Paul Coll & Hania El Hammamy crowned TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open Champions 2023
November 27 2023
1st Round:
Day one of the TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open witnessed 32 matches with all 64 players vying for advancement to the next round. Tsz Kwan Lau, a local favourite, engaged in a captivating battle against Abdulla Al Tamimi, clinching a hard-fought five-game victory, whilst Argentina’s Leandro Romiglio crafted an impressive upset by defeating Scotland’s World No.23, Greg Lobban, in a gripping five-game match that lasted 53 minutes.
2nd Round:
The introduction of the top seeds into round two marked a pivotal stage for contenders seeking a spot in the last 16. Paul Coll demonstrated remarkable control against England’s Nick Wall, strategically keeping the ball tight to the side walls to secure an 11-8 11-2 11-6 victory. In the women's 2nd round, defending champion Hania El Hammamy faced a challenge from Sabrina Sobhy, who claimed the first game but succumbed to defending champion’s resilience, enabling her to secure victory across the next three games.
3rd Round:
Hania El Hammamy faced compatriot Zeina Mickawy in round three and sought to dominate by taking a high ‘T’ position, allowing her to control the pace and execute powerful shots. Despite sporadic winners from Zeina Mickawy, Hania El Hammamy prevailed, securing a decisive victory in three games.
Paul Coll encountered Victor Crouin for the sixth time on the PSA World Tour, overcoming initial mental hurdles from past encounters. In a battle of precision and careful shot selection, Paul Coll showed superior physical conditioning to advance to the last eight with a clinical 3-1 victory.
Quarter Finals:
Hania El Hammamy confronted Rowan Elaraby in the quarter-finals and made commanding start before facing a resurgence from Elaraby in the second game. However, Hania El Hammamy rallied back in defending champion style to claim victory in four games.
Paul Coll faced Diego Elias and showed increasing confidence to secure a disciplined 3-0 win, a significant victory since their last encounter in April 2022.
Semi-Finals:
Hania El Hammamy met Nele Gilis in the semi-finals and delivered an emphatic performance, dominating the court with aggressive and precise play, to secure an 11-5 11-5 11-1 victory and a place in the final.
Paul Coll faced Mohamed ElShorbagy in the semi-finals and produced another disciplined performance to clinch a 3-1 victory.
Finals:
The women's final between Hania El Hammamy and Amanda Sobhy promised a high-quality showdown. However, at 6-5 in the opening game, Amanda Sobhy sustained an Achilles tendon injury, forcing her withdrawal from the match, allowing Hania El Hammamy to successfully defend her Hong Kong Squash Open title.
In the men's final, a thrilling encounter between Paul Coll and Ali Farag ensued, characterised by extended rallies and tactical manoeuvres. Paul Coll showed exceptional variety in his game, securing a hard-fought victory in a five-game spectacle, to win his second successive PSA World Tour Platinum title.
Paul Coll and Hania El Hammamy emerged as triumphant champions at the TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023 at the at the Cultural Plaza in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Hania El Hammamy retained her women’s title in unforeseen circumstances as her opponent Amanda Sobhy retired due to injury during a tense deadlock at 5-5 in the first game, whilst Paul Coll became the first New Zealander to win the men’s title with a gruelling 82 minute 10-12 11-3 11-8 8-11 11-9 victory over World No.1 Ali Farag.
In a pulsating men’s final, Paul Coll etched his name in history as the first male New Zealander to win the Hong Kong Squash Open. His victory over Ali Farag marked his second major win of the 2023-34 squash season, reminiscent of his conquest at the U.S. Squash Open. The match unfolded as the third intense clash between Paul Coll and Ali Farag in this campaign, showcasing the highest level of skill and competitive spirit.
The gripping encounter saw both players relentlessly pressing high up the court, with Ali Farag claiming the initial game at 12-10. However, Paul Coll showed his mastery with a forehand drop in the front right corner, rallying to level the match and ultimately seizing a 2-1 lead by securing the third game at 11-8.
Ali Farag, under immense pressure from his determined rival, displayed remarkable resilience to claw back, forcing the match into a deciding game. The contest remained neck and neck, reaching a tense 9-9 deadlock. A critical no-let decision favoured Paul Coll, granting him championship ball. Seizing the moment, the Kiwi capitalised on an uncharacteristic Ali Farag error, to win his 22nd PSA World Tour career title in a thrilling climax.
