Nouran Gohar & Mostafa Asal win 2023 CIB PSA World Tour Squash Finals

Nouran Gohar and Mostafa Asal emerged victorious on the finals day of the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, marking a historic end to the 2022-2023 PSA World Tour season at the EDNC SODIC in Cairo, Egypt.

Gohar clinched her second CIB PSA World Tour Finals crown, adding to her previous triumph in the 2020-2021 edition. In a remarkable showdown lasting a record-breaking 130 minutes, she defeated her bitter rival, Hania El Hammamy, who holds the World No.3 ranking.

This grueling encounter etched its place in history as the longest women's match ever recorded on the PSA World Tour, surpassing the previous record set by Mexico's Samantha Teran and USA's Latasha Khan at the 2008 Liberty Bell Open by a remarkable 10 minutes.

The matches between Gohar and El Hammamy have been nothing short of spectacular recently, with their 107-minute battle at the El Gouna International and their 105-minute clash at this years PSA World Championships making it into the top 10 longest matches.

The contest began with a nail-biting sudden death in the opening game, with El Hammamy narrowly securing a victory at 11-10. Gohar, however, showed her resilience and fought back to claim the next two games. El Hammamy regained the lead after three games, but Gohar, nicknamed 'the Terminator,' would not be denied her second CIB PSA World Tour Finals title. She comfortably won the fourth game and then engaged in an intense battle that lasted almost 45 minutes in the fifth game. Despite several premature celebrations on match ball due to the video referee's 'Yes Let' decisions, Gohar eventually emerged triumphant, securing a monumental victory with a 12-10 scoreline in the fifth game.

Reflecting on the arduous match, Gohar expressed the difficulty of the encounter and credited El Hammamy for her tenacity, acknowledging that such a monumental match requires two exceptional players and fighters. She extended her gratitude to her family, team, and the supportive crowd whose energy propelled her to victory.

“It was so hard out there,” said the World No.1. “All credit to Hania, she always gives it a fight and if it wasn’t her, I don’t think we could play a match like this. A big match requires two big players and two fighters and she is one.

“I couldn’t have done it without my family and my team here. They were incredible, all of them had a heart attack during that! The crowd also really pushed me really hard today, so thank you so much to them.”

In the men's final, Mostafa Asal, ranked fourth in the world, achieved a remarkable feat by becoming only the second player, following Peter Nicol in 1999, 2000, and 2001, to secure three consecutive CIB PSA World Tour Finals trophies. Asal triumphed over top seed Diego Elias, winning the match 9-11 11-6 11-3 11-5.

The final showcased a scrappy encounter that kept the referees on their toes, with numerous contentious decisions throughout the match. Asal had previously defeated Elias in their Group A clash earlier in the event, which was also marked by controversial circumstances. The final followed a similar pattern, with Elias taking the opening game and aiming to become the first South American player to claim the prestigious trophy. However, as the match progressed, Elias grew increasingly frustrated, while Asal remained composed and ultimately secured the victory in four games.

Expressing his appreciation, Asal acknowledged the significance of matching Peter Nicol's achievement and emphasised the invaluable support of his fans, team, and partners. He recognized Elias as a phenomenal player and highlighted the tough nature of the match. Asal extended his gratitude to his father, mother, and coach, Mohamed Elkeiy, who have been with him throughout his journey. He also acknowledged the challenges he faced after a ban and expressed pride in those who stood by him.

“It means a lot, you know. Without them, without my fans, my team, my partners.. Thank you guys for coming today,” said, Asal after securing his 12th PSA World Tour title and his fourth of the season.

“It is unreal [matching Peter Nicol’s achievement]. I couldn’t talk straight away after. It was tough today. Diego is a fantastic player and it was tough in all the situations today. He is one of the best players in the world.

“For sure, my father, mother and coach, Mohamed Elkeiy, they have been through all of it. Since El Gouna, I want to thank him a lot! After the ban, it was so tough for me, I am proud of everyone who has my back!”

The conclusion of the CIB PSA World Tour Finals marked the end of the PSA World Tour campaign for the 2022-2023 season, with the eagerly anticipated

CIB PSA World Tour Finals 2023, ENDC Sodic, Cairo, Egypt
Men’s Finals:
[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [1] Diego Elias (PER) 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-5 (81m)

Women’s Final:
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 10-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 12-10 (130m)

Nouran Gohar and Hania El Hammamy shattered the record for the longest women's match in the history of the PSA World Tour with an intense battle that lasted a staggering 130 minutes before Gohar eventually claimed the prestigious title.

This remarkable feat took place during the 2022-23 CIB PSA World Tour Finals, which served as the concluding event of the 2022-23 PSA World Tour season. Gohar emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought 10-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6, 12-10 victory over El Hammamy and clinching the prestigious tournament trophy. This marks Gohar's sixth title of the season and an impressive 23rd title in her illustrious career, adding to her previous triumph in the 2020-21 edition of the event.

Leading up to this finale, El Hammamy and Gohar had faced each other seven times this season, with three wins apiece. El Hammamy had won their most recent encounter just a few days earlier in their Group A match. It was evident from the start that this match would be a lengthy affair, as their previous two meetings over a best-of-five format had already exceeded the 100-minute mark. Throughout the match, both players engaged in exhilarating rallies, showcasing their exceptional skills.

The intense battle took a brief pause when Gohar and El Hammamy collided, resulting in Gohar falling to the ground and El Hammamy sustaining a calf injury. Despite the interruption, the incident failed to deter the 22-year-old Gohar, who initially managed to establish a 9-6 lead. El Hammamy then attempted to turn the tide in her favor by invoking the Power Play, a new rule being tested at this year's World Tour Finals that allows the player to earn two points if they win the rally. However, El Hammamy squandered the opportunity, granting Gohar a lifeline. Although El Hammamy later earned three game balls, a couple of costly errors allowed Gohar to mount a comeback and force a sudden death decider at 10-10, another new rule being tested during the tournament.

Fortune smiled upon El Hammamy when an unexpected bounce caught Gohar off guard while attempting to return a serve, granting El Hammamy a 1-0 advantage. In the second game, El Hammamy swiftly surged to a 4-1 lead, but Gohar quickly equalized. However, Gohar suffered a setback when she was accidentally struck in the mouth by El Hammamy's follow-through at 7-7, necessitating a brief break. El Hammamy managed to secure the first two points after the break, but once again, she failed to capitalize on her Power Play opportunity. In contrast, Gohar capitalized on hers, leveling the score at 9-9 before delivering a powerful serve that El Hammamy sent into the tin.

