Paul Coll & Satomi Watanabe crowned 2024 Optasia Champions

Paul Coll and Satomi Watanabe were crowned champions at the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships following wins over respective men’s and women’s top seeds Ali Farag and Nele Gilis on the spectacular all-glass show court at The Wimbledon Club.

No.2 seed Paul Coll came back from 2-0 down to defeat World No.1 Ali Farag 8-11 2-11 12-10 12-10 11-9 in 91 minutes, whilst World No.19 Satomi Watanabe won her first PSA World Tour title with a shock 46-minute 11-9 11-8 11-6 victory over World No.4 Nele Gilis.

The men’s final witnessed a gripping showdown between Egypt's Ali Farag, the reigning World No.1, and New Zealand's World No.2 Paul Coll with both players vying for their second Optasia squash title and entering the match tied at two wins apiece in their season encounters.

The momentum initially favoured Paul Coll, who surged ahead from a deadlock of 3-3 in the opening game to take a commanding 7-3 lead. However, Ali Farag swiftly countered with a display of remarkable recoveries and precise shots, thrilling the packed arena to clinch the game 11-8 after 18 minutes.

Ali Farag extended his dominance into the second game, taking his lead to 5-2 before stringing together six consecutive points to secure the game 11-2 in just 9 minutes.

Despite the top seed’s early advantage in the third game, Paul Coll refused to relent. Even as Ali Farag began to falter, the New Zealander’s determination and quick pace revitalised his game, allowing him to level the score at 9-9. After a hard-fought battle lasting 20 minutes, Paul Coll clinched the game 12-10 to breathe new life into the match.

Ali Farag, adhering to the Ramadan fast, approached the fourth game just moments shy of the allotted time for fluid intake. Yet, his performance showed little sign of fatigue as he surged ahead, leading 4-2, 6-4 and 8-5. However, a series of errors allowed his opponent to draw level at 9-9, ultimately forcing the match into a decisive fifth game.

Refreshed and hydrated, Ali Farag overcame an initial 2-4 deficit in the final game, rallying to a 5-5 tie before unleashing a flurry of four consecutive winners, bringing him within two points of the title. However, Paul Coll once again mounted a spirited comeback, notably executing a remarkable dive to stave off championship point at 8-9. With the score deadlocked at 9-9, Ali Farag visibly struggled with cramps, allowing the Kiwi to capitalise and secure victory with two consecutive winners to claim the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships title.

The women’s final saw a remarkable display of skill and determination by Japan's Satomi Watanabe who secured her maiden PSA World Tour title by triumphing over top seed and World No.4 Nele Gilis in a straight-game victory during the inaugural Optasia Championships Women's Final.

Despite Nele Gilis entering the match with two PSA World Tour titles under her belt this season and a flawless 4-0 head-to-head record against the 19th-ranked Japanese player, it was the latter who rose to the occasion, showing her mettle from the outset. Despite an early 4-1 lead by Nele Gilis in the opening game, Satomi Watanabe remained unfazed, clawing her way back to level the score at 4-4. With a series of impeccably timed winning shots, the fourth seed edged ahead to claim the game 11-9.

The second game unfolded similarly, with Nele Gilis momentarily leading 3-2 before Satomi Watanabe surged ahead once more, eventually seizing the game 11-8 to double her advantage in the match.

As the match progressed, the young Japanese challenger sought to disrupt the rhythm of the top seed with delayed crosscourt flicks from the front of the court which enabled her to amass a commanding 5-0 lead in the third game. Despite a brief lapse that saw Nele Gilis narrow the gap to 5-6, Satomi Watanabe regained her composure to seal her historic victory.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Men's Final:
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [1] Ali Farag (EGY) 8-11, 2-11, 12-10, 12-10, 11-9 (91m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Women's Final:
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [1] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-9, 11-8, 11-6 (46m)

Ali Farag will face Paul Coll in the men’s final of the 2024 PSA Optasia Squash Championships whilst Nele Gilis will face Satomi Watanabe in the women’s final.

