Eain Yow Ng & Georgina Kennedy crowned 2024 German Open Champions

Eain Yow Ng of Malaysia claimed his first PSA World Tour title with a 66-minute 12-10 11-8 10-12 11-3 victory over Switzerland’s Dimitri Steinmann, while England’s Georgina Kennedy defeated Nele Gilis of Belgium 11-9 11-6 7-11 14-12 in 68 minutes to win her first title of the season at the 2024 German Open staged at the Sportwerk Centre in Hamburg.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Men’s Final:
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 12-10, 11-8, 10-12, 11-3 (66m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Women’s Final:
[3] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [1] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 14-12 (68m)

Eain Yow Ng, Dimitri Steinmann, Nele Gilis and Georgina Kennedy will all feature in the finals of the 2024 PSA German Squash Open 2024 – Presented by Sportwerk, following action-packed semi-finals day at the Sportwerk Centre in Hamburg.

[3] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [6] Tesni Murphy (WAL) 11-5, 11-5, 4-11, 11-8 (45m)
Georgina Kennedy of England has secured her place in the final of the 2024 German Squash Open after a hard-fought 11-5 11-5 4-11 11-8 victory over Tesni Murphy of Wales.

The England No.1 demonstrated her dominance right from the start, exhibiting exceptional court coverage and agility as she dictated the pace of the match. A standout moment came when she executed a trademark forehand boast from a deep position, clinching a crucial rally at 8-4 before capitalising on her advantage to claim the opening game 11-5.

Maintaining her momentum, Georgina Kennedy continued to impose her physical presence on the court, making it challenging for Tesni Murphy. Georgina Kennedy surged to a commanding 5-2 lead in the second game which she secured 11-5.

However, Tesni Murphy staged a comeback in the third game, successfully containing the relentless pressure of Georgina Kennedy and executing her shots with precision to establish a decisive 7-2 lead. With renewed determination, the Welsh player sealed the game 11-4, reigniting her hopes of a final berth.

The fourth game saw a tightly contested battle, with both players exchanging points until the score reached 6-6. The superior quality of Georgina Kennedy ultimately shone through as she gathered four consecutive points. Despite a late resurgence from Tesni Murphy, including a crucial decision overturned in her favour, Georgina Kennedy remained composed to convert her third match ball and secure her place in the women’s final.

[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [1] Joel Makin (WAL) 13-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8 (73m)
Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng secured a spot in the men’s final of the 2024 German Squash Open final following a thrilling 73-minute 13-11 11-8 6-11 11-8 triumph over the men’s top seed Joel Makin.

Despite an initial burst from the Welshman, who surged to a 4-1 lead in the opening game, Eain Yow Ng swiftly found his rhythm, drawing level with his opponent. The battle remained intense, with the score deadlocked at 8-9, until the Malaysian executed a perfectly placed backhand cross-court shot to reach 9-9. With a crucial point in hand, the Eain Yow Ng capitalised, clinching the game 13-11.

Entering the second game, Eain Yow Ng displayed confidence and composure, effectively countering the physical challenge of Joel Makin. A pivotal moment arrived at 4-2 when Eain Yow Ng secured a thrilling rally with an impeccable shot along the right wall, further bolstering his lead. Despite the relentless rallies, Eain Yow Ng maintained his edge, claiming the second game 11-8 and edging closer to securing a spot in the final.

However, Joel Makin staged a resurgence at the outset of the third game to establish a commanding 7-1 lead. Despite a valiant effort from the Malaysian to narrow the gap to 4-8, Makin's advantage proved insurmountable as he clinched the game 11-6.

The fourth game saw both players engaged in a fiercely contested battle, exchanging points until reaching a deadlock at 8-8. A crucial error from Joel Makin, resulting in a tin at 8-8, provided Eain Yow Ng with the momentum he needed. With renewed determination, the Malaysian swiftly secured two consecutive points, ultimately sealing his victory over the top seed.