The third game unfolded with a similar back-and-forth pattern, with Gohar receiving a conduct stroke after her attempts to return an El Hammamy drop shot—resulting in El Hammamy taking a tumble—were deemed too aggressive by the referees. In the crucial moments of the game, El Hammamy remained composed, while Gohar squandered a significant opportunity at 10-9, hitting the tin with an attempted drop shot while her Power Play was active.

The match was destined to go down to the wire. Gohar raised her game to another level in the fourth game, consistently hitting her targets with precision and maneuvering El Hammamy away from the 'T', allowing her to establish an early lead that she would not relinquish.

As the match wore on and crossed the two-hour mark, both players battled through fatigue during the fifth and final game. Gohar seemed to have the momentum on her side, going 9-6 and 10-8 ahead, but El Hammamy displayed tremendous resilience, mounting a comeback to force a decider.

The pressure of the match became evident in the final rallies, as several let decisions were made by the central referee, much to Gohar's frustration. At one point, Gohar vented her anger by kicking the door after a video referee decision. Nevertheless, she managed to maintain her composure when it mattered the most, executing a deft volley drop shot that landed perfectly in the nick, just out of El Hammamy's reach. Unfortunately for El Hammamy, the decision ruled a no let, ultimately granting Gohar the victory.

In conclusion, Nouran Gohar's triumph over Hania El Hammamy in the 2022-23 CIB PSA World Tour Finals was a testament to their exceptional skill, endurance, and fighting spirit. The match will be remembered as the longest women's match in PSA Tour history, showcasing the dedication and determination of these two remarkable athletes.

Following a contest fraught with interruptions, Egypt's Mostafa Asal emerged triumphant over Diego Elias of Peru to win a record-equalling third PSA World Tour Finals title.

Having already clashed earlier in the week during the group stage, Asal emerged as the winner in a match marred by controversy. The subsequent final followed a similar pattern, albeit in a best-of-five format.

The "Peruvian Puma" initially managed to maintain focus and block out distractions, claiming the opening game. With the score poised at 10-9 in favor of Elias, Asal strategically invoked the PowerPlay rule, where the next point becomes sudden death. Regrettably for Elias, he relinquished that crucial point, allowing Asal to gain an early advantage in the contest.

As the match progressed, becoming increasingly disjointed, Asal skillfully seized control. The growing clamor from the crowd seemed to unsettle the Peruvian, leading to a loss of momentum and heightened frustration due to the frequent contact on the court.

Ultimately, Asal comfortably secured victory in the fourth game, wrapping up the match that was rife with numerous decisions. With this remarkable achievement, the Egyptian joins Peter Nicol as only the second man to capture the CIB PSA World Tour Finals title for three consecutive seasons. Nicol accomplished this feat from 1999 to 2001.

In summary, Mostafa Asal's triumph over Diego Elias in the CIB PSA World Tour Finals exemplified his ability to navigate a challenging and interrupted contest. With his resolute performance, Asal cements his status as a dominant force in the tournament, etching his name alongside squash legend Peter Nicol in the annals of history.

Diego Elias has etched his name in history as the first South American to reach the prestigious CIB PSA World Tour Finals title decider. In a thrilling showdown against the two-time champion Mohamed ElShorbagy at Cairo's EDNC SODIC, the Peruvian, ranked second in the world, showcased his exceptional skills to secure a well-deserved victory.

Elias, who emerged as the leader of Group A in the men's event, dominated the first game with purposeful shots into the front corners and effective ball-cutting, neutralizing ElShorbagy's attacking prowess. Although ElShorbagy fought back, matching Elias's performance, the Peruvian displayed a masterful defensive game, skillfully maneuvering the ball out of reach from the Englishman. Elias pulled away from the midway point, sealing an impressive 11-5, 11-6 win and earning a spot in his career's 28th PSA final and eighth of the season.

Reflecting on his remarkable performance, Elias expressed his satisfaction after enduring a challenging week and season. With deep respect for ElShorbagy, his good friend and rival, Elias acknowledged the evenly contested matches they have had, with victories alternating between them. Grateful for reaching another final, Elias recognized the mental strength he exhibited throughout the week and hoped to carry it forward to the final day.

Standing opposite Elias in the title clash will be defending champion Mostafa Asal, who delivered an outstanding performance against world number one Ali Farag, ending Farag's impressive 22-match unbeaten streak and four consecutive tournament wins. Asal, who had previously defeated Elias in a gritty Group A encounter, finished second in the group, setting up a rematch against Farag, reminiscent of their El Gouna International final earlier in the month, which Farag had won. However, Asal's brilliance shone through as he dominated the proceedings, overpowering his fellow Egyptian with an emphatic 11-2, 11-5 victory, marking one of the finest displays of his career so far.

Thrilled to play in front of the enthusiastic crowd, Asal aspires to become the first player since Peter Nicol in 2001 to secure a hat-trick of World Tour Finals titles. Looking forward to the final against Elias, whom he considers one of the best players on the tour, Asal anticipates an exciting and intense encounter, describing it as a "spicy final." Brimming with confidence, Asal asserts that he fears no one on the tour, firmly believing in his own abilities as one of the world's best, if not the best, players.

In the women's final, world number one Nouran Gohar and world number three Hania El Hammamy will rekindle their rivalry following their respective victories against World Champion Nour El Sherbini and world number six Nour El Tayeb.

Noran Gohar had struggled to defeat El Sherbini in their three previous encounters, including the final of the PSA World Championships last month. However, in a captivating battle, Gohar displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back from an 8-5 deficit in the third game to secure a hard-fought victory. This win propelled her into her 42nd PSA final and her impressive tenth final of the season, laden with trophies.

Expressing her emotions after the match, Gohar, often regarded as displaying minimal on-court emotion, revealed her elation, emphasizing the greatness of her competitor, Nour El Sherbini. Gohar acknowledged El Sherbini's ability to surprise her in their previous encounters and praised her as a driving force behind her constant pursuit of improvement and the desire to address her weaknesses. Despite the challenges posed by El Sherbini, Gohar found immense joy in her victory.

As the culminating match of the women's PSA World Tour season, the final between Gohar and El Hammamy holds special significance in Cairo. Having clashed seven times already during the campaign, with three wins each, the pair has cultivated a fierce and enthralling rivalry. Notably, two of their last three encounters endured over 100 minutes, underscoring their competitiveness. El Hammamy emerged victorious when they faced each other in the group stage of this season's World Tour Finals, adding further intrigue to their upcoming showdown. El Hammamy secured her place in the title decider by defeating El Tayeb, reminiscent of their clash in the 2019-20 edition, which El Hammamy had won.