[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [3] Nada Abbas (EGY) 11-6, 6-11, 11-3, 11-6 (64m)
Women’s top seed Nele Gilis powered her way into the tournament's inaugural women's final, dispatching Egypt's Nada Abbas in a thrilling four-game encounter that spanned just over an hour.

Nel Gilis asserted her dominance early on with a commanding performance in the opening game. Establishing an early lead, the World No.4 steadily widened the gap, ultimately clinching the game with three consecutive strokes against her opponent.

However, World No.15 Nada Abbas swiftly retaliated, demonstrating her resilience by swiftly bouncing back in the second game. With a flurry of quick points, she managed to level the score, surging from 7-6 to claim the game 11-6.

Undeterred by her opponent’s resurgence, Nele Gilis showed her mettle in the subsequent games, wresting back control of the match. With unwavering determination, Nele Gilis closed out the contest by claiming the subsequent games 11-3 11-6, culminating in a spectacular high volley drop shot on match point.

[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 11-4, 11-8, 4-11, 11-5 (54m)
2016 Champion Paul Coll secured his berth in the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships final, dispatching No.3 seed Mostafa Asal in four games, merely an hour after his fiancée, Nele Gilis, clinched her spot in the women's final.

Despite entering the match with a track record of just four victories in eleven encounters against Mostafa Asal, the second-seeded New Zealander arrived with confidence, buoyed by a commanding win in the previous month's Windy City Squash Open.

Paul Coll dominated the match from the outset, as he asserted control over the opening games with clinical precision. Utilising his accurate drop shots to great effect, Paul Coll seized both games decisively, 11-4 and 11-8.

However, Mostafa Asal mounted a fierce comeback in the third game, elevating the pace of play and unleashing a barrage of nine winners. With the crowd rallying behind him, the Egyptian surged to a commanding 10-1 lead. Though Paul Coll valiantly saved three game balls, Mostafa Asal ultimately claimed the game.

The fourth game saw Paul Coll regaining his composure and control, capitalising on several unforced errors from his opponent, particularly his propensity for hitting tins and conceding strokes due to overaggressive play. With a string of three successive tins from the Egyptian, Paul Coll comfortably sealed the game at 11-5, much to the delight of the capacity crowd.

[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 11-5, 11-4, 11-2 (22m)
In a commanding semi-final display, Japan's fourth-seeded player Satomi Watanabe left no room for doubt as she swept aside Jasmine Hutton 11-5 11-4 11-2 to extinguish British hopes in the tournament.

Satomi Watanabe seized control of the match from the onset, delivering a barrage of winners with apparent ease. The Japanese player, ranked World No.19, maintained a relentless dominance throughout the encounter, leaving her opponent, Jasmine Hutton, ranked World No.24, struggling to assert herself for more than a fleeting rally.

Satomi Watanabe secured victory in three convincing games, showing her complete command of the match from start to finish.

[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 11-6, 13-11, 11-5 (47m)
In a gripping men’s semi-final clash at the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships, World No.1 Ali Farag emerged victorious over defending champion Karim Abdel Gawad, securing his passage to the tournament final.

Ali Farag, the top seed, entered the match riding a formidable six-match winning streak against his compatriot Kari Abdel Gawad.

The opening game saw a closely contested start, with Ali Farag and Karim Abdel Gawad trading blows evenly. However, it was Ali Farag who managed to pull away from a deadlock at 4-4, ultimately claiming the game 11-6. Undeterred, Karim Abdel Gawad launched a swift counterattack in the second game, surging to a 3-0 advantage.

Maintaining his momentum, Karim Abdel Gawad extended his lead to 8-2, appearing to assert control. Yet, Ali Farag staged a remarkable comeback, clawing back points from 6-9 to level the score at 9-9. With Karim Abdel Gawad faltering and hitting the tin, Ali Farag seized the opportunity to secure a game ball.

Although Karim Abdel Gawad managed to save the game ball and even earned one of his own at 11-10, Ali Farag remained resolute, clinching the next three points to take a commanding two-game lead.

