Hamza Khan & Amina Orfi crowened 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Champions
July 23 2023
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Hamza Khan made history by becoming Pakistan's first WSF World Junior Squash Champion since Jansher Khan in 1986. The 17-year-old showcased his prowess in a gripping men's final at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, battling back from a game down to clinch victory against 15-year-old Mohamed Zakaria of Egypt.
Zakaria had shown promise, securing the first 12-10 game with precise play, however Khan mounted an awe-inspiring fightback, displaying deadly attacking capabilities that left the crowd in awe. With a breathtaking display of winners, he rallied to win the second game 14-12, before storming ahead in the third with an 11-3 triumph. Hamza Khan's momentum only grew stronger, dominating the fourth game with an 11-6 win, ultimately ending Pakistan's long 37-year wait for the coveted WSF World Junior Squash Championship title. Overwhelmed with emotion, he collapsed to the floor in celebration.
After the match, a still emotional Khan expressed his gratitude, thanking Allah, his coaches, managers, and everyone who supported him. He reserved a special mention for his parents, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Meanwhile, in the women's final, Egyptian prodigy Amina Orfi, aged just 16, defended her 2022 title with style and confidence. Her exceptional form was evident from the beginning, as she unleashed tight hitting that caused considerable problems for her opponent, Malaysia's Aira Azman, who had become the first Malaysian woman to reach the final since Nicol David in 2001.
Although the initial stages of the match were evenly contested, Orfi displayed her championship qualities, bouncing back from an 8-7 deficit in the first game to claim the game 11-8. From there, she asserted her dominance, wrapping up the title with a comprehensive 31 minute 11-8 11-5 11-1 victory.
After the impressive win, Amina Orfi expressed her happiness at successfully retaining the title, emphasising the difficulty of achieving such a feat. Looking ahead, she acknowledged the possibility of making history by potentially winning two more titles before the end of her junior career. Her idols, Raneem El Welily and the legendary Nicol David, served as inspirations for her, and she expressed her admiration for David's unbroken records.
Amina Orfi and Aira Azman will now shift their focus to the upcoming WSF Women's World Junior Team Championship which starts tomorrow at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, with spectators again eagerly anticipating more exceptional performances from these rising squash stars.
World Squash Federation (WSF) World Junior Championship 2023, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Men's Finals:
Zakaria had shown promise, securing the first 12-10 game with precise play, however Khan mounted an awe-inspiring fightback, displaying deadly attacking capabilities that left the crowd in awe. With a breathtaking display of winners, he rallied to win the second game 14-12, before storming ahead in the third with an 11-3 triumph. Hamza Khan's momentum only grew stronger, dominating the fourth game with an 11-6 win, ultimately ending Pakistan's long 37-year wait for the coveted WSF World Junior Squash Championship title. Overwhelmed with emotion, he collapsed to the floor in celebration.
After the match, a still emotional Khan expressed his gratitude, thanking Allah, his coaches, managers, and everyone who supported him. He reserved a special mention for his parents, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Meanwhile, in the women's final, Egyptian prodigy Amina Orfi, aged just 16, defended her 2022 title with style and confidence. Her exceptional form was evident from the beginning, as she unleashed tight hitting that caused considerable problems for her opponent, Malaysia's Aira Azman, who had become the first Malaysian woman to reach the final since Nicol David in 2001.
Although the initial stages of the match were evenly contested, Orfi displayed her championship qualities, bouncing back from an 8-7 deficit in the first game to claim the game 11-8. From there, she asserted her dominance, wrapping up the title with a comprehensive 31 minute 11-8 11-5 11-1 victory.
After the impressive win, Amina Orfi expressed her happiness at successfully retaining the title, emphasising the difficulty of achieving such a feat. Looking ahead, she acknowledged the possibility of making history by potentially winning two more titles before the end of her junior career. Her idols, Raneem El Welily and the legendary Nicol David, served as inspirations for her, and she expressed her admiration for David's unbroken records.
Amina Orfi and Aira Azman will now shift their focus to the upcoming WSF Women's World Junior Team Championship which starts tomorrow at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, with spectators again eagerly anticipating more exceptional performances from these rising squash stars.
World Squash Federation (WSF) World Junior Championship 2023, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Melbourne, Australia
Men's Finals:
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt [3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) 10-12, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6 (70m)
Women's Final:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) 11-8, 11-5, 11-1 (31m)
Men's Semi-Finals:
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt [5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) 11-7, 11-6, 11-6
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt [9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) 11-8, 11-4, 10-12, 9-11, 13-11 (83m)
Women's Semi-Finals:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) 3-1: 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3 (55m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt [2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 3-0: 12-10, 11-7, 11-8 (28m)
Men's Quarter-Finals:
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt [1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) 15-13, 11-4, 11-8 (52m)
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt [5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (49m)
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt [5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) 11-8, 9-11, 11-2, 12-10 (64m)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt [9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) 11-9, 6-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-8 (64m)
Women's Quarter-finals:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) 11-5, 11-5, 12-10 (42m)
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt [5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 11-2 (36m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt [9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) 11-4, 11-9, 11-6 (21m)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt [5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) 11-5, 14-12, 11-5 (34m)
Men's Last 16 Round:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt [9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5 (59m)
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt [9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) 11-3, 11-7, 11-3 (30m)
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bt [9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (39m)
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt Varun Chitturi (USA) 11-4, 11-7, 11-8 (37m)
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt José Santamaria (COL) 9-11, 11-2, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7 (60m)
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bt [9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) 3-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4 (43m)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt [5/8] David Bernet (SUI) 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8 (68m)
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bt [2] Rowan Damming (NED) 7-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-7 (66m)
Women's Last 16 Round:
Women's Final:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) 11-8, 11-5, 11-1 (31m)
Men's Semi-Finals:
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt [5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) 11-7, 11-6, 11-6
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt [9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) 11-8, 11-4, 10-12, 9-11, 13-11 (83m)
Women's Semi-Finals:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) 3-1: 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3 (55m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt [2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 3-0: 12-10, 11-7, 11-8 (28m)
Men's Quarter-Finals:
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt [1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) 15-13, 11-4, 11-8 (52m)
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt [5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (49m)
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt [5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) 11-8, 9-11, 11-2, 12-10 (64m)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt [9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) 11-9, 6-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-8 (64m)
Women's Quarter-finals:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) 11-5, 11-5, 12-10 (42m)
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt [5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) 10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 11-2 (36m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt [9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) 11-4, 11-9, 11-6 (21m)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt [5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) 11-5, 14-12, 11-5 (34m)
Men's Last 16 Round:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt [9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5 (59m)
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt [9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) 11-3, 11-7, 11-3 (30m)
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bt [9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (39m)
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt Varun Chitturi (USA) 11-4, 11-7, 11-8 (37m)
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt José Santamaria (COL) 9-11, 11-2, 11-9, 8-11, 11-7 (60m)
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bt [9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) 3-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4 (43m)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt [5/8] David Bernet (SUI) 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8 (68m)
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bt [2] Rowan Damming (NED) 7-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-5, 11-7 (66m)
Women's Last 16 Round:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) 12-10, 11-4, 11-2 (28m)
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bt [9/16] Madison Ho (USA) 11-5, 11-4, 13-15, 11-4 (41m)
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bt [9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) 8-11, 11-2, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8 (52m)
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt [9/16] Riya Navani (USA) 11-2, 11-7, 13-15, 11-1 (40m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt Leung Ka Huen (HKG) 11-5, 11-7, 11-3 (21m)
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bt Wai Sze Wing (HKG) 11-7, 11-2, 11-9 (24m)