El Hammamy, recognising El Sherbini's tenacity throughout the week despite carrying an injury, expressed her admiration and respect for her opponent. She commended El Sherbini's inspirational journey, from giving birth to climbing back to the top, all while battling numerous injuries. El Hammamy held immense respect for El Sherbini's courageous spirit and motivation to continue competing at such a high level.

CIB PSA World Tour Finals 2023, ENDC Sodic, Cairo, Egypt
Men’s Semi-Finals:
[1] Diego Elias (PER) bt [3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) 11-5, 11-6 (30m)
[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [2] Ali Farag (EGY) 11-2, 11-5 (37m)

Women’s Semi-Finals:
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [6] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) 11-3, 11-8 (21m)
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 11-7, 10-11, 11-8 (56m)

Egyptian squash player Nour El Tayeb has made an impressive comeback at the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in three years. Despite nursing a hamstring injury, El Tayeb showed great determination in her match against New Zealand's Joelle King, securing an 11-10, 11-8 victory. With this win, she climbed from the bottom place to take second place in her Group B qualifying pool.

Nour El Tayeb has been visibly affected by her leg injury, wearing heavy strapping throughout all three of her matches. Nevertheless, she expressed her determination to perform well in this significant event and finish the season on a high note.

Reflecting on her victory, Nour El Tayeb acknowledged that both she and Joelle King were dealing with physical issues, as King had an ankle problem. She credited her mental focus and trust in her skills for overcoming the limitations imposed by her body.

El Tayeb's next opponent will be Hania El Hammamy, the winner of Group A, who recovered from a shaky start to defeat Belgium's Nele Gilis with scores of 11-9, 11-8. This upcoming match will be a rematch of their encounter in the 2019-20 tournament, in which El Hammamy emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline.

In the men's event, Mohamed ElShorbagy, ranked third in the world, secured a place in the semi-finals by defeating Paul Coll, ranked fifth. Mohamed ElShorbagy, who had struggled with an adductor injury in his previous match against world number one Ali Farag, employed an aggressive game plan, seizing every opportunity to go for the kill. He successfully utilized two Power Plays, a new rule being trialed in this season's tournament, which granted him two additional points for each rally won after invoking the Power Play. This strategic move helped ElShorbagy secure an 11-8, 11-10 victory over Coll.

ElShorbagy will face Diego Elias, the top seed in Group A, in the semi-finals. Elias claimed the first-place position in his group following Mostafa Asal's defeat to fellow Egyptian Mazen Hesham. Asal only needed to win a single game to qualify for the semi-finals, which he accomplished comfortably. However, he subsequently relaxed his gameplay and attempted several spectacular shots, with mixed success. Hesham capitalised on this and made a comeback to secure the victory.

The first-place position in Group B had already been confirmed after Tarek Momen, seeded eighth, withdrew due to injury, granting Farag the top spot. Farag's semi-final opponent will be Asal, setting the stage for a rematch of the El Gouna International final held earlier this month, from which Farag emerged victorious.

Overall, the stage is set for intense and thrilling semi-final matches in the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, with the world's top squash players showcasing their skills and determination as they vie for the prestigious title.

CIB PSA World Tour Finals 2023, ENDC Sodic, Cairo, Egypt
Men’s 3rd Pool Round:
Pool A:
[6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt [4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 2-11, 11-8, 11-5 (38m)

Pool B:
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [5] Paul Coll (NZL) 11-8, 11-10 (35m)
[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [8] Tarek Momen (EGY) w/o

Women’s 3rd Pool Round:
Pool A:
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [5] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-9, 11-8 (34m)

Pool B:
[2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [7] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 11-3, 11-4 (18m)
[6] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt [4] Joelle King (NZL) 11-10, 11-8 (30m)

Diego Elias and Nouran Gohar, the top seeds in the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, have secured their spots in the semi-finals after defeating Victor Crouin of France and Olivia Fiechter of the USA, respectively, at the EDNC SODIC in Cairo.

In the men's event, World No.2 Elias emerged victorious with an 11-9, 11-7 win over World No.7 Crouin, solidifying his position at the top of Group A. This marks Elias' first appearance in the semi-finals of this tournament. Despite suffering a defeat against Egyptian player Mostafa Asal the previous night, Elias currently holds nine points, two ahead of the No.4 seed. If Asal loses to No.6 seed Mazen Hesham, Elias will finish at the top of Group A alongside Hesham.

Reflecting on his victory over Crouin, Elias acknowledged the Frenchman's strong performance and continuous improvement, stating, "He's very tough and is improving in every tournament and playing great squash." Comparing the match to their previous encounter at the British Open, which stretched to an intense 76 minutes, Elias expressed his satisfaction with winning in just two games. He also described the challenge of playing against Asal, highlighting his opponent's exceptional skills and physicality.

Meanwhile, World No.1 Ali Farag secured his place in the semi-finals after coming back from a game down to defeat Mohamed ElShorbagy, a two-time winner of the tournament. This marked their 28th meeting on the PSA Tour, with ElShorbagy holding a narrow lead of 14-13 in their head-to-head record. However, Farag managed to level the score with a 9-11, 11-5, 11-3 victory. Farag expressed his dislike of playing against ElShorbagy and noted the long rallies and intense competition during the match. Farag's winning streak now stands at 22 matches, and he has secured four consecutive tournament victories.

ElShorbagy has been struggling with an adductor injury since March, and he hopes to recover in time for his upcoming match against No.5 seed Paul Coll. The outcome of their clash will determine who joins Farag in the semi-finals. Coll, following his 11-6, 11-3 win over No.8 seed Tarek Momen, currently holds the second position in Group B.

In the women's event, Nouran Gohar secured her place in the semi-finals for the third consecutive season. She defeated World No.9 Olivia Fiechter with an 11-3, 11-5 scoreline, placing her at the top of Group A with nine points. Gohar expressed her happiness at qualifying for the semi-finals and appreciated the rest day that follows. She also acknowledged the challenge of playing against Fiechter, a player she trains with in the US, noting the tricky nature of competing against a familiar training partner.