[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [4] Salma Hany (EGY) 11-7, 7-11, 12-10, 13-11 (66m)
In an exciting third semi-final, women’s No.1 seed Nele Gilis defeated Egypt’s Salma Hany to progress to the final of the 2024 German Squash Open final where she will face England’s Georgina Kennedy.

In a 12-minute first game, Nele Gilis showed strong signs in the opening phases, managing to nullify the threat that Salma Hany possesses, and pulling the Egyptian into the front of the court to suit the Belgian’s game style.

The Egyptian responded well, firing four unanswered points to start the second game, with the fourth coming in the form of a pin-point accurate backhand drop into the nick. Despite a fightback from Nele Gilis from 4-8 to 7-9, the Egyptian held her lead and levelled the match at one game all.

Salma Hany took an early 6-3 lead in the third game, but the top seed pushed back to level pegging despite a dramatic double dive from the Egyptian. Salma Hany at 8-7 restored a 2-point cushion, but the top seed’s physicality was too much as Nele Gilis overcame the deficit to take the lead in the match after a close-fought tie-break.

The fourth game saw the Belgian take an initial advantage. Salma Hany fought back to 10-10, but the quality and athleticism of Nele Gilis proven crucial as she took the game 13-11 to advance to the women’s final.

[6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bt [3] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) 11-8, 11-4, 11-1 (40m)
Switzerland's Dimitri Steinmann advanced to his maiden PSA World Tour final overcoming Egypt's Mohamed ElSherbini 11-8 11-4 11-1 in their semi-final clash at the 2024 German Squash Open being held at the Sportwerk Centre in Hamburg.

Mohamed ElSherbini surged to an early 6-3 lead, however, Dimitri Steinmann, nicknamed the 'Jet', swiftly mounted a comeback, executing a powerful forehand kill to narrow the gap to 4-6. Momentum shifted as Dimitri Steinmann capitalised on his opponent's vulnerabilities, seizing control of the game and establishing a commanding 9-7 lead. With a deceptive shot that left Mohamed ElSherbini stranded, Steinmann clinched the first game with an 11-8 scoreline.

The Swiss player continued his dominance into the second game and with a 7-4 advantage, maintained relentless pressure, rattling off four consecutive points to secure a 2-0 lead in the match.

Following a brief interruption for Mohamed ElSherbini to consult with a physio, Dimitri Steinmann resumed his onslaught, claiming four more consecutive points, extending his streak to eight points in a row. Despite Mohamed ElSherbini breaking the streak to notch his first rally in the third game, Dimitri Steinmann remained in firm control, dictating the pace of play and with his opponent unable to match his intensity, the Swiss No.2 cruised to a straight-game victory.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Men’s Semi-Finals:
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [1] Joel Makin (WAL) 13-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8 (73m)
[6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bt [3] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) 11-8, 11-4, 11-1 (40m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Women’s Semi-Finals:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [4] Salma Hany (EGY) 11-7, 7-11, 12-10, 13-11 (66m)
[3] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [6] Tesni Murphy (WAL) 11-5, 11-5, 4-11, 11-8 (45m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [7] Timothy Brownell (USA) 3-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 (54m)
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [9/16] Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) 11-7, 11-6, 11-4 (42m)
[3] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bt [5] Raphael Kandra (GER) 12-10, 11-9, 12-14, 11-8 (69m)
[6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bt [9/16] Bernat Jaume (ESP) 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 (38m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [7] Malak Khafagy (EGY) 11-4, 11-4, 11-4 (28m)
[4] Salma Hany (EGY) bt [9/16] Saskia Beinhard (GER) 11-8, 11-2, 11-1 (24m)
[3] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [5] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 (28m)
[6] Tesni Murphy (WAL) bt [2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) 11-8, 7-11, 11-6, 3-11, 11-9 (62m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Men’s 2nd Round:
[1] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [9/16] Tom Walsh (ENG) 11-7, 8-11, 11-5, 11-7 (58m)
[7] Timothy Brownell (USA) bt [WC] Marek Panacek (CZE) 11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6 (40m)
[9/16] Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) bt [8] George Parker (ENG) 11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9 (61m)
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [9/16] Daniel Poleshchuk (ISR) 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 (28m)
[3] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bt Spencer Lovejoy (USA) 6-11, 11-9, 14-12, 11-5 (56m)
[5] Raphael Kandra (GER) bt [9/16] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4 (61m)
[6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bt [9/16] Rui Soares (POR) 11-8, 11-6, 11-7 (40m)
[9/16] Bernat Jaume (ESP) bt [2] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 11-8, 11-6, 11-5 (39m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Women’s 2nd Round:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [9/16] Torrie Malik (ENG) 11-7, 14-12, 12-10 (39m)
[7] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt Yasshmita Jadish Kumar (MAS) 15-13, 11-7, 11-5 (26m)
[9/16] Saskia Beinhard (GER) bt [8] Cindy Merlo (SUI) 13-11, 11-6, 11-9 (29m)
[4] Salma Hany (EGY) bt [9/16] Asia Harris (ENG) 11-4, 11-5, 13-11 (30m)
[3] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [9/16] Ainaa Amani (MAS) 11-4, 11-1, 11-2 (20m)
[5] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt [9/16] Ineta Hopton (LAT) 11-6, 11-2, 11-5 (19m)
[6] Tesni Murphy (WAL) bt [9/16] Nardine Garas (EGY) 11-6, 11-6, 11-3 (21m)
[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt [9/16] Marta Dominguez (ESP) 7-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-1 (32m)