In the third game, Ali Farag continued his dominance, establishing a 5-2 advantage as Karim Abdel Gawad struggled to find his rhythm, plagued by unforced errors. At 7-3, a moment of brilliance from Ali Farag, followed by a critical error from Karim Abdel Gawad, signalled a turning point in the match.

With Karim Abdel Gawad visibly deflated and committing three more errors in the final stages, Ali Farag sealed his victory decisively, setting the stage for an enthralling final showdown against World No.2 Paul Coll.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Men's Semi-Finals:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 11-6, 13-11, 11-5 (47m)
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 11-4, 11-8, 4-11, 11-5 (54m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Women's Semi-Finals:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [3] Nada Abbas (EGY) 11-6, 6-11, 11-3, 11-6 (64m)
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 11-5, 11-4, 11-2 (22m)

A thrilling day of quarter-final matches at the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships saw Ali Farag, Paul Coll, Mostafa Asal, Karim Abdel Gawad, Nele Gilis, Nada Abbas, Satomi Watanabe and Jasmine Hutton all progress to the semi-finals of the spectacular event being staged at The Wimbledon Club in London.

World No.5 Karim Abdel Gawad produced a remarkable upset as he triumphed over England's top seed Mohamed ElShorbagy 6-11 11-5 11-4 12-14 11-6 in 66 minutes.

The highly anticipated showdown between defending champion Karim Abdel Gawad and the fourth-seeded Mohamed ElShorbagy unfolded with relentless intensity, marking their 25th encounter on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour.

Despite Mohamed ElShorbagy having a commanding 17-8 lead in their head-to-head record, Karim Abdel Gawad has triumphed in their previous three encounters. Their quarterfinal match at this year’s Optasia Squash Championships ebbed and flowed through five exhilarating games, with both players seizing momentum at different junctures.

Karim Abdel Gawad surged ahead to claim the first game 11-5, only for Mohamed ElShorbagy to mount a fierce comeback, levelling the match by winning the second game 11-5. Undeterred, Karim Abdel Gawad rallied to seize the third game 11-5, setting the stage for a pivotal fourth game. Amidst intense exchanges and nail-biting moments, the fourth game witnessed a flurry of points culminating in a tense 14-12 victory for Mohamed ElShorbagy, who forced a decisive fifth game. However, Karim Abdel Gawad, the defending men’s champion, fuelled by determination, dominated the final game, securing a hard-fought triumph to advance to the semi-finals.

The other men’s quarter-finals saw Paul Coll, Mostafa Asal and Ali Farag all advance with relatively straightforward straight-game wins.

Paul Coll of New Zealand defeated Baptiste Masotti of France 11-8 11-4 11-7 in 45 minutes, Egyptian Ali Farag beat England's Marwan ElShorbagy 11-6 11-9 11-5 in 40 minutes and Mostafa Asal of Egypt triumphed over Joel Makin of Wales 13-11 11-4 11-4 in 52 minutes.

In the women’s opening match of the day, Nada Abbas staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit to triumph over Tesni Murphy 7-11 5-11 11-5 11-3 11-4 in 53 minutes.

In another women’s gripping 3-2 battle, Satomi Watanabe of Japan narrowly escaped defeat, surviving a match point scare against Melissa Alves of France to secure her spot in the semi-finals after a gruelling five-game clash. Melissa Alves came tantalisingly close to upsetting the seedings, holding a match point advantage in the fourth game against fourth-seeded Satomi Watanabe. However, Satomi Watanabe staged a remarkable comeback, clawing her way back from the brink of defeat.

Melissa Alves dominated the opening exchanges on the match, clinching the first two games with relative ease. However, Satomi Watanabe mounted a spirited resurgence in the third game, overcoming a deficit to win 11-9. The fourth game witnessed a tense battle, with both players trading blows until Satomi Watanabe seized control to level the match, winning 14-12. In a dramatic fifth game, Satomi Watanabe maintained her composure, capitalising on a more passive approach from Melissa Alves to secure victory after a gruelling 66-minute 8-11 5-11 11-9 14-12 11-7 victory, much to her jubilation.