In the women's final, Hania El Hammamy retained her title, albeit in unforeseen circumstances, as Amanda Sobhy suffered an unfortunate injury-induced retirement during the first game, with the score tied at 5-5. Despite the untimely conclusion,
Hania El Hammamy secured her 13th PSA World Tour career title and second PSA Platinum event of the season, adding to her triumph at the QTerminals Qatar Squash Classic in September.
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Men’s Final:
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [1] Ali Farag (EGY) 10-12, 11-3, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9 (82m)
Women’s Final:
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [3] Amanda Sobhy (USA) 6-5 ret. (10m)
Ali Farag, Paul Coll, Hania El Hammamy and Amanda Sobhy will contest the finals of the 2023 TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open after an actioned-packed semi-finals day at the Cultural Plaza in Hong Kong.
World No.1 Ali Farag emerged triumphant against reigning champion Mostafa Asal, maintaining his impeccable record of not dropping a single game throughout the tournament. The top seed’s control and strength proved insurmountable for the defending champion, prevailing with an 11-4 11-9 11-8 victory.
Joining Ali Farag in the men’s final is Paul Coll, making history as the first male representative from New Zealand to reach the Hong Kong Squash Open final. Paul Coll executed his game plan flawlessly, showing remarkable prowess against four-time champion Mohamed ElShorbagy. Despite a resurgence from Mohamed ElShorbagy in the third game, Paul Coll continued to dominate the contest to secure a convincing 11-4 11-8 8-11 11-3 win.
Amanda Sobhy of the USA delivered a masterful performance, stunning reigning World Champion Nour El Sherbini to secure her place in the women’s final of the TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open final after a seven-year absence. The American’s tactical finesse and precision proved too much for Nour El Sherbini, capitalising on the Egyptian's uncharacteristic errors to clinch a decisive 3-0 victory in just 30 minutes.
Awaiting Amanda Sobhy in the women’s final will be defending champion Hania El Hammamy, who displayed her dominance by swiftly dispatching Nele Gilis in straight games in just 32 minutes.
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Men’s Semi-Finals:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 11-4, 11-9, 11-8 (44m)
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) 11-4, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3 (53m)
Women’s Semi-Finals:
[3] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) 11-8, 11-4, 11-3 (30m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [4] Nele Gilis (BEL) 11-5, 11-5, 11-1 (32m)
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) 11-3, 12-10, 11-7 (35m)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [8] Tarek Momen (EGY) 11-5, 4-0 ret. (16m)
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8 (77m)
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [2] Diego Elias (PER) 11-8, 11-7, 11-4 (40m)
Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) bt [9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) 11-6, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9 (43m)
[3] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [6] Tinne Gilis (BEL) 11-9, 6-11, 11-3, 8-11, 12-10 (52m)
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) 11-8, 11-6, 10-12, 11-9 (56m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [8] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 11-9, 8-11, 11-7, 11-3 (59m)
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Men’s 3rd Round:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Patrick Rooney (ENG) 11-7, 11-8, 11-7 (36m)
[6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt Omar Mosaad (EGY) 11-8, 9-11, 11-3, 12-10 (46m)
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Raphael Kandra (GER) 11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-3 (45m)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt [9/16] Youssef Soliman (EGY) 11-13, 11-6, 11-2, 11-5 (62m)
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt Leandro Romiglio (ARG) 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 (24m)
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 14-12, 18-16, 11-9 (55m)
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [9/16] Victor Crouin (FRA) 11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5 (54m)
[2] Diego Elias (PER) bt [9/16] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 11-4, 7-2 ret. (21m)
Women’s 3rd Round:
[1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) bt Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) 11-4, 11-3, 10-12, 10-12, 11-7 (51m)
[9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [7] Salma Hany (EGY) 12-14, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 (58m)
[6] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt Hana Moataz (EGY) 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 (22m)
[3] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt [9/16] Amina Orfi (EGY) 11-5, 11-8, 11-1 (30m)
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt [9/16] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11-3, 11-7, 6-11, 10-12, 11-2 (66m)
Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [9/16] Hollie Naughton (CAN) 11-5, 11-5, 11-7 (23m)
[8] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt [9/16] Aifa Azman (MAS) 11-7, 11-5, 11-9 (29m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt Zeina Mickawy (EGY) 11-6, 11-8, 11-8 (36m)
Defending champion Mostafa Asal kicked off his title defence at the TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023 with a convincing victory over Youssef Ibrahim, securing a straight-game win. Mostafa Asal, who claimed last year's title against Diego Elias, faced Youssef Ibrahim for only the second time on the PSA World Tour since their clash at the El Gouna Squash International in June.
