Parker and Swiss compatriot Dimitri Steinmann.

Furthermore, Germany's Raphael Kandra has been reassigned to a 9/16 seed slot and is set to take on wildcard entry Yannick Wilhelmi in his bid for a spot in the second round.

France's Lucas Serme has been introduced as a replacement in the tournament's draw and will face Spanish No.1 Iker Pajares Bernabeu, vying for a coveted second-round place.

Round one action is scheduled to commence at 15:00 (GMT+2) at the Squash Arena Uster. All first-round matches, for both men and women, will be held at this venue before moving to Halle 622 in the heart of Zurich.

Grasshopper Cup 2023, Zürich, Switzerland
Men’s 1st Round Draw:
[2] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bye
Rory Stewart (SCO) v [9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA)
[9/16] Greg Lobban (SCO) v Nick Wall (ENG)
[7] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bye
[5] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v [9/16] Patrick Rooney (ENG)
[9/16] Adrian Waller (ENG) v Youssef Ibrahim (EGY)
[4] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bye
[3] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
Ramit Tandon (IND) v [9/16] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
[9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) v George Parker (ENG)
[8] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) bye
[6] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bye
[WC] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) v [9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v Lucas Serme (FRA)
[1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bye

Reigning champions Mostafa Asal and Nour El Sherbini are gearing up to return to Zurich, where they will vigorously defend their titles at the 2023 PSA Grasshopper Cup, the prestigious PSA World Tour Gold event that is marking its 10th edition at Halle 622 in the heart of the Swiss city.

Scheduled to span from 17th to 22nd October, the 2023 PSA Grasshopper Cup will commence with the first-round showdowns at the Squash Arena Uster, only to transition to the gleaming confines of an all-glass court at Halle 622 from the second round onward.

A key subplot of this year's Grasshopper Cup is the return of World No.4 Mostafa Asal to competitive play. It marks his inaugural tournament of the 2023-24 season following a 12-week suspension. The 22-year-old dazzled spectators last year by clinching the title in commanding fashion, outclassing Marwan ElShorbagy in straight games to notch his ninth PSA World Tour career title. This time around, Asal steps into the tournament as the No.3 seed, embroiled in a competitive quarter of the draw. Among his adversaries are No.6 seed Joel Makin, with whom Asal has waged fierce battles, and the formidable Egyptian duo of Mohamed Abouelghar and Youssef Ibrahim. Adding to the mix are the English pair of Patrick Rooney and Adrian Waller, both capable of orchestrating upsets.

Top seed Ali Farag, who was hampered by injury at last year's event where he succumbed to local favourite Nicolas Mueller, returns with a determined resolve to lay claim to the title for the first time. His aim extends beyond just securing the Grasshopper Cup; Farag also seeks to extend his lead atop the PSA World Rankings. He awaits the victor of the all-European clash between France's Auguste Dussourd and England's Charlie Lee in the second round, having been granted an opening-round bye.

Mohamed ElShorbagy, England's No.1, eyes a significant milestone in Zurich. Sitting at 49 career PSA World Tour titles, he yearns to notch his 50th. The 2019 Grasshopper Cup champion faces the prospect of a quarter-final duel with compatriot and former World Champion Karim Abdel Gawad should both emerge victorious in their respective round two matches. Gawad has emerged victorious in their last two encounters, at the PSA World Championship and British Open in Birmingham, England.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Nour El Sherbini is set to build upon her success from last year when she overcame a 2-1 deficit in the final to conquer World No.3 Hania El Hammamy. Fresh off a triumph at the Paris Squash 2023 event, Nour El Sherbini has reclaimed her World No.1 status, dethroning the previous incumbent, Nouran Gohar. Her quest is to secure a second Grasshopper Cup title and etch her name in history as the first woman to achieve this feat. Her journey begins against either Emilia Soini or Lucy Turmel in the opening match.

Last year's runner-up, Hania El Hammamy, is seeded second in the women's draw. Her recent exit in Paris, falling to Sabrina Sobhy in the third round, has fuelled her determination to excel in Zurich.

Completing the quartet of top seeds for the women's event are Belgium's Nele Gilis and England's Georgina Kennedy. Both have demonstrated their mettle with recent appearances in PSA World Tour Platinum semi-finals at the El Gouna International and Paris Squash respectively. Their standout performances serve as a testament to their capabilities as they aim to challenge the world's elite players.

Adding a touch of homegrown intrigue to the proceedings, Swiss talents Yannick Wilhelmi and Cindy Merlo have earned wildcards for the men's and women's competitions respectively. Yannick Wilhelmi faces a formidable task in his compatriot and hometown favourite, Nicolas Mueller in the first round. World No.28 Dimitri Steinmann represents another Swiss entry in the men’s draw.

The stage is set for an exhilarating 10th edition of the Grasshopper Cup, where squash's finest will converge in Zurich, and fans can expect nothing short of thrilling, world-class action on the court.

2023 Grasshopper Cup:
Men’s Draw:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bye
Charlie Lee (ENG) v [9/16] Auguste Dussourd (FRA)
[9/16] Greg Lobban (SCO) v Nick Wall (ENG)
[8] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bye
[6] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) v [9/16] Patrick Rooney (ENG)
[9/16] Adrian Waller (ENG) v Youssef Ibrahim (EGY)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bye
[4] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
Ramit Tandon (IND) v [9/16] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
[9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) v George Parker (ENG)
[5] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bye
[7] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bye
[WC] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) v [9/16] Nicolas Mueller (SUI)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v Raphael Kandra (GER)
[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bye

2023 Grasshopper Cup:
Women’s Draw:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bye
Emilia Soini (FIN) v [9/16] Lucy Turmel (ENG)
[9/16] Emily Whitlock (WAL) v Aira Azman (MAS)
[7] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye
[6] Tesni Evans (WAL) bye
[WC] Cindy Merlo (SUI) v [9/16] Jasmine Hutton (ENG)
[9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) v Enora Villard (FRA)
[4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bye
[3] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
Kenzy Ayman (EGY) v [9/16] Hana Moataz (EGY)
[9/16] Mariam Metwally (EGY) v Nicole Bunyan (CAN)
[8] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bye
[5] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bye
Georgia Adderley (SCO) v [9/16] Katie Malliff (ENG)
[9/16] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) v Marie Stephan (FRA)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bye

The highly anticipated 2023 PSA Grasshopper Cup is set to take place at Zurich's esteemed Halle 622 from the 17th to the 22nd of October. Regarded as one of the most prestigious events in European squash, this Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Gold tournament promises an exhilarating showdown. Last year, the tournament expanded to include a women's event, and it was Nour El Sherbini, the reigning World No.1 and World Champion, who emerged victorious, claiming the coveted trophy. On the men's side, it was the formidable Mostafa Asal, a former World No.1, who seized the honours.

Anticipated to grace Switzerland's courts once again are numerous world-class players, all vying for the illustrious trophy and an equal share of the substantial $221,000 prize purse, which is distributed evenly between the men's and women's draws.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness this extraordinary sporting spectacle. Tickets for the event are now available for purchase at