Elsewhere in the women's quarter-finals, sixth-seeded Jasmine Hutton made history by defeating second-seeded Sarah-Jane Perry in an all-English encounter, securing her maiden World Tour semi-final berth with a 54-minute  11-6 4-11 11-8 3-11 11-3 victory.

Women’s top seed Nele Gilis of Belgium claimed her semi-final place with an 11-6 11-7 11-8 victory over Egyptian Hana Moataz in 37 minutes.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Men's Quarter-Finals:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-5 (40m)
[5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG)    6-11, 11-5, 11-4, 12-14, 11-6 (66m)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [6] Joel Makin (WAL) 13-11, 11-4, 11-4 (52m)
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [8] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) 11-8, 11-4, 11-7 (45m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Women's Quarter-Finals:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [8] Hana Moataz (EGY) 11-6, 11-7, 11-8 (37m)
[3] Nada Abbas (EGY) bt [5] Tesni Murphy (WAL) 7-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-4 (53m)
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [7] Mélissa Alves (FRA) 8-11, 5-11, 11-9, 14-12, 11-7 (66m)
[6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt [2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11-6, 4-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-3 (54m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Men’s 2nd Round:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 16-14, 11-8, 13-11 (59m)
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [9/16] Karim El Hammamy (EGY) 11-5, 11-7, 11-8 (49m)
[5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [9/16] Curtis Malik (ENG) 11-9, 10-12, 11-8, 11-1 (47m)
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [9/16] Rory Stewart (SCO) 11-6, 11-4, 11-8 (24m)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER) 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 (40m)
[6] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 (43m)
[8] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt [9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) 11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7 (44m)
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Todd Harrity (USA) 11-6, 11-2, 11-6 (30m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Men’s 2nd Round:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [9/16] Katie Malliff (ENG) 11-8, 11-2, 11-5 (34m)
[8] Hana Moataz (EGY) bt [9/16] Alicia Mead (ENG) 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5 (36m)
[5] Tesni Murphy (WAL) bt [9/16] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) 11-5, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8 (42m)
[3] Nada Abbas (EGY) bt [9/16] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 11-4, 11-3, 11-2 (26m)
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt Torrie Malik (ENG) 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (27m)
[7] Mélissa Alves (FRA) bt Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) 11-3, 11-5, 11-2 (19m)
[6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt [9/16] Emilia Soini (FIN) 11-9, 11-6, 11-7 (29m)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt [9/16] Cindy Merlo (SUI) 11-5, 10-12, 11-8, 11-5 (32m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Men’s 1st Round:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bye
[9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bt Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) 11-6, 11-4, 11-3 (36m)
[9/16] Karim El Hammamy (EGY) bt [WC] Jordan Warne (ENG) 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (26m)
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
[5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bye
[9/16] Curtis Malik (ENG) bt Andrew Douglas (USA) 11-8, 11-7, 11-1 (29m)
[9/16] Rory Stewart (SCO) bt Faraz Khan (USA) 11-7, 4-11, 11-5, 11-8 (40m)
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bye
[9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER) bt Simon Herbert (ENG) 11-4, 11-4, 6-11, 11-3 (39m)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bt George Parker (ENG) 11-8, 1-11, 11-9, 11-8 (64m)
[6] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
[8] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bye
[9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) bt Shahjahan Khan (USA) 11-1, 11-4, 11-5 (18m)
Todd Harrity (USA) bt [9/16] Nicolas Müller (SUI) 4-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-4 (47m)
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bye