Their previous encounter was a gruelling five-game battle, won by Mostafa Asal. However, in this match, Mostafa Asal was dominant, claiming an emphatic 11-7 11-9 11-7 victory to advance to the third round.
Meanwhile, Chan Sin Yuk of Hong Kong continued her impressive form on home turf, overcoming a higher-ranked opponent, Jasmine Hutton, in a come-from-behind 3-1 victory. Chan Sin Yuk recovered after dropping the first game 11-9, seizing the subsequent three games and securing her spot in the third round.
Hana Moataz held off a resilient challenge from Lucy Turmel, clinching a hard-fought 3-2 victory in 68 minutes. Despite a spirited comeback from Lucy Turmel, Hana Moataz sealed the win in the fifth game, thwarting any hopes of a turnaround.
Several other players, including Nour El Sherbini, Amina Orfi and Patrick Rooney, secured their places in the next round with impressive wins. Ali Farag marked his return to Hong Kong with a 3-0 win over Shahjahan Khan, advancing smoothly.
In an entertaining evening session, Nele Gilis, the first Belgian player to break into the world's top five, faced a tough challenge against Egypt's Sana Ibrahim. Nele Gilis fought back from a 2-1 deficit to claim victory in five games after 60 minutes of intense action.
Elsewhere, Hollie Naughton caused an upset by defeating No.5 seed Olivia Weaver in a thrilling five-game encounter. Defending champion Hania El Hammamy rallied from a game down to overcome Sabrina Sobhy.
In the men's draw, Mohamed ElShorbagy displayed dominance, swiftly defeating Baptiste Masotti in straight games, while Victor Crouin ended the run of Tsz Kwan Lau with an impressive three-game victory. Diego Elias, Paul Coll, and Karim Abdel Gawad also secured third-round berths with commanding wins.
Marwan ElShorbagy clinched a hard-fought victory over Mohamed ElSherbini, while Leandro Romiglio and Auguste Dussourd triumphed in their respective matches, setting the stage for an enthralling continuation of the tournament.
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Men's 2nd Round:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt Shahjahan Khan (USA) 11-8, 11-2, 16-14 (36m)
Patrick Rooney (ENG) bt [9/16] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) 11-9, 14-12, 8-11, 11-8 (75m)
Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt [9/16] Nicolas Müller (SUI) 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6 (44m)
[6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt Eain Yow Ng (MAS) 11-4, 14-12, 11-8 (39m)
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Iker Pajares (ESP) 7-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5 (74m)
Raphael Kandra (GER) bt [9/16] Fares Dessouky (EGY) 13-11, 11-2, 11-3 (22m)
[9/16] Youssef Soliman (EGY) bt Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) 11-3, 11-8, 11-7 (48m)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bt Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (56m)
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt Baptiste Masotti (FRA) 11-3, 11-3, 11-7 (23m)
Leandro Romiglio (ARG) bt Adrian Waller (ENG) 9-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-4, 13-11 (74m)
Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bt [9/16] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) 11-7, 1-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-6 (71m)
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [9/16] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) 12-10, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9 (58m)
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) bt Nick Wall (ENG) 11-8, 11-2, 11-6 (39m)
[9/16] Victor Crouin (FRA) bt Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) 11-6, 11-8, 11-6 (35m)
[9/16] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Grégoire Marche (FRA) 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 (34m)
[2] Diego Elias (PER) bt Nathan Lake (ENG) 11-5, 11-7, 11-2 (40m)
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Women's 2nd Round:
[1] Nour Elsherbini (EGY) bt Aira Azman (MAS) 12-10, 11-7, 11-4 (25m)
Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) bt Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 (42m)
[9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt [9/16] Mélissa Alves (FRA) 7-11, 11-7, 12-10, 11-13, 11-6 (60m)
[7] Salma Hany (EGY) bt Lucy Beecroft (ENG) 11-1, 11-2, 11-5 (26m)
[6] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt Mariam Metwally (EGY) 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 (22m)
Hana Moataz (EGY) bt Lucy Turmel (ENG) 6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 12-14, 11-6 (68m)
[9/16] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt Georgia Adderley (SCO) 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 (38m)
[3] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt Rachel Arnold (MAS) 11-3, 11-2, 11-0 (18m)
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bt Sana Ibrahim (EGY) 7-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4, 11-2 (60m)
[9/16] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt Salma Eltayeb (EGY) 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8 (35m)
Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt Hana Ramadan (EGY) 11-6, 11-6, 11-9 (25m)
[9/16] Hollie Naughton (CAN) bt [5] Olivia Weaver (USA) 11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 3-11, 11-8 (44m)