Joining Gohar in the semi-finals is Nour El Sherbini, the reigning World Champion. El Sherbini comfortably defeated Joelle King of New Zealand with an 11-3, 11-4 victory. King, who was playing with an ankle injury, struggled with her movement, and El Sherbini capitalized on this advantage to dominate the match. El Sherbini's next opponent will be England's Georgina Kennedy, who narrowly defeated Nour El Tayeb of Egypt, who had heavy strapping around her right thigh. El Sherbini only needs to win a single game against Kennedy, ranked No.8 in the world, to secure the top spot in the group.

After her match, El Sherbini acknowledged King's injury and focused on maintaining her momentum throughout the game. She expressed satisfaction with her 2-0 victory without dropping a game, emphasizing her determination not to give her injured opponent any easy points.

CIB PSA World Tour Finals 2023, ENDC Sodic, Cairo, Egypt
Men’s 3rd Pool Round:
Pool A:
[1] Diego Elias (PER) bt [7] Victor Crouin (FRA) 11-9, 11-7 (33m)

Pool B:
[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) 9-11, 11-5, 11-3 (40m)
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [8] Tarek Momen (EGY) 11-6, 11-3 (22m)

Women’s 3rd Pool Round:
Pool A:
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [8] Olivia Fiechter (USA) 2-0: 11-3, 11-5 (19m)

Pool B:
[2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [4] Joelle King (NZL) 11-3, 11-4 (18m)
[7] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [6] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) 11-7, 8-11, 11-8 (34m)

Hania El Hammamy, ranked third in the world, halted her three-match losing streak against top-ranked Nouran Gohar on the second day of the CIB PSA World Tour Finals. The victory propelled El Hammamy to the top of Group A in the women's event.

The CIB PSA World Tour Finals, held at Cairo's EDNC SODIC, showcases the elite eight male and female players based on their performance in the CIB Road to Egypt Standings throughout the 2022-23 season. The group stage adopts a round-robin format, with players engaging in best-of-three games to secure a place in the knockout stages.

El Hammamy, the 2019-20 World Tour Finals champion, is on the verge of reaching the semifinals after an impressive comeback, triumphing over Gohar with a 10-11, 11-10, 11-4 scoreline. Reflecting on her previous struggles against Gohar, El Hammamy expressed disappointment but aims to conclude the season on a high note, setting the stage for a fresh head-to-head record in the following season.

In the other Group A encounter, Belgium's Nele Gilis claimed her inaugural victory at the World Tour Finals by defeating Olivia Fiechter from the United States with a hard-fought 11-10, 4-11, 11-6 triumph. Gilis acknowledged the challenges of playing late into the night but expressed her satisfaction at securing her first win in the tournament.

The race for semifinal qualification remains wide open in Group A, with all four players still in contention. El Hammamy leads the group with seven points, and a victory over Gilis in her final group match will guarantee her progression. Gohar currently sits in second place with five points.

Shifting focus to the men's event, defending champion Mostafa Asal claimed the top position in Group B following a grueling 90-minute battle against world number two, Diego Elias. Asal emerged victorious with a closely contested 10-11, 11-7, 12-10 scoreline. This match marked their first encounter since the December Hong Kong Open final, where Asal showcased remarkable resilience by overturning a two-game deficit to claim the championship.

The Asal versus Elias clash was marred by several contentious moments, including interruptions caused by traffic on the court. Asal incurred two conduct strokes for unfairly impeding Elias's movement and expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions. Nevertheless, Asal acknowledged the learning opportunities presented and stressed the importance of improved communication with referees.

Egypt's Mazen Hesham, currently ranked eighth globally, secured his first victory in the tournament by defeating France's Victor Crouin with a solid 11-7, 11-6 performance. With Asal leading Group B with seven points, Elias in second place with five, and Hesham closely trailing with four, the battle for the semifinal berths remains intense. Crouin's hopes of advancing to the last four have been extinguished.

Hesham expressed his contentment with his performance and aims to capitalize on his initial win, potentially securing a place in the semifinals. Meanwhile, in Group B, two-time champion Mohamed ElShorbagy began his campaign with a comfortable 11-6, 11-4 victory over Tarek Momen, who joined the event as a substitute for the injured Marwan ElShorbagy.

CIB PSA World Tour Finals 2023, ENDC Sodic, Cairo, Egypt
Men’s 2nd Pool Round:
Pool A:
[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [1] Diego Elias (PER) 10-11, 11-7, 12-10 (90m)
[6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt [7] Victor Crouin (FRA) 11-7, 11-6 (28m)

Pool B:
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [8] Tarek Momen (EGY) 11-6, 11-4 (16m)

Women’s 2nd Pool Round:
Pool A:
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 10-11, 11-10, 11-4 (56m)
[5] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [8] Olivia Fiechter (USA) 11-10, 4-11, 11-6 (45m)

Pool B:
[4] Joelle King (NZL) bt [7] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 5-11, 11-8, 11-9 (34m)

World Champions Nour El Sherbini and Ali Farag emerged victorious on the opening day of the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, rallying from behind to defeat World No.6 Nour El Tayeb and World No.5 Paul Coll.

The tournament is taking place at Cairo's newly constructed EDNC SODIC venue, featuring an all-glass show court. The CIB PSA World Tour Finals showcases the top eight male and female players on the CIB Road to Egypt Standings, with points earned throughout the 2022-23 season's PSA World Tour events contributing to their standings. The group stage follows a round-robin format, employing a best-of-three games structure, as players strive to qualify for the knockout stages.

This season's event introduces two experimental rules. Power Plays grant players the opportunity to win two points if they emerge victorious in the corresponding rally, while sudden death deciders come into play when the score reaches 10-10. In the opening game, El Sherbini fell victim to the sudden death rule, allowing El Tayeb to secure a one-game lead. However, El Sherbini swiftly turned the tables in the second game, converting a match ball opportunity for El Tayeb into a 1-1 scoreline.

El Tayeb, grappling with a leg injury, put up a fierce fight against El Sherbini. Nevertheless, the two-time World Tour Finals champion managed to seal a hard-fought victory, triumphing with a scoreline of 10-11, 11-10, 11-7.

Reflecting on her win, El Sherbini expressed, "Playing against a top six player in the first match of a tournament is always challenging. I'm thrilled to have emerged victorious and pleased with how I handled the match after the initial game. Facing El Tayeb is always tough, but I focus on studying my opponents' game and executing my game plan, irrespective of previous outcomes."