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Woemen’s 1st Round:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
[9/16] Katie Malliff (ENG) bt Marta Dominguez (ESP) 13-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-2 (46m)
[9/16] Alicia Mead (ENG) bt Asia Harris (ENG) 6-11, 14-12, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10 (52m)
[8] Hana Moataz (EGY) bye
[5] Tesni Murphy (WAL) bye
[9/16] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) bt Nadia Pfister (SUI) 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 (23m)
[9/16] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) bt Nardine Garas (EGY) 4-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-5, 12-10 (40m)
[3] Nada Abbas (EGY) bye
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bye
Torrie Malik (ENG) bt [9/16] Énora Villard (FRA) 11-4, 11-7, 11-8 (32m)
Akanksha Salunkhe (IND) bt [9/16] Ainaa Amani (MAS) 3-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 12-10 (55m)
[7] Mélissa Alves (FRA) bye
[6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bye
[9/16] Emilia Soini (FIN) bt [WC] Alison Thomson (SCO) 11-3, 11-5, 9-11, 12-10 (48m)
[9/16] Cindy Merlo (SUI) bt Saskia Beinhard (GER) 11-8, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8 (38m)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye

The Optasia Squash Championships 2024 starts today at The Wimbledon Club in London and will feature a men's PSA World Tour Gold-level event alongside a women's PSA World Tour Bronze-level event.

In the men's championship, defending champion and World No.5 Karim Abdel Gawad faces a daunting task with a stacked draw featuring five top-ten players. The Egyptian maestro could potentially lock horns with World No.7 Mohamed ElShorbagy in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, World No.1 Ali Farag emerges as a formidable contender, riding a wave of form with an impeccable 14-match winning streak since the onset of the new year, clinching three consecutive PSA World Tour titles. However, the journey of Ali Farag in this year’s Optasia Squash Championships is fraught with challenges, sharing a quarter of the draw with No.7 seed Marwan ElShorbagy, amidst the presence of former World Champions Karim Abdel Gawad and Mohamed ElShorbagy, making for an electrifying spectacle.

World No.2 Paul Coll from New Zealand, assumes the role of the second seed, bracing for an intriguing opener against either Nicolas Mueller or UNSQUASHABLE player Todd Harrity. The 2016 winner braces for a potential clash of titans in the semi-finals against Egypt's rising star Mostafa Asal, should the seeds hold true. Additionally, a cadre of English talents, including Curtis Malik, George Parker, Simon Herbert, and wildcard entrant Jordan Warne, adds further intrigue to the competition.

In the maiden women's event, World No.4 Nele Gilis spearheads the draw, primed for a showdown against either Marta Dominguez or Katie Malliff in the second round. The Belgian, boasting two PSA World Tour titles this season, finds herself in a competitive half of the draw alongside Welsh stalwart Tesni Murphy, and Egyptian sensations Hana Moataz and Nada Abbas.

England's Sarah-Jane Perry assumes the mantle of the second seed, harbouring aspirations for her maiden PSA World Tour title of the 2023-24 squash season. Sarah-Jane Perry, among seven Englishwomen gracing the courts this week, navigates through a quarter brimming with talent, alongside compatriot and No.6 seed Jasmine Hutton.

Meanwhile, Japan's Satomi Watanabe seeks to capitalise on her promising performances at the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions and the Windy City Squash Open, entering the fray as the No.4 seed. The World No.19 sets her sights on a formidable start against either Torrie Malik or Enora Villard.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Men’s 1st Round:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bye
[9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) v Juan Camilo Vargas (COL)
[9/16] Karim El Hammamy (EGY) v [WC] Jordan Warne (ENG)
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
[5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bye
[9/16] Curtis Malik (ENG) v Andrew Douglas (USA)
[9/16] Rory Stewart (SCO) v Faraz Khan (USA)
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bye
[9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER) v Simon Herbert (ENG)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v George Parker (ENG)
[6] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
[8] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bye
[9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) v Shahjahan Khan (USA)
[9/16] Nicolas Müller (SUI) v Todd Harrity (USA)
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bye