[8] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt [9/16] Nada Abbas (EGY) 1-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-2 (43m)
[9/16] Aifa Azman (MAS) bt Nadine Shahin (EGY) 11-6, 11-3, 11-9 (20m)
Zeina Mickawy (EGY) bt Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) 11-4, 13-11, 9-11, 8-11, 14-12 (60m)
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [9/16] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) 7-11, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8 (49m)
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Men's 1st Round:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bye
Shahjahan Khan (USA) bt Karim El Hammamy (EGY) 11-8, 8-11, 11-2, 3-11, 11-9 (76m)
Patrick Rooney (ENG) bt Charlie Lee (ENG) 11-6, 11-2 ret. (19m)
[9/16] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bye
Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt David Baillargeon (CAN) 11-13, 11-8, 12-10, 11-9 (52m)
[9/16] Nicolas Müller (SUI) bye
Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt Todd Harrity (USA) 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 (35m)
[6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) bye
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) bye
Iker Pajares (ESP) bt Curtis Malik (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-8 (40m)
Raphael Kandra (GER) bt [WC] Tang Ming Hong (HKG) 11-8, 14-16, 11-7, 11-4 (52m)
[9/16] Fares Dessouky (EGY) bye
Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) bt Rory Stewart (SCO) 10-12, 11-4, 12-10, 11-3 (53m)
[9/16] Youssef Soliman (EGY) bye
Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt Henry Leung (HKG) 11-8, 3-11, 11-7, 11-9 (47m)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) bye
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
Baptiste Masotti (FRA) bt Timothy Brownell (USA) 11-8, 5-11, 11-5, 11-5 (36m)
Adrian Waller (ENG) bt [WC] Matthew Lai (HKG) 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 (32m)
Leandro Romiglio (ARG) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) 8-11, 11-5, 4-11, 11-2, 11-6 (53m)
Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bt Faraz Khan (USA) 11-5, 12-10, 8-11, 11-3 (46m)
[9/16] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bye
[9/16] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bye
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bye
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) bye
Nick Wall (ENG) bt Andrew Douglas (USA) 13-15, 11-6, 11-7, 5-11, 11-8 (62m)
Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) bt Abdulla Altamimi (QAT) 7-11, 12-10, 13-11, 6-11, 11-9 (65m)
[9/16] Victor Crouin (FRA) bye
Grégoire Marche (FRA) bt Balázs Farkas (HUN) 11-9, 11-6, 11-3 (34m)
[9/16] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bye
Nathan Lake (ENG) bt Simon Herbert (ENG) 11-6, 11-4, 11-4 (30m)
[2] Diego Elias (PER) bye
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023, Cultural Plaza, Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong
Women's 1st Round:
[1] Nour Elsherbini (EGY) bye
Aira Azman (MAS) bt Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 5-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-8 (39m)
Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) bt Tomato Ho (HKG) 11-4, 11-8, 11-4 (22m)
Jasmine Hutton (ENG) bt Jessica Turnbull (AUS) 11-4, 11-3, 4-11, 11-9 (31m)
[9/16] Mélissa Alves (FRA) bye
[9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bye
Lucy Beecroft (ENG) bt Kenzy Ayman (EGY) 11-4, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10 (38m)
[7] Salma Hany (EGY) bye
[6] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bye
Mariam Metwally (EGY) bt Nicole Bunyan (CAN) 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 (22m)
Hana Moataz (EGY) bt Grace Gear (ENG) 4-11, 11-9, 11-5, 11-9 (38m)
Lucy Turmel (ENG) bt Ka Yi Lee (HKG) 12-10, 11-7, 11-2 (30m)
Georgia Adderley (SCO) bt Énora Villard (FRA) 11-7, 8-11, 11-3, 11-9 (43m)
[9/16] Amina Orfi (EGY) bye
Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt Marta Dominguez Fernandez (ESP) 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-8 (51m)
[3] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bye
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) bye
Sana Ibrahim (EGY) bt Cindy Merlo (SUI) 11-4, 11-6, 11-4 (23m)
Salma Eltayeb (EGY) bt Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) 11-5, 11-8, 11-6 (29m)
[9/16] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye
Hana Ramadan (EGY) bt Emilia Soini (FIN) 10-12, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3 (32m)
Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt Millie Tomlinson (ENG) 11-5, 11-3, 11-3 (17m)
[9/16] Hollie Naughton (CAN) bye
[5] Olivia Weaver (USA) bye
[8] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bye
[9/16] Nada Abbas (EGY) bye
[9/16] Aifa Azman (MAS) bye
Nadine Shahin (EGY) bt [WC] Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7 (44m)
Zeina Mickawy (EGY) bt Marie Stéphan (FRA) 11-7, 11-7, 11-3 (26m)
Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) bt Saskia Beinhard (GER) 11-8, 11-1, 14-12 (34m)
[9/16] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bye
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bye
The TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023 starts tomorrow and will features the leading squash players in the world.