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bt [9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) 13-11, 8-11, 11-1, 11-6 (62m)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt [9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) 11-3, 11-6, 11-5 (27m)
Men's 3rd Round:
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bt [9/16] Madison Ho (USA) 11-5, 11-4, 13-15, 11-4 (41m)
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bt [9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) 8-11, 11-2, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8 (52m)
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt [9/16] Riya Navani (USA) 11-2, 11-7, 13-15, 11-1 (40m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt Leung Ka Huen (HKG) 11-5, 11-7, 11-3 (21m)
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bt Wai Sze Wing (HKG) 11-7, 11-2, 11-9 (24m)
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bt [9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) 13-11, 8-11, 11-1, 11-6 (62m)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt [9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) 11-3, 11-6, 11-5 (27m)
Men's 3rd Round:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt Zane Patel (USA) 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (32m)
[9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) bt Juan Irisarri (COL) 10-12, 11-8, 12-10, 11-6 (38m)
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) bt Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-9 (79m)
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt Titouan Isambard (FRA) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (38m)
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bt Low Wa Sern (MAS) 11-3, 11-4, 11-3 (31m)
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) bt Paarth Ambani (IND) 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 (27m)
Varun Chitturi (USA) bt [9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL) 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt Shaurya Bawa (IND) 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt Sam Gerrits (NED) 10-12, 11-6, 11-3, 11-7 (39m)
José Santamaria (COL) bt [9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND) 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7 (78m)
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) bt Jacob Lin (CAN) 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 (20m)
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bt Oscar Curtis (AUS) 11-4, 11-2, 13-11 (33m)
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI) bt Caleb Boy (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (35m)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt Yehia Abouraya (EGY) 11-5, 5-11, 11-1, 12-10 (46m)
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bt Javier Emilio Romo Lopez (ECU) 11-9, 4-11, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10 (70m)
[2] Rowan Damming (NED) bt Harith Danial (MAS) 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 (31m)
Women's 3rd Round:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt Ocean Ma (CAN) 11-4, 11-2, 11-1 (22m)
Men's 2nd Round:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt Oliver Dunbar (NZL) 11-1, 11-1, 11-5
Zane Patel (USA) bt Wei Yan Tho (MAS) 11-6, 16-18, 11-1, 11-4
Juan Irisarri (COL) bt Sharan Punjabi (IND) 5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-4
[9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) bt Kosei Toki (JPN) 11-6, 11-8, 11-5
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) bt Luhann Groenewald (RSA) 13-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-6
Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) bt Tsz Shing Tam (HKG) 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4
Titouan Isambard (FRA) bt Abdulrahman Alhashem (KUW) 11-5, 12-10, 11-2
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt Faazil Khan (CAN) 11-5, 11-4, 12-10
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bt Salem Al-Malki (QAT) 11-5, 11-3, 11-2
Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt Dylan Classen (AUS) 11-8, 11-6, 11-5
Paarth Ambani (IND) bt Apa Fatialofa (NZL) 11-8, 8-11, 11-5, 11-4
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) bt Fabian Igelbrink (GER) 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
[9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL) bt Nero Harms (SUI) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5
Varun Chitturi (USA) bt Law Arthur Pak Ki (HKG) 11-6, 11-8, 11-4
Shaurya Bawa (IND) bt Lukas Kazemekaitis (LTU) 11-4, 11-7, 11-3
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt Daniel Deverill (CAN) 11-1, 11-2, 11-5
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt Wasey Maqsood (CAN) 11-3, 11-4, 11-8
Sam Gerrits (NED) bt Ryan Gwidzima (ZIM) 11-6, 11-7, 11-5
José Santamaria (COL) bt Alex Broadbridge (ENG) 11-7, 7-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-3
[9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND) bt Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (MAS) 11-9, 5-11, 11-4, 11-1
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) bt Thomas Soltanian (USA) 11-7, 11-5, 11-7
Jacob Lin (CAN) bt Yuvraj Wadhwani (IND) 11-6, 11-3, 11-9
Oscar Curtis (AUS) bt Jack O'Flynn (IRL) 11-8, 11-1, 11-6
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bt Kanta Ito (JPN) 11-8, 11-6, 11-3
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI) bt Youssef Elgammal (GER) 11-1, 11-2, 11-8
Caleb Boy (ENG) bt Rory Richmond (SCO) 11-9, 11-8, 11-6
Yehia Abouraya (EGY) bt Yujin Ikeda (JPN) 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10, 11-1
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt Arhan Chandra (USA) 11-8, 13-11, 11-5
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bt Youssef Sarhan (CAN) 11-5, 11-6, 11-4
Javier Emilio Romo Lopez (ECU) bt Elliot Kelly (IRL) 11-4, 11-0, 11-5
Harith Danial (MAS) bt Shane Buckle (NZL) 11-3, 11-6, 11-6
[2] Rowan Damming (NED) bt Antonin Romieu (FRA) 7-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-6
Women's 2nd Round:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt Yuvna Gupta (IND) 11-1, 11-4, 11-5
Ocean Ma (CAN) bt Erin Classen (AUS) 11-8, 11-7, 11-8
Sophie Hodges (NZL) bt Isabel McCullough (ENG) 11-8, 11-7, 11-8
[9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) bt Lea-Iris Murrizi (GER) 11-1, 11-4, 11-4
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA) bt Ella Hill (NZL) 11-2, 11-3, 11-4
Ella Lash (NZL) bt Pooja Arthi Raghu (IND) 12-10, 11-5, 11-7
Emma Trauber (USA) bt Ong Zhe Sim (SGP) 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bt Anna Halliday (SCO) 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bt Maria Min (CAN) 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2
Kwong Ena (HKG) bt Akari Midorikawa (JPN) 11-5, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10
Madison Lyon (AUS) bt Anrie Goh (MAS) 9-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-9, 11-8
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bt Dené Van Zyl (RSA) 11-2, 11-3, 11-1
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA) bt Advita Sharma (IND) 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
Iman Shaheen (CAN) bt Maiden-Lee Coe (NZL) 11-8, 11-0, 10-12, 11-5
Sonya Sasson (USA) bt Amelie Guziak (AUS) 11-7, 11-7, 11-8
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt Meha Shah (ENG) 11-7, 11-7, 11-5
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt Ona Blasco (ESP) 11-1, 11-6, 11-3
Caroline Eielson (USA) bt Elske Garbers (RSA) 11-7, 11-5, 11-2
Leung Ka Huen (HKG) bt Anabel Romero Gemmell (NZL) 13-11, 11-8, 11-4
[9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG) bt Shona Coxsedge (AUS) 11-6, 11-2, 11-1
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bt Natalie Main (SCO) 11-3, 11-5, 11-7
Maya Weishar (GER) bt Yeung Wai Leng (MAC) 11-6, 11-2, 11-6
Wai Sze Wing (HKG) bt Doyce Lee (MAS) 7-11, 11-9, 11-3, 10-12, 11-7
[5/8] Asia Harris (ENG) bt Robyn McAlpine (SCO) 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bt Anne Leakey (NZL) 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
Thanusaa Uthrian (MAS) bt Layla Johnson (ENG) 11-4, 11-3, 11-9
Tiana Parasrampuria (IND) bt Spring Ma (CAN) 11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 3-11, 11-7
[9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) bt Sarah Sabry (IRL) 11-4, 11-1, 11-2
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) bt Gracia Chua Rui En (SGP) 11-5, 11-4, 11-3
Toby Tse (HKG) bt Hermione Cao (CAN) 11-3, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5
Whitney Wilson (MAS) bt Shameena Riaz (IND) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt Hannah Slyth (AUS) 11-3, 11-1, 11-2
Men's 1st Round:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bye
Oliver Dunbar (NZL) bt Pan Hong-Rui (TPE) 11-6, 11-5, 11-3
Wei Yan Tho (MAS) bt Aryan Pratap Singh (IND) 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Zane Patel (USA) bt Fahad Khaled Al Ghais (KUW) 11-3, 11-4, 11-2
Juan Irisarri (COL) bye
Sharan Punjabi (IND) bt Finlay Halton (SCO) 11-7, 11-2, 11-7
Kosei Toki (JPN) bt Hjalmer Mols (NED) 11-8, 11-4, 9-11, 11-6
[9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) bye
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) bye
Luhann Groenewald (RSA) bt Kenneth Lamb (AUS) 11-2, 11-3, 11-3
Tsz Shing Tam (HKG) bt Tristan Snodgrass (IRL) 11-1, 11-2, 11-6
Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) bt Ian Miguel De Sousa (MAC) 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
Titouan Isambard (FRA) bt Connor Hill (NZL) 11-3, 11-4, 11-7
Abdulrahman Alhashem (KUW) bt Fabian Seitz (SUI) 12-10, 11-2, 12-10
Faazil Khan (CAN) bt Hashvind Kugan (MAS) 13-11, 11-7, 11-9
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bye
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bye
Salem Al-Malki (QAT) bt Brayden Stanley Arthur Raynars (ZIM) 11-2, 11-4, 11-1
Dylan Classen (AUS) bt Yi-An Pan (TPE) 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt Yasser Al Abbas (KSA) 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Paarth Ambani (IND) bt Michael Knapp (CAN) 13-11, 11-6, 11-9
Apa Fatialofa (NZL) bt Chin Ka Nam Canaan (MAC) 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Fabian Igelbrink (GER) bt Luke Jacoby (RSA) 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-3
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) bye
[9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL) bye
Nero Harms (SUI) bt Abdullah Ali (KUW) 11-8, 11-7, 11-6
Law Arthur Pak Ki (HKG) bt Harvey Allan (AUS) 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8
Varun Chitturi (USA) bt Ren Makino (JPN) 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Shaurya Bawa (IND) bt Oliver Hunter (SCO) 11-5, 11-2, 11-7
Lukas Kazemekaitis (LTU) bt Devon Osborne (RSA) 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 14-12, 11-8
Daniel Deverill (CAN) bt Lasse Widmer (SUI) 9-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-3
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bye
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bye
Wasey Maqsood (CAN) bt Leandro Mannhart (SUI) 11-0, 11-4, 11-3
Ryan Gwidzima (ZIM) bt Abdulrahman Almaghrabi (KUW) 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4
Sam Gerrits (NED) bt Freddie Jameson (NZL) 11-6, 11-7, 11-5
José Santamaria (COL) bye
Alex Broadbridge (ENG) bt Mohammed Alnasfan (KSA) 11-3, 11-4, 11-3
Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (MAS) bt Connor Hayes (AUS) 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3
[9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND) bye
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) bye
Thomas Soltanian (USA) bt Diodivine Mkhize (RSA) 11-6, 11-7, 11-8
Yuvraj Wadhwani (IND) bt Christopher Hebberd (NZL) 11-4, 11-2, 11-5
Jacob Lin (CAN) bt Lo Chun Yu Kelvin (HKG) 11-8, 11-1, 13-11
Oscar Curtis (AUS) bt Keng In Leong (MAC) 11-1, 11-0, 11-0
Jack O'Flynn (IRL) bt Jassim Adel Al Ghareeb (KUW) 11-3, 11-4, 11-2
Kanta Ito (JPN) bt Tsai Hsin-Lun (TPE) 11-7, 11-6, 11-6