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Optasia Squash Championship 2024, The Wimbledon Club, London, England
Women’s 1st Round:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
[9/16] Katie Malliff (ENG) v Marta Dominguez (ESP)
[9/16] Alicia Mead (ENG) v Asia Harris (ENG)
[8] Hana Moataz (EGY) bye
[5] Tesni Murphy (WAL) bye
[9/16] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) v Nadia Pfister (SUI)
[9/16] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) v Nardine Garas (EGY)
[3] Nada Abbas (EGY) bye
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bye
[9/16] Énora Villard (FRA) v Torrie Malik (ENG)
[9/16] Ainaa Amani (MAS) v Akanksha Salunkhe (IND)
[7] Mélissa Alves (FRA) bye
[6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bye
[9/16] Emilia Soini (FIN) v [WC] Alison Thomson (SCO)
[9/16] Cindy Merlo (SUI) v Saskia Beinhard (GER)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have released the men’s and women’s draws for the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships which will be staged at The Wimbledon Club from the 12th to 17th March. Established as one of Europe's premier squash tournaments, the Optasia Squash Championships features a PSA World Tour Gold-level event for men and a PSA World Tour Bronze-level event for women.

In the men’s draw, defending champion Karim Abdel Gawad faces a formidable path to retain his title, with potential clashes against former champions Mohamed ElShorbagy and Ali Farag looming large. Karim Abdel Gawad enjoys a bye in the first round and will await the winner between England's Nick Wall and American Andrew Douglas in the second round. A victory there could set up a tantalising encounter with 2017 winner Mohamed ElShorbagy in the quarter-finals with a potential showdown with current World No.1 and 2022 champion Ali Farag in the semi-finals.

In the opposing half of the draw, 2016 winner Paul Coll is set to face Frenchman Baptiste Masotti in the quarter-finals, with a potential clash against World No.4 Mostafa Asal in the semi-finals.

Nele Gilis of Belgium leads the charge in the women's draw and will take on either England's Katie Malliff or Spain's Marta Dominguez in the second round. A path laden with challenges awaits Nele Gilis, including potential matchups against Egyptian talents Hana Moataz and Nada Abbas in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.

England's Sarah-Jane Perry, seeded second, is a strong contender for the title. However, she faces a tough route, navigating past British National Squash Champion Jasmine Hutton and Japan's fourth seed Satomi Watanabe to secure a spot in the championship final scheduled for Sunday 17th March.

2024 Optasia Squash Championships Men’s Draw:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) [bye]
Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) v [9/16] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI)
[9/16] Karim El Hammamy (EGY) v [WC] Charlie Lee (ENG)
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) [bye]
[5] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) [bye]
Andrew Douglas (USA) v [9/16] Nick Wall (ENG)
[9/16] Rory Stewart (SCO) v Curtis Malik (ENG)
11R[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) [bye]
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) [bye]
Simon Herbert (ENG) v [9/16] Raphael Kandra (GER)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v George Parker (ENG)
[6] Joel Makin (WAL) [bye]
[8] Baptiste Masotti (FRA) [bye]
Shahjahan Khan (USA) v [9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG)
[9/16] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) v Todd Harrity (USA)
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) [bye]

2024 Optasia Squash Championships Women’s Draw:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) [bye]
Marta Dominguez (ESP) v [9/16] Katie Malliff (ENG)
[9/16] Alicia Mead (ENG) v Asia Harris (ENG)
[8] Hana Moataz (EGY) [bye]
[5] Tesni Murphy (WAL) [bye]
Nadia Pfister (SUI) v [9/16] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG)
[9/16] Millie Tomlinson (ENG) v Nardine Garas (EGY)
[3] Nada Abbas (EGY) [bye]
[4] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) [bye]
Torrie Malik (ENG) v [9/16] Enora Villard (FRA)
[9/16] Ainaa Amani (MAS) v Akanksha Salunkhe (IND)
[7] Melissa Alves (EGY) [bye]
[6] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) [bye]
[WC] Alison Thomson (SCO) v [9/16] Emilia Soini (FIN)
[9/16] Cindy Merlo (SUI) v Saskia Beinhard (GER)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) [bye]

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have confirmed Ali Farag of Egypt and Nele Gilis of Belgium as the top seeds for the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships to be staged at the Prestigious Wimbledon Club in London from the 12th to 17th March.