In the men’s championship, World No.1 and four-time World Squash Champion Ali Farag will be eager to claim his maiden Hong Kong Squash Open title having succumbed to Mohamed ElShorbagy in the 2017 and 2018 finals.
Defending men’s champion Mostafa Asal, following a remarkable comeback in last year's final against current World No.2 Diego Elias, reemerges to defend his title. Mostafa Asal, among the six present or former World No.1s in the men’s draw, is set to potentially clash with Ali Farag in the semi-finals, while Diego Elias, seeded second, is seeded to potentially meet four-time champion Mohamed ElShorbagy in the other semi-final.
The finalists from the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open, Aly Abou Eleinen, the recent victor, and runner-up Eain Yow Ng, will be back in action. Aly Abou Eleinen, from Egypt, earns a first-round bye, while Eain Yow Ng from Malaysia gears up for a first round duel against USA’s Todd Harrity.
In the women’s draw, the withdrawal of World No.2 Nouran Gohar due to injury reshapes the seedings, setting the stage for a potential rematch of last year’s exhilarating final between Nour El Sherbini and Hania El Hammamy. Top seed Nour El Sherbini eyes redemption against Hania El Hammamy, seeded second, after a 3-2 loss in last year’s final.
Foreseen as formidable contenders this week are USA’s Amanda Sobhy and Belgium’s Nele Gilis, seeded third and fourth respectively. Their path leads them towards potential clashes with Nour El Sherbini and Hamia El Hammamy in the semi-finals.
Fresh off an impressive triumph at the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open, Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam emerges as a noteworthy contender. Displaying full fitness and form, the 24-year-old secured her maiden PSA World Tour title, signifying a return to top-notch performance.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old squash prodigy Amina Orfi, already a finalist in two PSA World Tour events and ranked World No.18, aims to culminate a remarkable year with a standout performance in her fifth major tournament.
For the local enthusiasts, Hong Kong boasts nine players in the championships. In the women’s draw, Tsz-Wing Tong takes on Salma Eltayeb, Ka Yi Lee faces Lucy Turmel on the glass court, Wild Card Cheng Nga Ching clashes with Nadine Shahin, and a thrilling all-Hong Kong encounter pits national No.1 Tomato Ho against Asian Games finalist Chan Sin Yuk.
In the men’s draw, wildcard Matthew Lai challenges Adrian Waller, wildcard Ming Hong Tang squares off against Raphael Kandra on the glass court, Henry Leung confronts Youssef Ibrahim, and Tsz Kwan Lau goes head-to-head with Abdulla Altamimi.
Nouran Gohar of Egypt has been forced to withdraw from the forthcoming TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open due to a foot injury. The World No.2 and 2016 Hong Kong Squash Open Champion has faced a string of setbacks, having already withdrawn from both the South Western Woewmsns Squash Open and the U.S. Squash Open in recent weeks. As a result, Noran Gohar will be sidelined until the turn of the year.
In the absence of Nouran Gohar, the reigning wowmn’s champion Hania El Hammamy steps in as the new No.2 seed, securing a direct passage to the second round where she will face Sabrina Sobhy of the USA.