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bye
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI) bye
Youssef Elgammal (GER) bt Josh Deutschmann (RSA) 9-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10
Caleb Boy (ENG) bt Ka Hei Li (MAC) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1
Rory Richmond (SCO) bt Thomas Scott (AUS) 13-11, 16-14, 11-3
Yehia Abouraya (EGY) bt Yusuf Sheikh (ENG) 11-4, 4-11, 11-8, 11-4
Yujin Ikeda (JPN) bt Khaled Walead Al Fouzain (KUW) 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-0
Arhan Chandra (USA) bt YoYo Chan (TPE) 11-6, 11-1, 11-2
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bye
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bye
Youssef Sarhan (CAN) bt Nevindu Lakman (SRI) 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 10-12, 11-9
Elliot Kelly (IRL) bt Josh Porter (PNG) 12-10, 11-5, 8-11, 11-5
Javier Emilio Romo Lopez (ECU) bye
Harith Danial (MAS) bt Connor Earl (RSA) 11-5, 11-4, 11-9
Shane Buckle (NZL) bt Moeen Ud Din (PAK) w/o
Antonin Romieu (FRA) bt Jat Tse (HKG) 11-6, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8
[2] Rowan Damming (NED) bye
Women's 1st Round:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bye
Yuvna Gupta (IND) bt Mei Mei Chan (TPE) 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Erin Classen (AUS) bye
Ocean Ma (CAN) bye
Isabel McCullough (ENG) bye
Sophie Hodges (NZL) bye
Lea-Iris Murrizi (GER) bye
[9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) bye
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA) bye
Ella Hill (NZL) bt Lydia McQuillan (IRL) 11-6, 16-14, 11-2
Ella Lash (NZL) bye
Pooja Arthi Raghu (IND) bye
Emma Trauber (USA) bye
Ong Zhe Sim (SGP) bye
Anna Halliday (SCO) bt Jordin Phillips (RSA) 11-3, 11-5, 11-4
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bye
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bye
Maria Min (CAN) bt Rowan Niven (SCO) 11-4, 11-8, 11-8
Kwong Ena (HKG) bye
Akari Midorikawa (JPN) bye
Madison Lyon (AUS) bye
Anrie Goh (MAS) bye
Dené Van Zyl (RSA) bt Shaw Pearl, Jen-Ju (TPE) 11-7, 11-3, 11-4
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bye
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA) bye
Advita Sharma (IND) bt Au Yeong Wai Iynn (SGP) 14-12, 7-11, 11-1, 11-8
Maiden-Lee Coe (NZL) bye
Iman Shaheen (CAN) bye
Sonya Sasson (USA) bye
Amelie Guziak (AUS) bye
Meha Shah (ENG) bt Maria Protsepova (IRL) 11-6, 11-2, 11-2
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bye
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bye
Ona Blasco (ESP) bt Paige Hill (SGP) 11-7, 11-4, 11-9
Elske Garbers (RSA) bye
Caroline Eielson (USA) bye
Leung Ka Huen (HKG) bye
Anabel Romero Gemmell (NZL) bye
Shona Coxsedge (AUS) bt Yen-Chi Chen (TPE) 12-10, 11-1, 11-4
[9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG) bye
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bye
Natalie Main (SCO) bt Sophie Thomas (IRL) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6
Yeung Wai Leng (MAC) bye
Maya Weishar (GER) bye
Wai Sze Wing (HKG) bye
Doyce Lee (MAS) bye
Robyn McAlpine (SCO) bt Ananya Maheshwari (CAN) 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6
[5/8] Asia Harris (ENG) bye
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bye
Anne Leakey (NZL) bt Yu-Chen Cheng (TPE) 11-3, 11-2, 11-6
Layla Johnson (ENG) bye
Thanusaa Uthrian (MAS) bye
Spring Ma (CAN) bye
Tiana Parasrampuria (IND) bye
Sarah Sabry (IRL) bt Courtney Scholtz (AUS) 7-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8
[9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) bye
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) bye
Gracia Chua Rui En (SGP) bt Lijana Sultana (MLT) 14-12, 11-3, 11-4
Hermione Cao (CAN) bye
Toby Tse (HKG) bye
Whitney Wilson (MAS) bye
Shameena Riaz (IND) bye
Hannah Slyth (AUS) bt Louisa Kaven (SCO) 9-11, 11-4, 12-10, 10-12, 12-10
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bye
In a historic moment at the WSF World Junior Squash Championships in Melbourne, Malaysia's Aira Azman, Egypt's Amina Orfi, Pakistan's Hamza Khan, and Egypt's Mohamed Zakaria secured their spots in the finals, captivating squash fans worldwide.
Hamza Khan secured his place in the final, becoming the first male player from Pakistan to achieve the feat in 15 years with a 83 minute semi-final victory over [9/16] seed Melvil Scianimanico of France.
Khan's semifinal match against the Frenchman was nothing short of gripping, with both players putting on a display of exceptional skill and tenacity. Khan initially looked to be cruising into the final with a 2-0 lead, showcasing impressive footwork and an aggressive style. However, Scianimanico, known for his resilience throughout the tournament, mounted a remarkable comeback, saving a match ball in game three and eventually leveling the tie.
In an electrifying fifth game, Khan faced an uphill battle when Scianimanico earned a match ball at 11-10. Despite the pressure, Khan displayed composure, timing his attacks perfectly to clinch a hard-fought 13-11 victory.
Hamza's victory set the stage for a historic final, where he will face Egyptian [3/4] seed Mohamed Zakaria, the youngest-ever finalist in the men's competition. Zakaria's tactical acumen and deft touch proved decisive in a dominant 3-0 win against compatriot and [5/8] seed Salman Khalil, who had earlier caused a shock by defeating top seed Jonah Bryant.
In the women's draw, the opening semi-final match of the day witnessed a stunning performance from [3/4] seed Aira Azman, who accomplished a momentous feat by becoming the first Malaysian woman to reach the final since the legendary Nicol David in 2001. Additionally, she is the first non-Egyptian finalist since 2010, thanks to her dominant upset win over Egyptian No.2 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir. Their intense encounter saw both players fiercely attacking, leading to short and sharp rallies. However, Azman proved to be more composed under pressure, hitting her targets consistently and securing a straight-game victory over her higher-ranked opponent in just 28 minutes. This triumph marked the first time since 2010 that a women's final would feature a non-Egyptian player.
Reflecting on her exceptional performance, the 18-year-old Azman expressed her pride and gratitude, acknowledging that this final appearance was particularly special as it was her last year competing as a junior.
Azman's formidable opponent in the women's final will be the defending champion and top seed, 16-year-old Amina Orfi, who triumphed 12-10 11-7 11-8 against compatriot Malak Khafagy.
With these exceptional players set to compete in the finals, the WSF World Junior Squash Championships have witnessed unforgettable moments that will be etched in the annals of squash history. As the stage is set for the ultimate showdown, fans eagerly await to witness the crowning of the new champions in Melbourne.
Egyptian squash player Salman Khalil delivered a remarkable upset at this year's WSF World Junior Squash Championships by defeating the top-seeded English player, Jonah Bryant, in a commanding straight-games victory. Despite facing odds that seemed stacked against him, Khalil demonstrated his adaptability from the outset, employing a patient gameplan and exceptional retrieval skills that stifled Bryant's attack-oriented approach.
In an enthralling opening game, Khalil, seeded [5/8], saved three game balls before capitalising on his own at 14-13. His triumph, coupled with the fervent support from the Egyptian team, further fueled his determination. Khalil secured the second game comfortably with an 11-4 win and clinched the contest by winning the third game 11-8 before celebrating exuberantly by climbing on top of the back wall.
Reflecting on his win, Khalil expressed his elation, stating, "It felt amazing! It was a tough match, and I knew it wouldn't be easy, but winning in three games is an honour! I owe this success to my teammates and coaches who have provided unwavering support. Their encouragement helped me overcome critical moments in the match."
Salman Khalil's triumph, combined with Hollis Robertson's unexpected victory over the No.2 seed and defending champion, Rowan Damming, sets up an intriguing semi-final clash against his compatriot, Mohamed Zakaria, who is also ranked [3/4]. Zakaria earned his place in the semi-final by defeating Colombia's Juan Jose Torres in straight games.
In another thrilling match, Hamza Khan, the other [3/4] seed, faced a formidable challenge from the lightning-fast Malaysian player, Joachim Chuah, ranked [5/8]. Nonetheless, Khan exhibited tenacity and clinched a hard-fought 3-1 victory, providing one of the most entertaining spectacles of the tournament. Hamza Khan will meet [9/16] seed Melvil Scianimanico of France in the semi-finals after the Frenchman overcame fellow [9/16] seed Hollis Robertson a tense five-game battle.
A win for Hamza Khan in the upcoming match would mark a historic achievement for Pakistan, making him the first player from the country to reach the final of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships since Aamir Atlas Khan in 2008.
In the women's draw, the seeded players continued to display their dominance, with all but one progressing in straight games. Notably, [3/4] seed Malak Khafagy faced a stiff challenge from the impressive 15-year-old [5/8] seed Anahat Singh of India, who managed to take the opening game 12-10. However, Khafagy regained her composure and unleashed powerful attacks that proved too much for Singh to handle, ultimately securing the match with a 3-1 victory.
Khafagy's next opponent will be compatriot Amina Orfi. The top seed and defending champion has been in exceptional form, not dropping a single game so far, as evidenced by her 12-10 11-4 11-2 win over fellow Egyptian, Zeina Zein.
In the other women's semi-final, Egyptian No.2 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir will face Malaysian [3/4] seed Aira Azman. Aboelkheir's journey to the semi-final involved a physically demanding encounter against American [5/8] seed Caroline Fouts. Meanwhile, Azman recorded a swift 21-minute victory over French [9/16] seed Lauren Baltayan.
As the competition intensifies, fans can anticipate riveting clashes and potential historic milestones as the talented athletes strive for glory in the prestigious WSF World Junior Squash Championships.
In a momentous upset at the WSF World Junior Squash Championships in Melbourne, Australia, Hollis Robertson of the USA sent shockwaves through the tournament as he ousted defending champion Rowan Damming on the third day of competition. This victory not only secured Robertson a spot in the quarter-finals but also marked the first time an American male has achieved such a feat in six years.
The showdown between Robertson and the Dutchman seemed destined to end in disappointment for the young American when he found himself trailing 2-0. However, in a display of tenacity and skill, the 18-year-old mounted an extraordinary fightback. With relentless determination, he battled his way to a thrilling 2-2 tie with commanding wins of 11-6 and 11-5 in the third and fourth games, respectively.
The final game was a nail-biting affair, as both players fiercely contested each point. In the end, Robertson clinched the game 11-7, igniting a passionate celebration on the court. Roaring with delight, he sprinted to the front, basking in the moment of victory. His emotions poured forth, knowing he had the unwavering support of his teammates, who had rallied behind him in his previous matches. After sharing a moment of commiseration with Damming, Robertson was joyfully embraced by the rest of the enthusiastic US squad.
In the upcoming quarter-final, Robertson will face another challenge in the form of [9/16] seed Melvil Scianimanico from France, who also caused an upset by defeating Swiss [5/8] seed David Bernet in a comeback victory.