Nour El Sherbini currently leads Group B with three points. In Group A, World No.1 Nouran Gohar occupies the top position following a comfortable 11-6, 11-0 triumph over Belgium's Nele Gilis, setting the stage for a rematch of the El Gouna International final. World No.3 Hania El Hammamy secures second place in Group A after a 2-0 victory against Olivia Fiechter, who is making her World Tour Finals debut.

Commenting on her performance, Nouran Gohar remarked, "Starting off the tournament is always challenging. You can't afford to give away any easy points or opportunities in the middle of the match. With someone in such formidable form, she can defeat anyone on any given day. The initial rallies were quite intense, but I was determined to show my resilience and not concede any cheap points."

On the men's side, World No.1 Ali Farag leads Group B after a strong comeback from a game down to defeat New Zealand's Paul Coll. Coll effectively utilized the Power Play at 9-9 to secure the opening game. However, Farag took control from the second game onward, ultimately clinching a 9-11, 11-3, 11-7 victory.

Reflecting on his performance, Ali Farag shared, "I didn't start off well initially, but I found my rhythm mid-game and gradually improved as the match progressed. Paul played exceptionally well in the last three rallies and strategically utilized the Power Play. However, I remained undeterred, knowing that I needed to maintain my approach and be more assertive in my attacks. Once I did that, I felt I had control over the second and third games."

Defending champion Mostafa Asal leads Group A after securing the maximum four points on offer with a 2-0 win against Frenchman Victor Crouin, who is making his debut at the World Tour Finals. World No.1 Diego Elias holds the second position in Group A, having defeated Egypt's Mazen Hesham. While Elias also has four points, Asal's higher percentage of points won places him above Elias in the standings.

Addressing the on-court dynamics and his relationship with Victor Crouin, Asal stated, "We initially started the match in good spirits, and during our on-court conversation at the end, I emphasized the need to put an end to any animosity. I admit that my previous behavior, speaking about him after matches, was immature and not ideal. We belong to the same generation, and together we will shape the future of this sport. I have great respect for Victor, and he should be proud of his first-ever World Tour Finals appearance this year."

CIB PSA World Tour Finals 2023, ENDC Sodic, Cairo, Egypt
Men’s 1st Pool Round:
Pool A:
[1] Diego Elias (PER) bt [6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) 11-8, 11-5 (38m)
[4] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [7] Victor Crouin (FRA) 11-3, 11-9 (32m)

Pool B:
[2] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [5] Paul Coll (NZL) 9-11, 11-3, 11-7 (46m)
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) v [8] Tarek Momen (EGY)

Women’s 1st Pool Round:
Pool A:
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [5] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-6, 11-0 (22m)
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [8] Olivia Fiechter (USA) 11-6, 11-7 (27m)

Pool B:
[2] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [6] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) 10-11, 11-10, 11-7 (43m)
[4] Joelle King (NZL) v [7] Georgina Kennedy (ENG)

The CIB PSA World Tour Finals commence on the 20th June, marking the thrilling conclusion of the 2022/23 squash season. The top eight players from the CIB Road to Egypt standings will compete for the ultimate title at the newly constructed EDNC SODIC venue in Cairo. Defending champions Mostafa Asal and Nour El Sherbini seek to retain their titles, with Asal eyeing a remarkable third consecutive World Tour Finals victory.

The highly anticipated CIB PSA World Tour Finals, marking the culmination of the season, kicks off today in Cairo with a series of enthralling matches scheduled for the evening of June 20th.

As is customary for this tournament on the PSA World Tour, the format deviates from the norm. The event commences with two pool stages, each comprising four players, who will engage in a round-robin format featuring best-of-three matches. Following the completion of the group stages, the top two players from each group will progress to the subsequent rounds, leading up to the semifinals and finals over the weekend.

The opening day's action will be framed by the presence of the World No.1 players, Nouran Gohar and Ali Farag. Gohar, known as "The Terminator," will inaugurate proceedings on the all-glass court, facing off against Belgium's Nele Gilis, who is making her debut at the esteemed CIB PSA World Tour Finals.

In the final match of the evening, Ali Farag will take on New Zealand's Paul Coll, setting the stage for an intense battle. Defending champion Mostafa Asal will find himself pitted against his rival Victor Crouin, while top seed Diego Elias will engage in a compelling encounter with Egypt's Mazen Hesham in the men's matches.

Among the women's matches, defending CIB PSA World Tour Finals champion Nour El Sherbini will square off against her compatriot Nour El Tayeb, ensuring an intriguing clash. Additionally, World No.3 Hania El Hammamy will face debutant Olivia Fiechter in what promises to be a captivating encounter.

As the season-ending spectacle unfolds, spectators can anticipate a thrilling display of skill and competitiveness as these exceptional athletes vie for victory at the prestigious CIB PSA World Tour Finals.

This year’s CIB PSA World Tour Finals will see Ali Farag and Diego Elias contend for the Men’s World No.1 Ranking with Nouran Gohar and Nour El Sherbini battling for Women’s World No.1 Ranking.

The CIB PSA World Tour Finals deviates from the usual knockout format, introducing additional permutations into the mix. With points awarded for victories in the group stage, the scenario becomes slightly more intricate.

This tournament diverges from the standard format, introducing more permutations than a straightforward knockout competition. With the allocation of points for victories in the group stage, the path to glory becomes slightly more intricate.

Currently holding the World No.1 title, Ali Farag faces the possibility of relinquishing his position to Peru's Diego Elias when the rankings are updated on Monday.

To ensure Ali Farag retains his World No.1 status, two outcomes must transpire: either Farag emerges as the victor of the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, or Diego Elias fails to reach the final stage of the competition in Cairo. Any other result would pave the way for Elias to ascend to the summit, albeit with certain conditions that must be met.

Diego Elias will regain the World No.1 ranking if any of the following scenarios unfold:
Diego Elias secures an undefeated triumph in the World Tour Finals and Ali Farag finishes as the runner-up, winning two or fewer group matches.
Diego Elias triumphs in the World Tour Finals, having won two group matches, and Ali Farag stumbles in the semifinals, winning two or fewer group matches at best.
Diego Elias emerges victorious in the World Tour Finals after winning one group match, and Ali Farag falls in the semifinals, having won only one group match at best.
Diego Elias finishes as the runner-up, having won all three group matches, while Ali Farag wins only one group match.
Diego Elias finishes as the runner-up, having won two group matches, while Ali Farag fails to win any group matches.