Nele Gilis of Belgium, fresh off her triumph at the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open 2023, ascends to the No.4 seed position. Meanwhile, Egypt's Salma Hany advances to the No.8 seed in the lineup.
A shift in the draw sees 16-year-old Amina Orfi securing a bye into the last 32, owing to the reshuffling of positions caused by withdrawals.
Further changes in the wowmn’s draw include the withdrawals of USA's Olivia Clyne and the Welsh duo of Tesni Evans and Emily Whitlock. Consequently, Cindy Merlo, Marta Dominguez Fernandez, and Saskia Beinhard step into the tournament draw.
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023
Women’s Updated Draw:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) [bye]
Aira Azman (MAS) v [17/32] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)
[17/32] Tomato Ho (HKG) v [WC] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG)
Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) v [17/32] Jasmine Hutton (ENG)
[9/16] Melissa Alves (FRA) [bye]
[9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) [bye]
[17/32] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) v Kenzy Ayman (EGY)
[8] Salma Hany (EGY) [bye]
[7] Tinne Gilis (BEL) [bye]
Nicole Bunyan (CAN) v [17/32] Mariam Metwally (EGY)
[17/32] Hana Moataz (EGY) v Grace Gear (ENG)
Ka Yi Lee (HKG) v [17/32] Lucy Turmel (ENG)
[17/32] Georgia Adderley (SCO) v Enora Villard (FRA)
[9/16] Amina Orfi (EGY) [bye]
[17/32] Rachel Arnold (MAS) v Marta Dominguez Fernandez (ESP)
[3] Amanda Sobhy (USA) [bye]
[4] Nele Gilis (BEL) [bye]
Cindy Merlo (SUI) v [17/32] Sana Ibrahim (EGY)
[17/32] Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) v Salma Eltayeb (EGY)
[9/16] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) [bye]
[17/32] Hana Ramadan (EGY) v Emilia Soini (FIN)
Millie Tomlinson (ENG) v [17/32] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS)
[9/16] Hollie Naughton (CAN) [bye]
[6] Olivia Weaver (USA) [bye]
[5] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) [bye]
[9/16] Nada Abbas (EGY) [bye]
[9/16] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) [bye]
[WC] Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) v [17/32] Nadine Shahin (EGY)
[17/32] Zeina Mickawy (EGY) v Marie Stephan (FRA)
Saskia Beinhard (GER) v [17/32] Aifa Azman (MAS)
[9/16] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) [bye]
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) [bye]
New Zealand No.1 Joelle King has been forced to withdrawal from the 2023 TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open due to an ongoing injury. The withdrawal of the Kiwi has prompted a significant reshuffling in the seeding and player lineup for the championships which starts on the 27th November.
In light of the absence of Joelle King, the American powerhouse Amanda Sobhy steps into the competition as the newly appointed No.4 seed. Amanda Sobhy is set to face either Amina Orfi or Zeina Mickawy in her debut match at the prestigious event to be staged at the Hong Kong Squash Centre.
This adjustment cascades through the seedings, propelling Belgium's Nele Gilis to the No.5 seed position, setting the stage for an intense second-round battle against either Lucy Beecroft or Kenzy Ayman. Similarly, England's top contender, Georgina Kennedy, climbs to the No.6 seed, elevating the tournament's competitive stakes.
Tinne Gilis secures a coveted spot among the top-eight seeds and is poised to commence her campaign against the victor between Nicole Bunyan or Mariam Metwally. Meanwhile, Egypt's Nada Abbas benefits from this shuffle, stepping into a 9/16 seeding position and earning a well-deserved first-round bye.
To fill the void left by Joelle King, Malaysian talent Aira Azman steps in as her replacement, primed for a compelling first-round encounter against Fayrouz Aboelkheir.
Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023
Women’s Updated Draw:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) [bye]
[17/32] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) v Aira Azman (MAS)
[17/32] Tomato Ho (HKG) v [WC] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG)
Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) v [17/32] Jasmine Hutton (ENG)
[9/16] Tesni Evans (WAL) [bye]
[9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) [bye]
[17/32] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) v Kenzy Ayman (EGY)
[5] Nele Gilis (BEL) [bye]
[8] Tinne Gilis (BEL) [bye]
Nicole Bunyan (CAN) v [17/32] Mariam Metwally (EGY)
[17/32] Hana Moataz (EGY) v Grace Gear (ENG)
Ka Yi Lee (HKG) v [17/32] Lucy Turmel (ENG)
[17/32] Hollie Naughton (CAN) v Enora Villard (FRA)
[9/16] Salma Hany (EGY) [bye]
[17/32] Amina Orfi (EGY) v Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
[4] Amanda Sobhy (USA) [bye]
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) [bye]
Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) v [17/32] Sana Ibrahim (EGY)
[17/32] Melissa Alves (FRA) v Salma Eltayeb (EGY)
[9/16] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) [bye]
[17/32] Hana Ramadan (EGY) v Rachel Arnold (MAS)
Millie Tomlinson (ENG) v [17/32] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS)
[9/16] Olivia Clyne (USA) [bye]
[7] Olivia Weaver (USA) [bye]
[6] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) [bye]
[9/16] Nada Abbas (EGY) [bye]
[9/16] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) [bye]
[WC] Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) v [17/32] Nadine Shahin (EGY)
[17/32] Emily Whitlock (WAL) v Marie Stephan (FRA)
Georgia Adderley (SCO) v [17/32] Aifa Azman (MAS)
[9/16] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) [bye]
[2] Nouran Gohar (EGY) [bye]
The TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open 2023 is scheduled to take place from the 27th November to 3rd December. The earlier rounds of the prestigious Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Platinum event will be held at the Hong Kong Squash Centre with the semi-finals and finals staged on a spectacular all-glass show court located at the Cultural Plaza of Hong Kong.
In the men's competition, World No.1 Ali Farag, fresh off his impressive victories at the Paris Squash 2023 and QTerminals Qatar Squash Classic, has been confirmed as the top seed. The Egyptian will start his campaign against either Aly Abou Eleinen or Shahjahan Khan in the second round, with potential clashes against the likes of Miguel Rodriguez, Mazen Hesham and defending men’s champion Mostafa Asal should the event follow the seedings.
Mostafa Asal, the defending champion, is scheduled to face either Youssef Ibrahim or wildcard Henry Leung in the second round. Notably, Mostafa Asal shares the same quarter of the draw with fellow Egyptians Tarek Momen and Fares Dessouky.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, the second seed, Diego Elias will kickstart his campaign against either England's Nathan Lake or Egypt's Karim El Hammamy. Deigo Elias is on a collision course with recent Grasshopper Cup 2023 champion Karim Abdel Gawad, setting the stage for a potential quarter-final showdown with World No.4 Paul Coll.
Four-time Hong Kong Squash Open Champion Mohamed ElShorbagy will test his mettle against either Timothy Brownell or Baptiste Masotti in his opening match, while Marwan ElShorbagy will engage in a compelling round of 32 encounter against Mohamed ElSherbini.
In the women's draw, the indomitable World No.1 Nour El Sherbini is expected to continue her dominant form, having already claimed the Paris Squash and U.S. Squash Open titles this season. The World No.1 is poised to take on either Mariam Metwally or Fayrouz Aboelkheir in the second round, navigating a path that includes the No.6 seed Nele Gilis.
World No.2 Nouran Gohar will make her return to the PSA World Tour in Hong Kong after a brief hiatus due to injury. She will face off against America's Sabrina Sobhy in the second round, following first-round byes for both players.
Hania El Hammamy, who captured the 2022 Hong Kong Squash Open title in a riveting 89-minute showdown against Nour El Sherbini, enters this year's event as the No.3 seed. Her title defence begins against either Sana Ibrahim or Tsz-Wing Tong. Hania El Hammamy is on a collision course with World No.9 Olivia Fiechter in the quarter-finals and could potentially face Nouran Gohar in the semi-finals.
Other notable encounters in the women's draw include an evenly-matched clash between England's top-ranked player Georgina Kennedy and Belgium's Tinne Gilis in the second round, while American No.2 Olivia Fiechter opens her campaign against compatriot Olivia Clyne, both of whom received first-round byes.
Furthermore, the fourth seed, Joelle King, might have the opportunity to avenge her third-round exit at the U.S. Squash Open. Joelle King is seeded to face the 16-year-old sensation Amina Orfi in the second round who made history by becoming the youngest player ever to reach the quarter-finals of a PSA World Tour Platinum event when she defeated the New Zealander in four games in Philadelphia. However, she must first overcome Zeina Mickawy to set the stage for this potential rematch.