In the men's draw, the top seed, Jonah Bryant, managed to edge past Yassein Shohdy in an exhilarating contest. The [3/4] seeds, Mohamed Zakaria and Hamza Khan, also emerged victorious in their respective matches against Varun Chitturi and Jose Santamaria. Hamza Khan had to stage a remarkable fightback after going 0-1 down to secure a thrilling 3-2 win. Additionally, other seeded players like Salman Khalil, Juan Jose Torres, and Joachim Chuah held their ground, progressing to the next round.
Meanwhile, in the women's draw, the seeded players continued their impressive run. Reigning champion and top seed Amina Orfi demonstrated her exceptional form, defeating Malaysian [9/16] seed Sehveetrraa Kumar in straight games. The No.2 seed, Fayrouz Aboelkheir, also cruised to victory against [5/8] seed Nour Megahed in an all-Egyptian clash.
On Court Nine, an intense battle unfolded between Indian [5/8] seed Anahat Singh and Egyptian [9/16] seed Nadien Elhammamy. The 15-year-old Singh showcased her resilience, eventually prevailing 8-11 11-2 11-8 9-11 11-8 in a captivating encounter that lasted 52 minutes. Her well-earned victory set up a quarter-final showdown against Egyptian [3/4] seed Malak Khafagy.
Another noteworthy match on the same court saw Wai Sze Wing's impressive run come to an end as she was defeated by French [9/16] seed Laurent Baltayan in a quick-paced 24-minute affair.
The women's quarter-final draw is now complete, with Zeina Zein of Egypt and USA's Caroline Fouts securing their spots after triumphant performances against Madison Ho and Savannah Ingledew, respectively.
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships continue to deliver thrilling matches and surprising outcomes, and fans around the globe eagerly anticipate the next stage of this exhilarating tournament.
Spectators witnessed some astonishing performances on the second day of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships as the tournament unfolded at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. The Hong Kong, China native, Wai Sze Wing, stole the limelight by delivering a shocking upset against English [5/8] seed Asia Harris on Court Six.
Wai initially seemed to struggle, conceding the opening game 11-6 to Harris. However, she fought back valiantly to win the next two tense games 11-9 to take a 2-1 lead. Harris refused to go down without a fight and managed to force the match into a fifth game, clinching the fourth 11-7. The atmosphere reached a crescendo during the nail-biting tie-break in the fifth game, where Wai demonstrated incredible nerves of steel and emerged victorious with a thrilling 12-10 finish.
Following her hard-fought triumph, Wai expressed her elation, stating that reaching the top 16 was beyond her expectations. This victory marked a significant milestone for her career. In the next round, she is set to face French [9/16] seed Lauren Baltayan, who secured her spot by defeating Germany’s Maya Weishar.
Wai's victory was not the only surprise of the day, as three [9/16] seeds fell to unseeded players on the traditional courts. Among them, Wai's compatriot, Ka Huen Leung, claimed a notable victory over England’s Amelie Haworth.
Meanwhile, USA’s Varun Chitturi managed to upset Ireland’s Dylan Moran, and Colombia’s Jose Santamaria outplayed India’s Krishna Mishra.
While the all-glass show court matches failed to produce any upsets, the home crowd faced disappointment as unseeded players Oscar Curtis and Madison Lyon succumbed to the prowess of Malaysian [5/8] seed Joachim Chuah and Egyptian [9/16] seed Nadien Elhammamy, thus ending the home hopes.
On the other hand, the top seeds continued their dominant run, ensuring their progress to the next round. Defending women's champion and No.1 seed Amina Orfi from Egypt displayed her prowess by defeating Canada’s Ocean Ma. Her compatriot and women’s No.2 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir also secured a convincing victory against Malaysia’s Whitney Wilson. Among the men, England's No.1 seed Jonah Bryant triumphed over USA’s Zane Patel, while the defending men’s champion and No.2 seed, Rowan Damming from the Netherlands, overcame Malaysia’s Harith Danial.
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships continue to prove to be a riveting display of skill, determination, and surprises, as players from across the globe battle it out for victory. The competition remains intense, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in this enthralling tournament.
The 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships kicked off with a thrilling and action-packed opening day in Melbourne. As the seeded players entered their second-round matches with a first-round bye, they faced tough challenges from opponents who had already battled through their first-round clashes earlier in the day.
While some of the top seeds, including Women's Defending Champion Amina Orfi of Egypt and Men's top seed Jonah Bryant of England, showed their dominance and cruised through their matches, others faced intense battles. Notably, Men's No.2 seed and defending champion Rowan Damming of the Netherlands found himself in a tight spot after losing the opening game to France's Antonin Romieu. However, Damming showed his resilience and fought back to secure a hard-fought victory, eventually winning 7-11 11-4 11-8 11-6.
Among the standout performances were the Australian hopefuls Madison Lyon and Oscar Curtis. Lyon staged an impressive comeback after being behind in her match against Malaysia's Anrie Goh, eventually winning 9-11 11-3 5-11 11-9 11-8. Curtis, on the other hand, displayed dominant form by securing back-to-back victories over Macau's Keng In Leong and Ireland's Jack O'Flynn.
The championships also witnessed a historic moment as Lithuania celebrated its first-ever win at a World Junior Championship. Lukas Kazemekaitis, mentored by coach Mazen Gamal, made his mark by overcoming South Africa's Devon Osborne in a thrilling encounter, although he faced defeat against India's Shaurya Bawa in the subsequent round.
With 135 matches and two rounds taking place across ten courts at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), the intensity and competitiveness were palpable on this memorable opening day. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more riveting clashes, unexpected upsets, and the emergence of promising talents on the world stage. Stay tuned for further updates and action from the 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships.
The grand stage is set for the much-anticipated 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships, which kicked off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony in Melbourne on Monday 17th July. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, with over 240 players representing 33 national federations.
The Australian Sports Museum at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground played host to the auspicious occasion, where the tournament was officially declared open by Australian team co-captains Erin Classen and Madison Lyon.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished speakers, including Zena Wooldridge OBE, President of the World Squash Federation, Craig Phillips AM, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, and Robert Donaghue, CEO of Squash Australia. Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross also took the stage, extending a warm welcome to all participants and sharing insights into the history and culture of Indigenous Australians.
The excitement is palpable among the Australian team, and their coach, Cassie Thomas, a former World No.1 and past winner of this very tournament as a teenager, expressed her delight at the team's unity and preparation ahead of the competition. With camaraderie and focused training, the team is eager to take on their international counterparts.
For co-captain Erin Classen, the prospect of playing a major event on home soil is nothing short of a dream come true. The pride of representing one's country amidst familiar surroundings, with friends and family cheering from the stands, adds an extra layer of motivation and inspiration for the 12-strong Australian team.
The action-packed tournament will kick off with the men's and women's singles competitions on Tuesday, 18th July, at Melbourne Sports Centres. The singles championships will culminate on Sunday, 23rd July, followed by an enthralling week of women's teams event action, taking place from Monday to Saturday the following week.
As the world's most talented young squash players gather in Melbourne to battle it out on the court, fans can expect gripping encounters, spectacular displays of skill, and the emergence of future squash stars. With the stage set and excitement in the air, the 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships are primed to deliver an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
The highly anticipated 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships are back, promising twelve days of electrifying action in Melbourne, Australia, from 18th to 29th July.
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships are the pinnacle of junior squash events, showcasing the world's most talented young players. While no professional ranking points are at stake, the championships serve as a brilliant platform to identify future stars in the sport. The likes of Mostafa Asal, the 2019 Men's champion, and Nouran Gohar, the 2016 Women's Champion, have previously used this event as a stepping stone to reach the coveted World No.1 ranking.
Since its inauguration in Kungälv, Sweden, in 1980, the championships have been held annually. Initially, the men's and women's championships were organised on alternate years, but since Chennai 2009, they have been run simultaneously. The WSF World Junior Squash Team Championships, however, continue to alternate, with this year's event featuring the WSF Women's World Junior Squash Team Championship, which was put on hold since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prestigious Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centres (MSAC) will host this year's championships, marking Australia's fourth time as a host country. The last occasion was in 1995 in Sydney, where Australia triumphed over England in the women's team event final, and New Zealand's Jade Wilson emerged victorious against Australia's Rachael Grinham in the women's individual final.
In terms of competition, the 2023 World Juniors will see 245 entries from 33 national federations battling it out in both individual events and the team event. The top seed in the men's individual event is the talented 17-year-old English player, Jonah Bryant. In the women's event, the defending champion is the 16-year-old Egyptian sensation, Amina Orfi, who also holds the top seed position. As for the men's defending champion, Rowan Damming, the accomplished Dutchman, returns to the championships as the No.2 seed, aiming to repeat his previous success.
The championship schedule comprises the WSF World Junior Squash Individual Championships (18th to 23rd July) and WSF World Junior Squash Team Championship (24th to 29th July).
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships, set to take place from 18th to 29th July at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), have announced the draws and seedings for the individual events. A total of 245 entries have been confirmed across the men's individual championship, women's individual championship, and women's team championship.
In the men's draw, the spotlight falls on England's Jonah Bryant and the Netherlands' Rowan Damming, who are seeded to meet once again in the anticipated final clash. Bryant, a talented 17-year-old, claims the top seed position, while Damming, an 18-year-old Dutch prodigy, secures the second seed. These two rising stars have already crossed paths five times during their junior careers, including three encounters this year. Despite Damming trailing with a 2-3 losing record against Bryant, he draws inspiration from his recent triumphs on the professional circuit. Notably, Damming stunned the squash community by clinching last year's championship as the 5/8 seed, becoming the first-ever World Junior Champion from the Netherlands. His victory over Bryant in their most recent meeting, a commanding 3-1 win at April's European Junior U19 Team Championship, further boosts his confidence.
Joining the fray as potential contenders are Egyptian prodigy Mohamed Zakaria, a formidable 15-year-old who made waves last year by storming into the semi-finals as a 9/16 seed, and Pakistan's Hamza Khan, who returns after reaching the semi-finals as the top seed in the previous edition.