Ali Farag will continue to reign as the World No.1 if any of the following circumstances come to pass:
Ali Farag triumphs in the World Tour Finals.
Ali Farag finishes as the runner-up, winning all three group matches.
Diego Elias fails to reach the final.
Ali Farag reaches the final or loses in the semifinals, having won all three group matches, and Diego Elias does not secure victory in the event while remaining unbeaten.
Ali Farag loses in the semifinals, having won two group matches, and Diego Elias does not win two or more group matches on his path to winning the World Tour Finals.
Ali Farag either loses in the semifinals, having won one group match, or fails to qualify for the knockout stages, but wins two group matches, and Diego Elias fails to secure victory in the World Tour Finals.
Ali Farag fails to qualify for the knockout stages, having won one group match, and Diego Elias finishes as the runner-up, having won two group matches.

In summary, the battle for the top spot in men's squash is poised to intensify at the CIB PSA World Tour Finals in Cairo. With both Ali Farag and Diego Elias eyeing the prestigious World No.1 ranking, their performances in the tournament will ultimately determine who claims the throne in the squash world.

The battle for the coveted World No.1 spot in women's squash is set to unfold this week in Cairo, adding excitement and anticipation to the CIB PSA World Tour Finals.

Nour El Sherbini, the determined contender known as 'the Terminator,' is poised to reclaim the summit of the women's World Rankings, aiming to dethrone Nouran Gohar once more. In its simplest form, El Sherbini only needs to secure a spot in the final to retain her World No.1 status. Any outcome less than that would provide an opportunity for El Sherbini to reclaim the top position.

Nour El Sherbini will ascend to the World No.1 ranking if any of the following scenarios unfold:
Nour El Sherbini emerges victorious in the World Tour Finals, remaining unbeaten, while Nouran Gohar fails to reach the final, having won two or fewer group matches.
Nour El Sherbini triumphs in the World Tour Finals after winning two group matches, and Nouran Gohar falls short of qualifying for the knockout stages, having only won one group match.
Nour El Sherbini clinches victory in the World Tour Finals, securing a win in one group match, while Nouran Gohar falters to secure victory in any of her group matches.

On the other hand, Nouran Gohar will retain her position as World No.1 if any of the following circumstances come to pass:
Nouran Gohar reaches the final of the World Tour Finals, displaying her prowess and resilience.
Nouran Gohar advances to the semifinals after winning all three group matches, showcasing her dominance throughout the competition.
Nour El Sherbini fails to clinch victory in the World Tour Finals, leaving the door open for Nouran Gohar to maintain her hold on the top ranking.
Nour El Sherbini emerges triumphant in the event, having won two group matches, and Nouran Gohar secures two group match victories, or Gohar advances to the semifinals after winning only one group match.
Nouran Gohar secures victory in one group match but fails to qualify for the knockout stages, while Nour El Sherbini emerges as the winner of the event, having only won one group match.

In summary, Cairo is bracing itself for a thrilling showdown in women's squash, as Nour El Sherbini and Nouran Gohar vie for the prestigious World No.1 ranking at the CIB PSA World Tour Finals. The battle promises captivating matches and intense competition as these exceptional athletes strive to etch their names in squash history.

The 2022/23 PSA World Tour season is coming to a close this week with the final tournament, the CIB PSA World Tour Finals. This event marks the end of the season and is set to take place from Tuesday, June 20 to Sunday, June 25 at the newly built EDNC SODIC venue in Cairo, Egypt.

The tournament brings together the top eight players from the CIB Road to Egypt Standings, who have earned points throughout the PSA World Tour season. Additionally, winners of the Platinum events and the World Champions have secured automatic qualification.

The players are divided into two groups, with each group consisting of players from different seeding brackets: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8. During the first four days of the event, each player will compete against the other three members of their group.

The top two players from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Marwan ElShorbagy of Egypt has withdrawn from the upcoming CIB PSA World Tour Finals due to an injury. As a result, his compatriot Tarek Momen will replace him in the final event of the season, which begins tomorrow (20th June) at the EDNC SODIC venue in Cairo.

ElShorbagy's injury brings an end to his 2022/23 campaign, during which he achieved victory at the Hong Kong Football Club Open in December. He also reached the finals in five other tournaments, including the J.P Morgan Tournament of Champions, where he finished as the runner-up.

Momen narrowly missed out on qualifying for the World Tour Finals, finishing in ninth place in the Road to Egypt Standings. However, he will now take ElShorbagy's place as the No.8 seed in the tournament. As a result, Victor Crouin moves up to the No.7 seed, and Mazen Hesham advances to the No.6 seed. In terms of grouping, Hesham joins Group A, while Momen will compete in Group B.

CIB PSA World Tour Finals Revised Men’s Groups:
Group A:
[1] Diego Elias
[4] Mostafa Asal
[6] Mazen Hesham
[7] Victor Crouin

Group B:
[2] Ali Farag
[3] Mohamed ElShorbagy
[5] Paul Coll
[8] Tarek Momen

Despite facing health issues earlier this season and dropping out of the top 10 temporarily in December, Georgina Kennedy from England is confident of bettering her performance at last year's CIB PSA World Tour Finals.

Georgina made a remarkable comeback by winning the Carol Weymuller Open and the Cleveland Classic in January and February. She also reached the quarter-finals at the J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions in New York. Consistent performances propelled her to a career-high ranking of No.7 last month.

Kennedy, a 26-year-old from London, is looking forward to the upcoming CIB PSA World Tour Finals, which begins on Tuesday. She aims to overcome the challenges she faced at last year's tournament, where she finished last in her group. Reflecting on her qualification, Kennedy expressed her excitement and pride in achieving her goal, especially after her initial setbacks due to injuries and health problems. She commended her turnaround during the American leg of the tour in January and February.

Acknowledging the difficulties presented by the tournament conditions, which are played on outdoor courts in Egypt, Kennedy aims to adapt and improve upon her performance from last year. She acknowledges that the best players can adjust their game to any situation, which she didn't accomplish in the previous edition. Despite the challenges of training in different conditions and climates, Kennedy embraces the opportunity to rise to the occasion and meet the standards set by the top players.

Looking ahead, once the World Tour Finals conclude, Kennedy will focus on the next season and set her sights on breaking into the top five in the world rankings. She acknowledges the increasing competitiveness and depth of the tour, making progress harder but also providing an exciting challenge. As she gains more experience, Kennedy aims to continue learning and building upon her performances.