Returning to the fray is the Men’s World No.1 Ali Farag, a seasoned champion who clinched victory in the event back in 2022. Joining him is the formidable World No.3 Paul Coll of New Zealand, the event winner 2016, alongside Egypt’s World No.4 Mostafa Asal and England’s World No.5 Mohamed ElShorbagy, who won the tournament in 2017.

Defending his hard-earned title from last year will be the equally formidable Karim Abdel Gawad, while Welshman Joel Makin, England’s’ Marwan ElShorbagy, brother of Mohamed, and France’s rising star Baptiste Masotti, round off the top eight seeded positions.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings, the men’s wildcard entry goes to World No.62, Charlie Lee, the 25-year-old from London who created waves last year with a stunning upset over Mohamed ElShorbagy in the second round to advance to the quarter-finals.

Notably, the tournament this year introduces a women’s PSA World Tour Bronze event. Heading the women’s draw will be World No.4 Nele Gilis, who will be eyeing her third PSA World Tour title of the 2023-24 squash season. Joining her in the quest for glory is England’s tenacious World No.14 Sarah-Jane Perry, along with Egypt’s rising star, World No.18 Nada Abbas, and Japan’s resilient contender, World No.21 Satomi Watanabe.

British representation remains robust with Tesni Murphy of Wales and British National Champion Jasmine Hutton securing the No.5 and No.6 seeds, respectively. Additionally, France’s World No.25 Melissa Alves and Egypt’s promising talent, World No.34 Hana Moataz, add further depth to the competitive field.

Completing the women’s roster is Scotland’s promising talent, World No.89 Alison Thomson, securing the wildcard spot for the inaugural women’s event.

2024 Optasia Squash Championships, Men’s Entry List:
Ali Farag (EGY)
Paul Coll (NZL)
Mostafa Asal (EGY)
Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Joel Makin (WAL)
Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG)
Baptiste Masotti (FRA)
Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP)
Nicolas Mueller (SUI)
Patrick Rooney (ENG)
Nick Wall (ENG)
Raphael Kandra (GER)
Leandro Romiglio (GER)
Dimitri Steinmann (SUI)
Karim El Hammamy (EGY)
Rory Stewart (SCO)
Curtis Malik (ENG)
Shahjahan Khan (USA)
George Parker (ENG)
Andrew Douglas (USA)
Juan Camilo Vargas (USA)
Simon Herbert (ENG)
Wildcard: Charlie Lee (ENG)

2024 Optasia Squash Championships, Women’s Entry List:
Nele Gilis (BEL)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
Nada Abbas (EGY)
Satomi Watanabe (JPN)
Tesni Murphy (WAL)
Jasmine Hutton (ENG)
Melissa Alves (FRA)
Hana Moataz (EGY)
Katie Malliff (ENG)
Chan Sin Yuk (HKG)
Emilia Soini (FIN)
Enora Villard (FRA)
Millie Tomlinson (ENG)
Cindy Merlo (SUI)
Alicia Mead (ENG)
Ainaa Amani (MAS)
Torrie Malik (ENG)
Marta Dominguez (ESP)
Saskia Beinhard (GER)
Nardine Garas (EGY)
Asia Harris (ENG)
Nadia Pfister (SUI)
Akanksha Salunkhe (IND)
Wildcard: Alison Thomson (SCO)

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have confirmed that the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships will be held at The Wimbledon Club in London from the 12th to 17th March 2024.

Notably, the 2024 Optasia Squash Championships will boast a significant addition with a Bronze-level women's event accompanying the established Gold-level men's competition.

The Optasia Squash Championships, formerly known as the Channel VAS Squash Championships, have seen the winners emerge from a select group of current or former World No.1 players and World Champions. With such an impressive track record, the upcoming event is poised to host a top-class draw of players, promising thrilling battles for supremacy come March.

The 2023 Optasia Squash Championships saw former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad claim the men's title and the in-form Egyptian is expected to defend the PSA World Tour title.

For the full story of the 2023 Optasia Squash Championships, visit: www.internationalsquashmagazine.com

Tickets for the highly anticipated 2024 Optasia Squash Championships can now be purchased online, visit: www.psaworldtour.com