The home crowd will witness the debut of six Australian men in the first round. Kenneth Lamb, Dylan Classen, Harvey Allan, Connor Hayes, Oscar Curtis, and Thomas Scott are all set for action on day one.
Turning to the women's draw, Egypt's defending champion, Amina Orfi, gears up to defend her title. As the No. 1 seed, Orfi clinched last year's championship with a series of awe-inspiring comebacks. Her remarkable performance continued this season on the PSA World Tour, where she reached the final of the Squash On Fire Open in Washington DC and the last 16 at the senior World Championships.
Seeded to potentially face the 16-year-old champion in the final is fellow Egyptian Fayrouz Aboelkheir. Seeking redemption for her semi-final defeat to Orfi last year in Nancy, Aboelkheir aims to make her mark this time. Malak Khafagy, another Egyptian talent, secures a spot among the top four seeds, alongside Asian Junior Champion Aira Azman. Azman, hailing from Malaysia, aspires to become her country's first female champion since Nicol David's triumph over Omneya Abdel Kawy in 2001.
Similar to the men's event, six Australian women will showcase their skills in the individual competition. Shona Coxsedge faces a challenging opener against Chinese Taipei's Yen-Chi Chen, while Courtney Scholtz takes on Ireland's Sarah Sabry and Hannah Slyth squares off against Scotland's Louisa Kaven in the first round. Meanwhile, Erin Classen, Madison Lyon, and Amelie Guziak receive byes and advance directly to the second round.
The stage is set for an enthralling display of talent and determination as these young athletes from around the world vie for supremacy at the WSF World Junior Squash Championships.
2023 World Squash Federation (WSF) World Junior Squash Championship.
Men’s Individuals Seeded Entries:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG)
[2] Rowan Damming (NED)
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK)
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY)
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI)
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS)
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY)
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres Lara (COL)
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY)
[9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND)
[9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL)
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA)
[9/16] Yassin Shohdy (EGY)
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY)
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA)
Women’s Individuals Seeded Entries:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS)
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY)
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA)
[5/8] Asia Harris (ENG)
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY)
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND)
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA)
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY)
[9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG)
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA)
[9/16] Savannah Margot Ingledew (RSA)
[9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS)
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY)
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA)
[9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) bt Juan Irisarri (COL) 10-12, 11-8, 12-10, 11-6 (38m)
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) bt Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) 11-9, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-9 (79m)
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt Titouan Isambard (FRA) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (38m)
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bt Low Wa Sern (MAS) 11-3, 11-4, 11-3 (31m)
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) bt Paarth Ambani (IND) 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 (27m)
Varun Chitturi (USA) bt [9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL) 8-11, 11-9, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt Shaurya Bawa (IND) 11-2, 11-9, 11-5
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt Sam Gerrits (NED) 10-12, 11-6, 11-3, 11-7 (39m)
José Santamaria (COL) bt [9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND) 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7 (78m)
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) bt Jacob Lin (CAN) 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 (20m)
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bt Oscar Curtis (AUS) 11-4, 11-2, 13-11 (33m)
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI) bt Caleb Boy (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (35m)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt Yehia Abouraya (EGY) 11-5, 5-11, 11-1, 12-10 (46m)
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bt Javier Emilio Romo Lopez (ECU) 11-9, 4-11, 8-11, 11-8, 12-10 (70m)
[2] Rowan Damming (NED) bt Harith Danial (MAS) 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 (31m)
Women's 3rd Round:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt Ocean Ma (CAN) 11-4, 11-2, 11-1 (22m)
[9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) bt Sophie Hodges (NZL) 11-2, 12-10, 12-10 (22m)
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA) bt Ella Lash (NZL) 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 (29m)
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bt Emma Trauber (USA) 11-9, 11-6, 11-9 (33m)
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bt Kwong Ena (HKG) 11-7, 11-3, 11-2 (19m)
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bt Madison Lyon (AUS) 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 (24m)
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA) bt Iman Shaheen (CAN) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt Sonya Sasson (USA) 11-7, 14-12, 11-4 (29m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt Caroline Eielson (USA) 11-8, 11-1, 11-7 (19m)
Leung Ka Huen (HKG) bt [9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG) 7-11, 11-2, 11-6, 12-10 (35m)
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bt Maya Weishar (GER) 11-2, 11-4, 5-11, 11-6 (27m)
Wai Sze Wing (HKG) bt [5/8] Asia Harris (ENG) 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10 (50m)
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bt Thanusaa Uthrian (MAS) 11-2, 11-5, 11-2 (24m)
[9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) bt Tiana Parasrampuria (IND) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (27m)
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) bt Toby Tse (HKG) 11-3, 11-8, 11-5 (19m)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt Whitney Wilson (MAS) 11-3, 11-5, 11-5 (19m)
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA) bt Ella Lash (NZL) 12-10, 11-4, 11-7 (29m)
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bt Emma Trauber (USA) 11-9, 11-6, 11-9 (33m)
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bt Kwong Ena (HKG) 11-7, 11-3, 11-2 (19m)
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bt Madison Lyon (AUS) 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 (24m)
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA) bt Iman Shaheen (CAN) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt Sonya Sasson (USA) 11-7, 14-12, 11-4 (29m)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt Caroline Eielson (USA) 11-8, 11-1, 11-7 (19m)
Leung Ka Huen (HKG) bt [9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG) 7-11, 11-2, 11-6, 12-10 (35m)
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bt Maya Weishar (GER) 11-2, 11-4, 5-11, 11-6 (27m)
Wai Sze Wing (HKG) bt [5/8] Asia Harris (ENG) 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10 (50m)
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bt Thanusaa Uthrian (MAS) 11-2, 11-5, 11-2 (24m)
[9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) bt Tiana Parasrampuria (IND) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (27m)
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) bt Toby Tse (HKG) 11-3, 11-8, 11-5 (19m)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt Whitney Wilson (MAS) 11-3, 11-5, 11-5 (19m)
Men's 2nd Round:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bt Oliver Dunbar (NZL) 11-1, 11-1, 11-5
Zane Patel (USA) bt Wei Yan Tho (MAS) 11-6, 16-18, 11-1, 11-4
Juan Irisarri (COL) bt Sharan Punjabi (IND) 5-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-4
[9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) bt Kosei Toki (JPN) 11-6, 11-8, 11-5
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) bt Luhann Groenewald (RSA) 13-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-6
Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) bt Tsz Shing Tam (HKG) 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 11-4
Titouan Isambard (FRA) bt Abdulrahman Alhashem (KUW) 11-5, 12-10, 11-2
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bt Faazil Khan (CAN) 11-5, 11-4, 12-10
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bt Salem Al-Malki (QAT) 11-5, 11-3, 11-2
Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt Dylan Classen (AUS) 11-8, 11-6, 11-5
Paarth Ambani (IND) bt Apa Fatialofa (NZL) 11-8, 8-11, 11-5, 11-4
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) bt Fabian Igelbrink (GER) 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
[9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL) bt Nero Harms (SUI) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5
Varun Chitturi (USA) bt Law Arthur Pak Ki (HKG) 11-6, 11-8, 11-4
Shaurya Bawa (IND) bt Lukas Kazemekaitis (LTU) 11-4, 11-7, 11-3
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bt Daniel Deverill (CAN) 11-1, 11-2, 11-5
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bt Wasey Maqsood (CAN) 11-3, 11-4, 11-8
Sam Gerrits (NED) bt Ryan Gwidzima (ZIM) 11-6, 11-7, 11-5
José Santamaria (COL) bt Alex Broadbridge (ENG) 11-7, 7-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-3
[9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND) bt Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (MAS) 11-9, 5-11, 11-4, 11-1
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) bt Thomas Soltanian (USA) 11-7, 11-5, 11-7
Jacob Lin (CAN) bt Yuvraj Wadhwani (IND) 11-6, 11-3, 11-9
Oscar Curtis (AUS) bt Jack O'Flynn (IRL) 11-8, 11-1, 11-6