Kennedy credits former World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy, who joined the English team after switching allegiance from Egypt, as someone she has learned from this season. She speaks highly of ElShorbagy's impact on the England team and recounts a supportive gesture he made during a match in Egypt. Kennedy expresses her gratitude for his presence and emphasizes how much she learns from him, both on and off the court.

With one tournament remaining, Kennedy hopes to make a statement in Cairo by aiming for victories against the Egyptian top three players, Nouran Gohar, Nour El Sherbini, and Hania El Hammamy, whom she has yet to defeat. She aims to demonstrate her potential and determination, aiming to send a message that she is relentlessly pursuing higher rankings and success.

In conclusion, Georgina Kennedy aims to improve on her previous performance at the CIB PSA World Tour Finals, showcasing her resilience after facing health issues earlier in the season. She emphasizes her excitement for the challenge and the need to adapt to different conditions. Kennedy also acknowledges the influence of Mohamed ElShorbagy and sets her sights on breaking into the world's top five while expressing her determination to make a statement in Cairo.

France's Victor Crouin is set to make his debut at this year's CIB PSA World Tour Finals. This opportunity comes after his most successful season on the PSA World Tour to date. Crouin's impressive performances include reaching the quarterfinals or better in 14 World Tour events, winning two titles, and finishing as the runner-up in three other tournaments, including the prestigious Qatar Classic where he reached his first Platinum-level final.

His victories at the Open de France de Squash and the Squash on Fire Open propelled him into the top eight of the CIB Road to Egypt Standings, as well as the PSA World Rankings. The 23-year-old is delighted to have earned his place among the world's elite players in Cairo for the first time.

Reflecting on his qualification for the World Tour Finals, Crouin stated that it had been a goal of his since the second half of the season began in January. He aimed to maintain consistency and achieve good results to secure his spot. Although he acknowledged the competition from other players like Youssef Soliman, Tarek Momen, and Karim Abdel Gawad, he focused on performing well and possibly winning the tournament to solidify his qualification.

While fatigue is beginning to affect Crouin due to the long season, he doesn't want to put excessive pressure on himself for his debut at the season-ending event. He recognizes that he is young and hopes to have more opportunities to participate in future World Tour Finals. He considers his season to have exceeded expectations and believes it has been a valuable learning experience, with victories on big stages, tough losses, and an understanding of how opponents have studied his game.

Having played the most PSA events among players inside the top 50, Crouin is ready for the season to conclude. It is worth noting that this successful season is his first full-time season on the PSA Tour after graduating from Harvard.

Looking ahead, Crouin is already planning for the next season and the challenges he will face defending points. He mentions key tournaments like the Qatar Classic and the revamped French Open, now a Platinum event in Paris. He aims to maintain his ranking and continue moving up.

Being part of the World Tour Finals is seen as an honor by Crouin, as it features the top eight players of the season. He hopes to make the most of this opportunity, aiming to secure victories against the top-ranked players in the world, building on his recent close encounters at the British and European Team Championships.

Nele Gilis, Belgium's top-ranked squash player, has secured her place in the CIB PSA World Tour Finals for the first time by finishing fifth on the CIB Road to Egypt Standings.

Gilis, who achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 7, had a remarkable performance at the El Gouna International, defeating World Champion Nour El Sherbini in the semi-finals and reaching the Platinum final, where she lost to World No. 1 Nouran Gohar. This achievement made her the first Belgian player to reach a Platinum final. Gilis, who also won titles at the Open de France de Squash and the Malaysian Open, expressed her delight at achieving two major goals this season.

On the eve of the championship, Nele announced: "I feel amazing. Breaking into the top eight has been my goal for a long time, and I've finally made it. Reaching the World Tour Finals is something very special, and it means a lot to me because it signifies consistency throughout the season."

Gilis had suffered a hip injury at the end of the previous season but made a strong comeback after receiving treatment and undergoing extensive strength training. She attributed her newfound enjoyment of the game to playing pain-free and expressed gratitude for being able to do so. Working closely with her coach, Rob Owen, over the past few years, Gilis credited him with transforming her technique, game, and understanding of squash. She acknowledged that her current achievements were the result of years of hard work and expressed her determination to keep pushing herself.

Despite her current high ranking, Gilis aims to continue striving for improvement. While her initial goal was to enter the top eight, she now aspires to break into the top four and be the best she can be. She expressed her love for the sport since childhood and emphasized her motivation to keep going by reflecting on her progress. Although she hasn't set specific goals for the next season, Gilis mentioned that reaching the top five would be a significant accomplishment.

In closing, Gilis had a message for players ranked above her, confidently stating, "I've arrived, I'm coming for you."This season's CIB PSA World Tour Finals will be

Mohamed ElShorbagy's 10th appearance in the event. The 32-year-old English squash player is aiming to secure his third title at this prestigious tournament. ElShorbagy, a former World No.1 and World Champion, emerged victorious in 2017 and 2018, and was a finalist in 2013 and 2021.

ElShorbagy takes pride in his longevity and ability to succeed across different generations of players. He believes that as long as his body and mind are in good condition, he always feels confident in his chances at any event. Reflecting on his first participation in 2011, he recalls a different group of players including the likes of Amr Shabana, Greg Gaultier, Nick Matthew, Peter Barker, and Azlan Iskander. The subsequent years brought about new faces, and the current era is no exception. ElShorbagy's mentality has been to constantly strive for excellence, aiming to be the best in the world. To achieve consistency, he has learned the art of letting go, not allowing victories or defeats to affect him too much.

Throughout his career, ElShorbagy has maintained unwavering self-belief, a characteristic shared by great players in the sport. He asserts that in every match he enters, he backs himself to win, despite being only human and experiencing moments of vulnerability. Having been in the top five for the past decade, he aspires to maintain this consistency in his career. ElShorbagy sees each match in the World Tour Finals as a final itself, acknowledging the high level of competition. He feels prepared to win the tournament if he executes the right game plan against each opponent and delivers his best squash.

Comparing this season to the previous one, ElShorbagy believes it has been an improvement. With five PSA titles under his belt, he has been competing for the World No.1 ranking against players like Ali Farag, Diego Elias, and Mostafa Asal, the defending World Tour Finals champion. While he doesn't consider it his best season ever, he acknowledges that as an athlete, it's important to accept that you can't win everything and that some desired goals may not be achieved. He always believes there is room for improvement, even in victory. ElShorbagy credits his improved season partly to the mental support he received from Greg Gaultier and England Squash, as well as having a dedicated team by his side throughout. He finds it remarkable to be competing against players significantly younger than him, highlighting the longevity of his career and the rivalry it has created.