UNSQUASHABLE player Yannick Wilhelmi of Switzerland defeated Mazen Gamal of Egypt 11-7 11-1 11-8 in the 1st round of the German Squash Open being staged at the Sportwerk Centre in Hamburg.

The young Swiss player who is enjoying a rich vein of form having risen to a career-high No.57 in the PSA World Rankings, will face German No.1 Raphael Kandra in the 2nd round, scheduled for 20:30 CET on the all-glass show court.

Fellow UNSQUASHABLE players James Willstrop, Lucas Serme and Anna Serme were all beaten on the opening day of Germany’s squash championship, the first PSA World Tour event ever held in Germany.

James Willstrop of England was beaten compatriot Tom Walsh 11-13 11-4 11-6 11-5 in 42 minutes, Lucas Serme of France was denied 14-12 8-11 11-6 11-9 in 65 minutes by Spencer Loverjoy of the USA and Anna Serme was beaten 11-7 11-6 11-4 by Latvian Ineta Hopton.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Men’s 1st Round:
[1] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
[9/16] Tom Walsh (ENG) bt James Willstrop (ENG) 11-13, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 (42m)
[WC] Marek Panacek (CZE) bt [9/16] Faraz Khan (USA) 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 (31m)
[7] Timothy Brownell (USA) bye
[8] George Parker (ENG) bye
[9/16] Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) bt Yassin Elshafei (EGY) 6-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-9 (62m)
[9/16] Daniel Poleshchuk (ISR) bt Martin Svec (CZE) 11-4, 11-7, 11-8 (27m)
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bye
[3] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bye
Spencer Lovejoy (USA) bt [9/16] Lucas Serme (FRA) 14-12, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9 (65m)
[9/16] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) bt Mazen Gamal (EGY) 11-7, 11-1, 11-8 (35m)
[5] Raphael Kandra (GER) bye
[6] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bye
[9/16] Rui Soares (POR) bt [WC] Valentin Rapp (GER) 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 10-12, 11-5 (55m)
[9/16] Bernat Jaume (ESP) bt Ben Smith (ENG) 11-7, 14-12, 9-11, 11-3 (45m)
[2] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bye