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bt Kanta Ito (JPN) 11-8, 11-6, 11-3
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI) bt Youssef Elgammal (GER) 11-1, 11-2, 11-8
Caleb Boy (ENG) bt Rory Richmond (SCO) 11-9, 11-8, 11-6
Yehia Abouraya (EGY) bt Yujin Ikeda (JPN) 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 12-10, 11-1
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bt Arhan Chandra (USA) 11-8, 13-11, 11-5
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bt Youssef Sarhan (CAN) 11-5, 11-6, 11-4
Javier Emilio Romo Lopez (ECU) bt Elliot Kelly (IRL) 11-4, 11-0, 11-5
Harith Danial (MAS) bt Shane Buckle (NZL) 11-3, 11-6, 11-6
[2] Rowan Damming (NED) bt Antonin Romieu (FRA) 7-11, 11-4, 11-8, 11-6
Women's 2nd Round:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt Yuvna Gupta (IND) 11-1, 11-4, 11-5
Ocean Ma (CAN) bt Erin Classen (AUS) 11-8, 11-7, 11-8
Sophie Hodges (NZL) bt Isabel McCullough (ENG) 11-8, 11-7, 11-8
[9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) bt Lea-Iris Murrizi (GER) 11-1, 11-4, 11-4
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA) bt Ella Hill (NZL) 11-2, 11-3, 11-4
Ella Lash (NZL) bt Pooja Arthi Raghu (IND) 12-10, 11-5, 11-7
Emma Trauber (USA) bt Ong Zhe Sim (SGP) 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bt Anna Halliday (SCO) 11-2, 11-2, 11-4
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bt Maria Min (CAN) 5-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2
Kwong Ena (HKG) bt Akari Midorikawa (JPN) 11-5, 8-11, 11-5, 12-10
Madison Lyon (AUS) bt Anrie Goh (MAS) 9-11, 11-3, 5-11, 11-9, 11-8
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bt Dené Van Zyl (RSA) 11-2, 11-3, 11-1
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA) bt Advita Sharma (IND) 11-6, 11-4, 11-6
Iman Shaheen (CAN) bt Maiden-Lee Coe (NZL) 11-8, 11-0, 10-12, 11-5
Sonya Sasson (USA) bt Amelie Guziak (AUS) 11-7, 11-7, 11-8
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bt Meha Shah (ENG) 11-7, 11-7, 11-5
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bt Ona Blasco (ESP) 11-1, 11-6, 11-3
Caroline Eielson (USA) bt Elske Garbers (RSA) 11-7, 11-5, 11-2
Leung Ka Huen (HKG) bt Anabel Romero Gemmell (NZL) 13-11, 11-8, 11-4
[9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG) bt Shona Coxsedge (AUS) 11-6, 11-2, 11-1
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bt Natalie Main (SCO) 11-3, 11-5, 11-7
Maya Weishar (GER) bt Yeung Wai Leng (MAC) 11-6, 11-2, 11-6
Wai Sze Wing (HKG) bt Doyce Lee (MAS) 7-11, 11-9, 11-3, 10-12, 11-7
[5/8] Asia Harris (ENG) bt Robyn McAlpine (SCO) 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bt Anne Leakey (NZL) 11-6, 11-2, 11-4
Thanusaa Uthrian (MAS) bt Layla Johnson (ENG) 11-4, 11-3, 11-9
Tiana Parasrampuria (IND) bt Spring Ma (CAN) 11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 3-11, 11-7
[9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) bt Sarah Sabry (IRL) 11-4, 11-1, 11-2
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) bt Gracia Chua Rui En (SGP) 11-5, 11-4, 11-3
Toby Tse (HKG) bt Hermione Cao (CAN) 11-3, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5
Whitney Wilson (MAS) bt Shameena Riaz (IND) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bt Hannah Slyth (AUS) 11-3, 11-1, 11-2
Men's 1st Round:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG) bye
Oliver Dunbar (NZL) bt Pan Hong-Rui (TPE) 11-6, 11-5, 11-3
Wei Yan Tho (MAS) bt Aryan Pratap Singh (IND) 11-6, 11-4, 11-5
Zane Patel (USA) bt Fahad Khaled Al Ghais (KUW) 11-3, 11-4, 11-2
Juan Irisarri (COL) bye
Sharan Punjabi (IND) bt Finlay Halton (SCO) 11-7, 11-2, 11-7
Kosei Toki (JPN) bt Hjalmer Mols (NED) 11-8, 11-4, 9-11, 11-6
[9/16] Yassein Shohdy (EGY) bye
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA) bye
Luhann Groenewald (RSA) bt Kenneth Lamb (AUS) 11-2, 11-3, 11-3
Tsz Shing Tam (HKG) bt Tristan Snodgrass (IRL) 11-1, 11-2, 11-6
Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) bt Ian Miguel De Sousa (MAC) 11-2, 11-2, 11-3
Titouan Isambard (FRA) bt Connor Hill (NZL) 11-3, 11-4, 11-7
Abdulrahman Alhashem (KUW) bt Fabian Seitz (SUI) 12-10, 11-2, 12-10
Faazil Khan (CAN) bt Hashvind Kugan (MAS) 13-11, 11-7, 11-9
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY) bye
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres (COL) bye
Salem Al-Malki (QAT) bt Brayden Stanley Arthur Raynars (ZIM) 11-2, 11-4, 11-1
Dylan Classen (AUS) bt Yi-An Pan (TPE) 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt Yasser Al Abbas (KSA) 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Paarth Ambani (IND) bt Michael Knapp (CAN) 13-11, 11-6, 11-9
Apa Fatialofa (NZL) bt Chin Ka Nam Canaan (MAC) 11-1, 11-2, 11-0
Fabian Igelbrink (GER) bt Luke Jacoby (RSA) 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-3
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY) bye
[9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL) bye
Nero Harms (SUI) bt Abdullah Ali (KUW) 11-8, 11-7, 11-6
Law Arthur Pak Ki (HKG) bt Harvey Allan (AUS) 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8
Varun Chitturi (USA) bt Ren Makino (JPN) 11-5, 11-2, 11-1
Shaurya Bawa (IND) bt Oliver Hunter (SCO) 11-5, 11-2, 11-7
Lukas Kazemekaitis (LTU) bt Devon Osborne (RSA) 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 14-12, 11-8
Daniel Deverill (CAN) bt Lasse Widmer (SUI) 9-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-3
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) bye
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK) bye
Wasey Maqsood (CAN) bt Leandro Mannhart (SUI) 11-0, 11-4, 11-3
Ryan Gwidzima (ZIM) bt Abdulrahman Almaghrabi (KUW) 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4
Sam Gerrits (NED) bt Freddie Jameson (NZL) 11-6, 11-7, 11-5
José Santamaria (COL) bye
Alex Broadbridge (ENG) bt Mohammed Alnasfan (KSA) 11-3, 11-4, 11-3
Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (MAS) bt Connor Hayes (AUS) 11-8, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3
[9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND) bye
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) bye
Thomas Soltanian (USA) bt Diodivine Mkhize (RSA) 11-6, 11-7, 11-8
Yuvraj Wadhwani (IND) bt Christopher Hebberd (NZL) 11-4, 11-2, 11-5
Jacob Lin (CAN) bt Lo Chun Yu Kelvin (HKG) 11-8, 11-1, 13-11
Oscar Curtis (AUS) bt Keng In Leong (MAC) 11-1, 11-0, 11-0
Jack O'Flynn (IRL) bt Jassim Adel Al Ghareeb (KUW) 11-3, 11-4, 11-2
Kanta Ito (JPN) bt Tsai Hsin-Lun (TPE) 11-7, 11-6, 11-6
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS) bye
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI) bye
Youssef Elgammal (GER) bt Josh Deutschmann (RSA) 9-11, 6-11, 11-4, 11-4, 12-10
Caleb Boy (ENG) bt Ka Hei Li (MAC) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1
Rory Richmond (SCO) bt Thomas Scott (AUS) 13-11, 16-14, 11-3
Yehia Abouraya (EGY) bt Yusuf Sheikh (ENG) 11-4, 4-11, 11-8, 11-4
Yujin Ikeda (JPN) bt Khaled Walead Al Fouzain (KUW) 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-0
Arhan Chandra (USA) bt YoYo Chan (TPE) 11-6, 11-1, 11-2
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) bye
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA) bye
Youssef Sarhan (CAN) bt Nevindu Lakman (SRI) 11-4, 11-9, 9-11, 10-12, 11-9
Elliot Kelly (IRL) bt Josh Porter (PNG) 12-10, 11-5, 8-11, 11-5
Javier Emilio Romo Lopez (ECU) bye
Harith Danial (MAS) bt Connor Earl (RSA) 11-5, 11-4, 11-9
Shane Buckle (NZL) bt Moeen Ud Din (PAK) w/o
Antonin Romieu (FRA) bt Jat Tse (HKG) 11-6, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8
[2] Rowan Damming (NED) bye
Women's 1st Round:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bye
Yuvna Gupta (IND) bt Mei Mei Chan (TPE) 11-5, 11-3, 11-5
Erin Classen (AUS) bye
Ocean Ma (CAN) bye
Isabel McCullough (ENG) bye
Sophie Hodges (NZL) bye
Lea-Iris Murrizi (GER) bye
[9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS) bye
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA) bye
Ella Hill (NZL) bt Lydia McQuillan (IRL) 11-6, 16-14, 11-2
Ella Lash (NZL) bye
Pooja Arthi Raghu (IND) bye
Emma Trauber (USA) bye
Ong Zhe Sim (SGP) bye
Anna Halliday (SCO) bt Jordin Phillips (RSA) 11-3, 11-5, 11-4
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY) bye
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND) bye
Maria Min (CAN) bt Rowan Niven (SCO) 11-4, 11-8, 11-8
Kwong Ena (HKG) bye
Akari Midorikawa (JPN) bye
Madison Lyon (AUS) bye
Anrie Goh (MAS) bye
Dené Van Zyl (RSA) bt Shaw Pearl, Jen-Ju (TPE) 11-7, 11-3, 11-4
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY) bye
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA) bye
Advita Sharma (IND) bt Au Yeong Wai Iynn (SGP) 14-12, 7-11, 11-1, 11-8
Maiden-Lee Coe (NZL) bye
Iman Shaheen (CAN) bye
Sonya Sasson (USA) bye
Amelie Guziak (AUS) bye
Meha Shah (ENG) bt Maria Protsepova (IRL) 11-6, 11-2, 11-2
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY) bye
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) bye
Ona Blasco (ESP) bt Paige Hill (SGP) 11-7, 11-4, 11-9
Elske Garbers (RSA) bye
Caroline Eielson (USA) bye
Leung Ka Huen (HKG) bye
Anabel Romero Gemmell (NZL) bye
Shona Coxsedge (AUS) bt Yen-Chi Chen (TPE) 12-10, 11-1, 11-4
[9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG) bye
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA) bye
Natalie Main (SCO) bt Sophie Thomas (IRL) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6
Yeung Wai Leng (MAC) bye
Maya Weishar (GER) bye
Wai Sze Wing (HKG) bye
Doyce Lee (MAS) bye
Robyn McAlpine (SCO) bt Ananya Maheshwari (CAN) 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6
[5/8] Asia Harris (ENG) bye
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA) bye
Anne Leakey (NZL) bt Yu-Chen Cheng (TPE) 11-3, 11-2, 11-6
Layla Johnson (ENG) bye
Thanusaa Uthrian (MAS) bye
Spring Ma (CAN) bye
Tiana Parasrampuria (IND) bye
Sarah Sabry (IRL) bt Courtney Scholtz (AUS) 7-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8
[9/16] Savannah Ingledew (RSA) bye
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY) bye
Gracia Chua Rui En (SGP) bt Lijana Sultana (MLT) 14-12, 11-3, 11-4
Hermione Cao (CAN) bye
Toby Tse (HKG) bye
Whitney Wilson (MAS) bye
Shameena Riaz (IND) bye
Hannah Slyth (AUS) bt Louisa Kaven (SCO) 9-11, 11-4, 12-10, 10-12, 12-10
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bye
In a historic moment at the WSF World Junior Squash Championships in Melbourne, Malaysia's Aira Azman, Egypt's Amina Orfi, Pakistan's Hamza Khan, and Egypt's Mohamed Zakaria secured their spots in the finals, captivating squash fans worldwide.