Adding a touch of local flavour to the tournament, Hong Kong will be well-represented in both the men's and women's draws. World No.28 Tomato Ho, Ka Yi Lee, Tsz-Wing Tong, as well as wildcards Chan Sin Yuk, and Cheng Nga Ching, will vie for honours in the women's event. In the men's draw, World No.47 Tsz Kwan Lau, and wildcards Tang Ming Hong and Henry Leung will rely on the support of the home crowd as they strive for success.
2023 Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open Men’s Draw:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) [bye]
Shahjahan Khan (USA) v [17/32] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY)
[17/32] Patrick Rooney (ENG) v Charlie Lee (ENG)
[9/16] Miguel Rodriguez (COL) [bye]
[17/32] Omar Mosaad (EGY) v David Baillargeon (CAN)
[9/16] Nicolas Mueller (SUI) [bye]
[17/32] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) v Raphael Kandra (GER)
[6] Mazen Hesham (EGY) [bye]
[8] Tarek Momen (EGY) [bye]
Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) v [17/32] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP)
[17/32] Saurav Ghosal (IND) v [WC] Tang Ming Hong (HKG)
[9/16] Fares Dessouky (EGY) [bye]
[17/32] Dimitri Steinmann (SUI) v Rory Stewart (SCO)
[9/16] Youssef Soliman (EGY) [bye]
[17/32] Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) v [WC] Henry Leung (HKG)
[3] Mostafa Asal (EGY) [bye]
[4] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) [bye]
Timothy Brownell (USA) v [17/32] Baptiste Masotti (FRA)
[17/32] Adrian Waller (ENG) v Ramit Tandon (IND)
Leandro Romiglio (ARG) v [17/32] Greg Lobban (SCO)
[17/32] Auguste Dussourd v Faraz Khan (USA)
[9/16] Joel Makin (WAL) [bye]
[9/16] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) [bye]
[7] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) [bye]
[5] Paul Coll (NZL) [bye]
Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) v [17/32] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)
[17/32] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) v Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG)
[9/16] Victor Crouin (FRA) [bye]
[17/32] Gregoire Marche v Nick Wall (ENG)
[9/16] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) [bye]
[17/32] Nathan Lake v Karim El Hammamy (EGY)
[2] Diego Elias (PER) [bye]
2023 Professional Squash Association (PSA) TTI Milwaukee Hong Kong Squash Open Women’s Draw:
[1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) [bye]
Mariam Metwally (EGY) v [17/32] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)
[17/32] Tomato Ho (HKG) v [WC] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG)
Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) v [17/32] Jasmine Hutton (ENG)
[9/16] Tesni Evans (WAL) [bye]
[9/16] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) [bye]
[17/32] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) v Kenzy Ayman (EGY)
[6] Nele Gilis (BEL) [bye]
[5] Amanda Sobhy (USA) [bye]
Nicole Bunyan (CAN) v [17/32] Nada Abbas (EGY)
[17/32] Katie Malliff (ENG) v Grace Gear (ENG)
Ka Yi Lee (HKG) v [17/32] Lucy Turmel (ENG)
[17/32] Hollie Naughton (CAN) v Enora Villard (FRA)
[9/16] Salma Hany (EGY) [bye]
[17/32] Amina Orfi (EGY) v Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
[4] Joelle King (NZL) [bye]
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) [bye]
Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) v [17/32] Sana Ibrahim (EGY)
[17/32] Melissa Alves (FRA) v Salma Eltayeb (EGY)
[9/16] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) [bye]
[17/32] Hana Ramadan (EGY) v Rachel Arnold (MAS)
Hana Moataz (EGY) v [17/32] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS)
[9/16] Olivia Clyne (USA) [bye]
[8] Olivia Fiechter (USA) [bye]
[7] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) [bye]
[9/16] Tinne Gilis (BEL) [bye]
[9/16] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) [bye]
[WC] Cheng Nga Ching (HKG) v [17/32] Nadine Shahin (EGY)
[17/32] Emily Whitlock (WAL) v Marie Stephan (FRA)
Georgia Adderley (SCO) v [17/32] Aifa Azman (MAS)
[9/16] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) [bye]
[2] Nouran Gohar (EGY) [bye]