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open - Presented by Sportwerk 2024, Sportwerk Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Women’s 1st Round:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
[9/16] Torrie Malik (ENG) bt Yiwen Chan (MAS) 12-10, 11-8, 11-2 (26m)
Yasshmita Jadish Kumar (MAS) bt [9/16] Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) 13-11, 11-9, 8-11, 8-11, 11-5 (40m)
[7] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bye
[8] Cindy Merlo (SUI) bye
[9/16] Saskia Beinhard (GER) bt Rana Ismail (EGY) 12-14, 6-11, 11-9, 11-0, 11-9 (47m)
[9/16] Asia Harris (ENG) bt [WC] Katerina Tycova (GER) 12-10, 11-8, 4-11, 11-5 (42m)
[4] Salma Hany (EGY) bye
[3] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bye
[9/16] Ainaa Amani (MAS) bt Nadia Pfister (SUI) 11-5, 11-8, 13-11 (26m)
[9/16] Ineta Hopton (LAT) bt Anna Serme (CZE) 11-7, 11-6, 11-4 (19m)
[5] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bye
[6] Tesni Murphy (WAL) bye
[9/16] Nardine Garas (EGY) bt Kaitlyn Watts (NZL) 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 7-11, 11-5 (41m)
[9/16] Marta Dominguez (ESP) bt [WC] Maya Weishar (GER) 11-6, 11-7, 11-8 (26m)
[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bye

The inaugural PSA German Squash Open 2024 – Presented by Sportwerk, stars today, welcoming 24 top men’s and women’s players to Hamburg, Germany, for the prestigious PSA World Tour Bronze event. Taking place from the 3rd to 7th April at The Sportwerk Centre, the event marks a historic moment as the first PSA World Tour event ever held in Germany.

Joel Makin of Wales is the top men’s seed and will be eager to clinch his first PSA World Tour title since February 2023. Following on from his impressive run to the semi-finals at the London Squash Classic, where he narrowly missed out on defeating World No.2 Paul Coll, Joel Makin will begin his journey in Hamburg against either former World No.1 and UNSQUASHABLE player James Willstrop or England’s Tom Walsh.

Hot on Makin's heels is No.2 seed Marwan ElShorbagy, seeking redemption after his recent defeat to Joel Makin in a thrilling final game tie-break at the London Classic. The men’s draw includes many leading players, including Dimitri Steinmann of Switzerland, Mohamed ElSherbini of Egypt & No.4 seed Eain Yow Ng of Malaysia.

German No.1 Raphael Kandra is the men’s No.6 seed.

In the women’s draw, the spotlight falls on the formidable Belgian sisters, with World No.4 Nele Gilis leading the pack as the top seed, closely followed by her sister, Tinne, as the No.2 seed. Their potential clash in the final looms large, given their recent encounters in the Singapore Squash Open and the New Zealand Squash Open, both of which ended in victory for Nele Gilis who will kick off her campaign against either Malaysia’s Yiwen Chan or England’s Torrie Malik. Tinne Gilis awaits the winner of Spain’s Marta Dominguez and German Wildcard Maya Weishar.

The women's field boasts other title contenders, including No.4 seed Salma Hany, fresh from her triumph at the Australian Squash Open, and No.6 seed Georgina Kennedy of England, who has consistently reached the semi-finals in seven events this season. Meanwhile, rising star Fayrouz Aboelkheir, seeded fifth, aims to build on her recent performance at the London Squash Classic, where she challenged World No.2 Hania El Hammamy. Completing the top eight seeds are Tesni Murphy, Malak Khafagy and Cindy Merlo.

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have released the draws for the inaugural German Squash Open 2024 - Presented by Sportwerk to be staged in Hamburg from the 3rd to 7th April. Joel Makin and Nele Gilis have been confirmed as the respective men’s and women’s top seeds for the PSA World Tour Bronze level event.

The 2024 German Squash Open will held at The Sportwerk Centre in Hamburg and is the first-ever PSA World Tour event to be hosted in Germany.

The Sportwerk Centre, boasting an impressive array of 15 squash courts including a four-wall glass court, is the largest squash centre in Germany, having played host to prestigious events such as the German Junior Open, German Nationals and various PSA Challenger Tour tournaments.

Leading the charge in the men's draw will be Joel Makin of Wales who will be aiming to clinch his first PSA World Tour title of the 2023-24 squash season. Despite limited appearances this season, Joel Makin, ranked World No. 9, remains a formidable contender. Meanwhile, England's Marwan Elshorbagy secures the No. 2 seed, driven to clinch a title after narrowly missing out on victory in two previous finals this season.

Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng and Mohamed ElSherbini occupy the 3/4 seeding spots. Home favourite Raphael Kandra, seeded seventh, will be the highest ranked German in the championships.

In the women's event, Nele Gilis, the World No. 4, spearheads the competition, eager to secure her third PSA World Tour title of the 2023-24 squash season amidst formidable opponents. Tinne Gilis, her sister and World No. 8, follows as the second seed, aiming to assert her dominance on the court and claim her maiden title of the season.

England's Georgina Kennedy and Egypt's Rowan Elaraby are the respective 3/4 seeds, presenting formidable challenges to the top contenders with their impressive form and determination.

Adding an element of unpredictability are the wildcards Valentine Rapp and Marek Panacek in the men's event, along with Katerina Tycova and Maya Weishar in the women's draw.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open Men’s Draw:
[1] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
Abhay Singh (IND) v [9/16] Timothy Brownell (USA)
[9/16] Faraz Khan (USA) v [WC] Marek Panacek (CZE)
[6] Greg Lobban (SCO) bye
[5] Abdulla Al-Tamimi (QAT) bye
Yassin Elshafei (EGY) v [9/16] Velavan Senthilkumar (IND)
[9/16] George Parker (ENG) v Daniel Poleshchuk (ISR)
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bye
[3] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bye
Spencer Lovejoy (USA) v [9/16] Lucas Serme (FRA)
[9/16] Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) v Tom Walsh (ENG)
[7] Raphael Kandra (GER) bye
[8] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bye
[WC] Valentin Rapp (GER) v [9/16] Rui Soares (POR)
[9/16] Bernat Jaume (ESP)v Ben Smith (ENG)
[2] Marwan Elshorbagy (ENG) bye

Professional Squash Association (PSA) German Squash Open Women’s Draw:
[1] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
Yiwen Chan (MAS) v [9/16] Torrie Malik (ENG)
[9/16] Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) v Yasshmita Jadish Kumar (MAS)
[8] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bye
[5] Salma Hany (EGY) bye
Rana Ismail (EGY) v [9/16] Saskia Beinhard (GER)
[9/16] Haya Ali (EGY) v [WC] Katerina Tycova (GER)
[4] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bye
[3] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bye
Nadia Pfister (SUI) v [9/16] Ainaa Amani (MAS)
[9/16] Ineta Hopton (LAT) v Nardine Garas (EGY)
[6] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bye
[7] Tesni Murphy (WAL) bye
Asia Harris (ENG) v [9/16] Cindy Merlo (SUI)
[9/16] Marta Dominguez (ESP) v [WC] Maya Weishar (GER)
[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bye

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have announced that PSA World Tour is set to make its debut in Germany with the inaugural German Squash Open, comprising men's and women's draws. The PSA World Tour Bronze event will run from the 3rd to 7th April, hosted at The Sportwerk Centre in Hamburg. The 2024 German Squash Open will be the largest PSA event ever hosted in Germany and a significant milestone as the country's first PSA World Tour event.

Nestled within The Sportwerk Centre are 15 state-of-the-art squash courts, including a state-of-the-art four-wall glass court. Notably, the centrepiece all-glass squash court boasts a seating capacity for up to 300 spectators, reinforcing the status of The Sportwerk Centre as Germany's premier squash facility. The Sportwerk Centre has been a proud host to esteemed tournaments such as the German Junior Squash Open, German National Squash Championships, German National Junior Squash Championships, German Squash Masters, Bundesliga Squash Playoffs alongside numerous PSA Challenger Tour tournaments.

Anticipation runs high as 48 elite male and female players from around the world gear up to compete fiercely, vying for the prestigious Germany Squash Open titles.

Within the men's category, the spotlight will fall on German No.1 and World No.35 Raphael Kandra, standing as the highest-ranked German men’s squash player, while World No.72 Saskia Beinhard commands attention among the women’s draw. Both players can be expected to receive the support of the home crowd - an experience they both Raphael Kandra and Saskia Beinhard have yet to encounter on this scale.