Hamza Khan secured his place in the final, becoming the first male player from Pakistan to achieve the feat in 15 years with a 83 minute semi-final victory over [9/16] seed Melvil Scianimanico of France.
Khan's semifinal match against the Frenchman was nothing short of gripping, with both players putting on a display of exceptional skill and tenacity. Khan initially looked to be cruising into the final with a 2-0 lead, showcasing impressive footwork and an aggressive style. However, Scianimanico, known for his resilience throughout the tournament, mounted a remarkable comeback, saving a match ball in game three and eventually leveling the tie.
In an electrifying fifth game, Khan faced an uphill battle when Scianimanico earned a match ball at 11-10. Despite the pressure, Khan displayed composure, timing his attacks perfectly to clinch a hard-fought 13-11 victory.
Hamza's victory set the stage for a historic final, where he will face Egyptian [3/4] seed Mohamed Zakaria, the youngest-ever finalist in the men's competition. Zakaria's tactical acumen and deft touch proved decisive in a dominant 3-0 win against compatriot and [5/8] seed Salman Khalil, who had earlier caused a shock by defeating top seed Jonah Bryant.
In the women's draw, the opening semi-final match of the day witnessed a stunning performance from [3/4] seed Aira Azman, who accomplished a momentous feat by becoming the first Malaysian woman to reach the final since the legendary Nicol David in 2001. Additionally, she is the first non-Egyptian finalist since 2010, thanks to her dominant upset win over Egyptian No.2 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir. Their intense encounter saw both players fiercely attacking, leading to short and sharp rallies. However, Azman proved to be more composed under pressure, hitting her targets consistently and securing a straight-game victory over her higher-ranked opponent in just 28 minutes. This triumph marked the first time since 2010 that a women's final would feature a non-Egyptian player.
Reflecting on her exceptional performance, the 18-year-old Azman expressed her pride and gratitude, acknowledging that this final appearance was particularly special as it was her last year competing as a junior.
Azman's formidable opponent in the women's final will be the defending champion and top seed, 16-year-old Amina Orfi, who triumphed 12-10 11-7 11-8 against compatriot Malak Khafagy.
With these exceptional players set to compete in the finals, the WSF World Junior Squash Championships have witnessed unforgettable moments that will be etched in the annals of squash history. As the stage is set for the ultimate showdown, fans eagerly await to witness the crowning of the new champions in Melbourne.
Egyptian squash player Salman Khalil delivered a remarkable upset at this year's WSF World Junior Squash Championships by defeating the top-seeded English player, Jonah Bryant, in a commanding straight-games victory. Despite facing odds that seemed stacked against him, Khalil demonstrated his adaptability from the outset, employing a patient gameplan and exceptional retrieval skills that stifled Bryant's attack-oriented approach.
In an enthralling opening game, Khalil, seeded [5/8], saved three game balls before capitalising on his own at 14-13. His triumph, coupled with the fervent support from the Egyptian team, further fueled his determination. Khalil secured the second game comfortably with an 11-4 win and clinched the contest by winning the third game 11-8 before celebrating exuberantly by climbing on top of the back wall.
Reflecting on his win, Khalil expressed his elation, stating, "It felt amazing! It was a tough match, and I knew it wouldn't be easy, but winning in three games is an honour! I owe this success to my teammates and coaches who have provided unwavering support. Their encouragement helped me overcome critical moments in the match."
Salman Khalil's triumph, combined with Hollis Robertson's unexpected victory over the No.2 seed and defending champion, Rowan Damming, sets up an intriguing semi-final clash against his compatriot, Mohamed Zakaria, who is also ranked [3/4]. Zakaria earned his place in the semi-final by defeating Colombia's Juan Jose Torres in straight games.
In another thrilling match, Hamza Khan, the other [3/4] seed, faced a formidable challenge from the lightning-fast Malaysian player, Joachim Chuah, ranked [5/8]. Nonetheless, Khan exhibited tenacity and clinched a hard-fought 3-1 victory, providing one of the most entertaining spectacles of the tournament. Hamza Khan will meet [9/16] seed Melvil Scianimanico of France in the semi-finals after the Frenchman overcame fellow [9/16] seed Hollis Robertson a tense five-game battle.
A win for Hamza Khan in the upcoming match would mark a historic achievement for Pakistan, making him the first player from the country to reach the final of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships since Aamir Atlas Khan in 2008.
In the women's draw, the seeded players continued to display their dominance, with all but one progressing in straight games. Notably, [3/4] seed Malak Khafagy faced a stiff challenge from the impressive 15-year-old [5/8] seed Anahat Singh of India, who managed to take the opening game 12-10. However, Khafagy regained her composure and unleashed powerful attacks that proved too much for Singh to handle, ultimately securing the match with a 3-1 victory.
Khafagy's next opponent will be compatriot Amina Orfi. The top seed and defending champion has been in exceptional form, not dropping a single game so far, as evidenced by her 12-10 11-4 11-2 win over fellow Egyptian, Zeina Zein.
In the other women's semi-final, Egyptian No.2 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir will face Malaysian [3/4] seed Aira Azman. Aboelkheir's journey to the semi-final involved a physically demanding encounter against American [5/8] seed Caroline Fouts. Meanwhile, Azman recorded a swift 21-minute victory over French [9/16] seed Lauren Baltayan.
As the competition intensifies, fans can anticipate riveting clashes and potential historic milestones as the talented athletes strive for glory in the prestigious WSF World Junior Squash Championships.
In a momentous upset at the WSF World Junior Squash Championships in Melbourne, Australia, Hollis Robertson of the USA sent shockwaves through the tournament as he ousted defending champion Rowan Damming on the third day of competition. This victory not only secured Robertson a spot in the quarter-finals but also marked the first time an American male has achieved such a feat in six years.
The showdown between Robertson and the Dutchman seemed destined to end in disappointment for the young American when he found himself trailing 2-0. However, in a display of tenacity and skill, the 18-year-old mounted an extraordinary fightback. With relentless determination, he battled his way to a thrilling 2-2 tie with commanding wins of 11-6 and 11-5 in the third and fourth games, respectively.
The final game was a nail-biting affair, as both players fiercely contested each point. In the end, Robertson clinched the game 11-7, igniting a passionate celebration on the court. Roaring with delight, he sprinted to the front, basking in the moment of victory. His emotions poured forth, knowing he had the unwavering support of his teammates, who had rallied behind him in his previous matches. After sharing a moment of commiseration with Damming, Robertson was joyfully embraced by the rest of the enthusiastic US squad.
In the upcoming quarter-final, Robertson will face another challenge in the form of [9/16] seed Melvil Scianimanico from France, who also caused an upset by defeating Swiss [5/8] seed David Bernet in a comeback victory.
In the men's draw, the top seed, Jonah Bryant, managed to edge past Yassein Shohdy in an exhilarating contest. The [3/4] seeds, Mohamed Zakaria and Hamza Khan, also emerged victorious in their respective matches against Varun Chitturi and Jose Santamaria. Hamza Khan had to stage a remarkable fightback after going 0-1 down to secure a thrilling 3-2 win. Additionally, other seeded players like Salman Khalil, Juan Jose Torres, and Joachim Chuah held their ground, progressing to the next round.
Meanwhile, in the women's draw, the seeded players continued their impressive run. Reigning champion and top seed Amina Orfi demonstrated her exceptional form, defeating Malaysian [9/16] seed Sehveetrraa Kumar in straight games. The No.2 seed, Fayrouz Aboelkheir, also cruised to victory against [5/8] seed Nour Megahed in an all-Egyptian clash.
On Court Nine, an intense battle unfolded between Indian [5/8] seed Anahat Singh and Egyptian [9/16] seed Nadien Elhammamy. The 15-year-old Singh showcased her resilience, eventually prevailing 8-11 11-2 11-8 9-11 11-8 in a captivating encounter that lasted 52 minutes. Her well-earned victory set up a quarter-final showdown against Egyptian [3/4] seed Malak Khafagy.
Another noteworthy match on the same court saw Wai Sze Wing's impressive run come to an end as she was defeated by French [9/16] seed Laurent Baltayan in a quick-paced 24-minute affair.
The women's quarter-final draw is now complete, with Zeina Zein of Egypt and USA's Caroline Fouts securing their spots after triumphant performances against Madison Ho and Savannah Ingledew, respectively.
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships continue to deliver thrilling matches and surprising outcomes, and fans around the globe eagerly anticipate the next stage of this exhilarating tournament.
Spectators witnessed some astonishing performances on the second day of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships as the tournament unfolded at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. The Hong Kong, China native, Wai Sze Wing, stole the limelight by delivering a shocking upset against English [5/8] seed Asia Harris on Court Six.
Wai initially seemed to struggle, conceding the opening game 11-6 to Harris. However, she fought back valiantly to win the next two tense games 11-9 to take a 2-1 lead. Harris refused to go down without a fight and managed to force the match into a fifth game, clinching the fourth 11-7. The atmosphere reached a crescendo during the nail-biting tie-break in the fifth game, where Wai demonstrated incredible nerves of steel and emerged victorious with a thrilling 12-10 finish.
Following her hard-fought triumph, Wai expressed her elation, stating that reaching the top 16 was beyond her expectations. This victory marked a significant milestone for her career. In the next round, she is set to face French [9/16] seed Lauren Baltayan, who secured her spot by defeating Germany’s Maya Weishar.
Wai's victory was not the only surprise of the day, as three [9/16] seeds fell to unseeded players on the traditional courts. Among them, Wai's compatriot, Ka Huen Leung, claimed a notable victory over England’s Amelie Haworth.
Meanwhile, USA’s Varun Chitturi managed to upset Ireland’s Dylan Moran, and Colombia’s Jose Santamaria outplayed India’s Krishna Mishra.