In summary, Mohamed ElShorbagy is determined to make his 10th appearance at the CIB PSA World Tour Finals memorable by capturing his third title. He attributes his consistency to a strong mentality, the ability to let go of past results, and staying physically and mentally fit. With an unshakable belief in himself, ElShorbagy enters every match with the confidence to emerge as the victor. He views each match in the tournament as a final and feels well-prepared to win if he implements the right game plan. While not considering it his best season, he sees improvements compared to the previous year and remains focused on continuous self-improvement.

The CIB PSA World Tour Finals will be held at Cairo's EDNC SODIC venue from June 20-25. This season-ending tournament will feature two exciting rule changes for trial purposes.

Power Plays:
Players will now have the option to use Power Plays, which were first introduced in November's Carrus Nations Cup. A Power Play allows a player to win two points. During the group stage matches and semi-finals, each player will be granted two Power Plays, while the finals will allow three Power Plays. If a player requests a Power Play, they have the opportunity to win two points in the next rally. However, if the opponent who did not request the Power Play wins the rally, they will receive one point. Both players can request a Power Play simultaneously, and if a Let is called, the rally is replayed under the same circumstances. It is even possible to win a game using a Power Play, such as when the score is tied at 9-9 and both players request a Power Play, in which case the winner of that rally will win the game.

Sudden Death:
Games that reach a score of 10-10 will now involve a sudden death rally. The player who wins this point will also win the game, eliminating the need for the traditional tie-break format used in regular PSA World Tour events, where players have to go two points clear to win. The exception to this rule is the final game, where the traditional tie-break format will be used. In the group matches and semi-finals, which follow a best-of-three format, the first two games will have a sudden death rally at 10-10, while the third game will use the traditional tie-break. In the best-of-five finals, the first four games will employ the sudden death decider, with the fifth game reverting to the usual tie-break format.

The PSA is dedicated to trialling innovative formats and rules that enhance the excitement of the sport, offering a fresh experience to players, spectators, and viewers on SQUASHTV.

Group Stage:
The CIB PSA World Tour Finals bring together the top eight players from the CIB Road to Egypt Standings, marking the culmination of the 2022-23 PSA World Tour season. Throughout the season, players earned points for the CIB Road to Egypt Standings at all PSA World Tour events, and automatic qualification was granted to those who won a PSA World Tour Platinum trophy or the PSA World Championship trophy.

The eight players are divided into two groups, with each group comprising one player from the 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 seeding brackets. During the group stages, which take place over the first four days of the event, each player competes against the other three members of their group. The top two players from each group advance to the semi-finals.

Points are awarded as follows:
2-0 win: 4 points
2-1 win: 3 points
1-2 loss: 1 point
0-2 loss: 0 points

The final group standings are determined by the following criteria:
Greatest number of points
Greatest number of wins

If two players are tied, the following tiebreakers are used:
Head-to-head result
Highest percentage of points won

The winners of Group A will face the runners-up from Group B, and vice versa, in the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-final matches will then compete in the final, which will be a best-of-five format. The group stages and the semi-finals will be played using a best-of-three format.

The CIB Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Finals are scheduled to take place from June 20th to 25th at the newly constructed EDNC SODIC venue in Cairo. This event will gather the top eight squash players on the CIB Road to Egypt Standings, serving as the final tournament of the 2022-23 PSA World Tour season.

Throughout the season, players had the opportunity to earn points for the CIB Road to Egypt Standings at all PSA World Tour events. Additionally, winning a PSA World Tour Platinum trophy or the PSA World Championship trophy guaranteed automatic qualification for the World Tour Finals.

In the men's event, Peru's Diego Elias holds the top seed position and aims to become the first non-Egyptian player since Gregory Gaultier in 2016 to win the World Tour Finals. Joining him in Group A is Mostafa Asal, the player he replaced as the World No.1 in April. Asal aims to become the first man since Peter Nicol in 2001 to win three consecutive World Tour Finals titles. Group A also features 2020 champion Marwan ElShorbagy and debutant Victor Crouin.

Group B is led by the current World No.1, Ali Farag, who has secured victory in his last four tournaments. Although Farag has yet to win the World Tour Finals, he reached the title decider in 2018, losing to two-time winner Mohamed ElShorbagy. ElShorbagy will compete alongside Farag in Group B, accompanied by last year's runner-up, Paul Coll, and World No.8 Mazen Hesham.

The prize fund for the event amounts to a record $405,000, which will be equally split between the women's and men's events. The tournament will commence with a group stage from June 20th to 23rd, featuring best-of-three games. The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout semi-finals, with the winners earning a spot in the best-of-five games title decider.

In the women's event, Egyptian rivals Nouran Gohar and Hania El Hammamy will once again face off in Group A. Gohar, the current World No.1, topped the women's standings and will headline Group A alongside the No.3 seed, El Hammamy. The pair recently engaged in a grueling match at the El Gouna International, which became the fifth-longest women's match in history, lasting 107 minutes. Throughout the season, Gohar has won three out of their five encounters.

Joining Gohar and El Hammamy in Group A are Belgium's Nele Gilis, ranked World No.7, and USA's Olivia Fiechter, ranked World No.9. Both Gilis and Fiechter are set to make their World Tour Finals debuts. Gilis made history by becoming the first Belgian player to reach a Platinum final at the El Gouna International, while Fiechter received a late call-up to the event following the withdrawal of her compatriot Amanda Sobhy due to an adductor injury.

Defending champion Nour El Sherbini leads Group B after finishing second in the standings. El Sherbini has an opportunity to reclaim the World No.1 spot if she successfully defends her title and Gohar fails to reach the title decider. In her group, El Sherbini will compete against Joelle King (World No.4), Nour El Tayeb (World No.6), and Georgina Kennedy (World No.8).

2022-23 CIB PSA World Tour Squash Finals - Group Draw
Men’s Group A
1) Diego Elias (PER)
4) Mostafa Asal (EGY)
5) Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY)
8) Victor Crouin (FRA)

Men’s Group B
2) Ali Farag (EGY)
3) Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG)
6) Paul Coll (NZL)
7) Mazen Hesham (EGY)

Women’s Group A
1) Nouran Gohar (EGY)
3) Hania El Hammamy (EGY)
5) Nele Gilis (BEL)
8) Olivia Fiechter (USA)

Women’s Group B
2) Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
4) Joelle King (NZL)
6) Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
7) Georgina Kennedy (ENG)