While the all-glass show court matches failed to produce any upsets, the home crowd faced disappointment as unseeded players Oscar Curtis and Madison Lyon succumbed to the prowess of Malaysian [5/8] seed Joachim Chuah and Egyptian [9/16] seed Nadien Elhammamy, thus ending the home hopes.
On the other hand, the top seeds continued their dominant run, ensuring their progress to the next round. Defending women's champion and No.1 seed Amina Orfi from Egypt displayed her prowess by defeating Canada’s Ocean Ma. Her compatriot and women’s No.2 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir also secured a convincing victory against Malaysia’s Whitney Wilson. Among the men, England's No.1 seed Jonah Bryant triumphed over USA’s Zane Patel, while the defending men’s champion and No.2 seed, Rowan Damming from the Netherlands, overcame Malaysia’s Harith Danial.
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships continue to prove to be a riveting display of skill, determination, and surprises, as players from across the globe battle it out for victory. The competition remains intense, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in this enthralling tournament.
The 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships kicked off with a thrilling and action-packed opening day in Melbourne. As the seeded players entered their second-round matches with a first-round bye, they faced tough challenges from opponents who had already battled through their first-round clashes earlier in the day.
While some of the top seeds, including Women's Defending Champion Amina Orfi of Egypt and Men's top seed Jonah Bryant of England, showed their dominance and cruised through their matches, others faced intense battles. Notably, Men's No.2 seed and defending champion Rowan Damming of the Netherlands found himself in a tight spot after losing the opening game to France's Antonin Romieu. However, Damming showed his resilience and fought back to secure a hard-fought victory, eventually winning 7-11 11-4 11-8 11-6.
Among the standout performances were the Australian hopefuls Madison Lyon and Oscar Curtis. Lyon staged an impressive comeback after being behind in her match against Malaysia's Anrie Goh, eventually winning 9-11 11-3 5-11 11-9 11-8. Curtis, on the other hand, displayed dominant form by securing back-to-back victories over Macau's Keng In Leong and Ireland's Jack O'Flynn.
The championships also witnessed a historic moment as Lithuania celebrated its first-ever win at a World Junior Championship. Lukas Kazemekaitis, mentored by coach Mazen Gamal, made his mark by overcoming South Africa's Devon Osborne in a thrilling encounter, although he faced defeat against India's Shaurya Bawa in the subsequent round.
With 135 matches and two rounds taking place across ten courts at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), the intensity and competitiveness were palpable on this memorable opening day. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more riveting clashes, unexpected upsets, and the emergence of promising talents on the world stage. Stay tuned for further updates and action from the 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships.
The grand stage is set for the much-anticipated 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships, which kicked off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony in Melbourne on Monday 17th July. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, with over 240 players representing 33 national federations.
The Australian Sports Museum at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground played host to the auspicious occasion, where the tournament was officially declared open by Australian team co-captains Erin Classen and Madison Lyon.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished speakers, including Zena Wooldridge OBE, President of the World Squash Federation, Craig Phillips AM, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, and Robert Donaghue, CEO of Squash Australia. Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross also took the stage, extending a warm welcome to all participants and sharing insights into the history and culture of Indigenous Australians.
The excitement is palpable among the Australian team, and their coach, Cassie Thomas, a former World No.1 and past winner of this very tournament as a teenager, expressed her delight at the team's unity and preparation ahead of the competition. With camaraderie and focused training, the team is eager to take on their international counterparts.
For co-captain Erin Classen, the prospect of playing a major event on home soil is nothing short of a dream come true. The pride of representing one's country amidst familiar surroundings, with friends and family cheering from the stands, adds an extra layer of motivation and inspiration for the 12-strong Australian team.
The action-packed tournament will kick off with the men's and women's singles competitions on Tuesday, 18th July, at Melbourne Sports Centres. The singles championships will culminate on Sunday, 23rd July, followed by an enthralling week of women's teams event action, taking place from Monday to Saturday the following week.
As the world's most talented young squash players gather in Melbourne to battle it out on the court, fans can expect gripping encounters, spectacular displays of skill, and the emergence of future squash stars. With the stage set and excitement in the air, the 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships are primed to deliver an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
The highly anticipated 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships are back, promising twelve days of electrifying action in Melbourne, Australia, from 18th to 29th July.
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships are the pinnacle of junior squash events, showcasing the world's most talented young players. While no professional ranking points are at stake, the championships serve as a brilliant platform to identify future stars in the sport. The likes of Mostafa Asal, the 2019 Men's champion, and Nouran Gohar, the 2016 Women's Champion, have previously used this event as a stepping stone to reach the coveted World No.1 ranking.
Since its inauguration in Kungälv, Sweden, in 1980, the championships have been held annually. Initially, the men's and women's championships were organised on alternate years, but since Chennai 2009, they have been run simultaneously. The WSF World Junior Squash Team Championships, however, continue to alternate, with this year's event featuring the WSF Women's World Junior Squash Team Championship, which was put on hold since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prestigious Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centres (MSAC) will host this year's championships, marking Australia's fourth time as a host country. The last occasion was in 1995 in Sydney, where Australia triumphed over England in the women's team event final, and New Zealand's Jade Wilson emerged victorious against Australia's Rachael Grinham in the women's individual final.
In terms of competition, the 2023 World Juniors will see 245 entries from 33 national federations battling it out in both individual events and the team event. The top seed in the men's individual event is the talented 17-year-old English player, Jonah Bryant. In the women's event, the defending champion is the 16-year-old Egyptian sensation, Amina Orfi, who also holds the top seed position. As for the men's defending champion, Rowan Damming, the accomplished Dutchman, returns to the championships as the No.2 seed, aiming to repeat his previous success.
The championship schedule comprises the WSF World Junior Squash Individual Championships (18th to 23rd July) and WSF World Junior Squash Team Championship (24th to 29th July).
The WSF World Junior Squash Championships, set to take place from 18th to 29th July at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), have announced the draws and seedings for the individual events. A total of 245 entries have been confirmed across the men's individual championship, women's individual championship, and women's team championship.
In the men's draw, the spotlight falls on England's Jonah Bryant and the Netherlands' Rowan Damming, who are seeded to meet once again in the anticipated final clash. Bryant, a talented 17-year-old, claims the top seed position, while Damming, an 18-year-old Dutch prodigy, secures the second seed. These two rising stars have already crossed paths five times during their junior careers, including three encounters this year. Despite Damming trailing with a 2-3 losing record against Bryant, he draws inspiration from his recent triumphs on the professional circuit. Notably, Damming stunned the squash community by clinching last year's championship as the 5/8 seed, becoming the first-ever World Junior Champion from the Netherlands. His victory over Bryant in their most recent meeting, a commanding 3-1 win at April's European Junior U19 Team Championship, further boosts his confidence.
Joining the fray as potential contenders are Egyptian prodigy Mohamed Zakaria, a formidable 15-year-old who made waves last year by storming into the semi-finals as a 9/16 seed, and Pakistan's Hamza Khan, who returns after reaching the semi-finals as the top seed in the previous edition.
The home crowd will witness the debut of six Australian men in the first round. Kenneth Lamb, Dylan Classen, Harvey Allan, Connor Hayes, Oscar Curtis, and Thomas Scott are all set for action on day one.
Turning to the women's draw, Egypt's defending champion, Amina Orfi, gears up to defend her title. As the No. 1 seed, Orfi clinched last year's championship with a series of awe-inspiring comebacks. Her remarkable performance continued this season on the PSA World Tour, where she reached the final of the Squash On Fire Open in Washington DC and the last 16 at the senior World Championships.
Seeded to potentially face the 16-year-old champion in the final is fellow Egyptian Fayrouz Aboelkheir. Seeking redemption for her semi-final defeat to Orfi last year in Nancy, Aboelkheir aims to make her mark this time. Malak Khafagy, another Egyptian talent, secures a spot among the top four seeds, alongside Asian Junior Champion Aira Azman. Azman, hailing from Malaysia, aspires to become her country's first female champion since Nicol David's triumph over Omneya Abdel Kawy in 2001.
Similar to the men's event, six Australian women will showcase their skills in the individual competition. Shona Coxsedge faces a challenging opener against Chinese Taipei's Yen-Chi Chen, while Courtney Scholtz takes on Ireland's Sarah Sabry and Hannah Slyth squares off against Scotland's Louisa Kaven in the first round. Meanwhile, Erin Classen, Madison Lyon, and Amelie Guziak receive byes and advance directly to the second round.
The stage is set for an enthralling display of talent and determination as these young athletes from around the world vie for supremacy at the WSF World Junior Squash Championships.
2023 World Squash Federation (WSF) World Junior Squash Championship.
Men’s Individuals Seeded Entries:
[1] Jonah Bryant (ENG)
[2] Rowan Damming (NED)
[3/4] Hamza Khan (PAK)
[3/4] Mohamed Zakaria (EGY)
[5/8] David Bernet (SUI)
[5/8] Joachim Chuah (MAS)
[5/8] Salman Khalil (EGY)
[5/8] Juan Jose Torres Lara (COL)
[9/16] Kareem El Torkey (EGY)
[9/16] Krishna Mishra (IND)
[9/16] Dylan Moran (IRL)
[9/16] Hollis Robertson (USA)
[9/16] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA)
[9/16] Yassin Shohdy (EGY)
[9/16] Omar Said Sobhy (EGY)
[9/16] Rishi Srivastava (USA)
Women’s Individuals Seeded Entries:
[1] Amina Orfi (EGY)
[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)
[3/4] Aira Azman (MAS)
[3/4] Malak Khafagy (EGY)
[5/8] Caroline Fouts (USA)
[5/8] Asia Harris (ENG)
[5/8] Zeina Zein (EGY)
[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND)
[9/16] Lauren Baltayan (FRA)
[9/16] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY)
[9/16] Amelie Haworth (ENG)
[9/16] Madison Ho (USA)
[9/16] Savannah Margot Ingledew (RSA)
[9/16] Sehveetrraa Kumar (MAS)
[9/16] Nour Megahed (EGY)
[9/16] Riya Navani (USA)