Aly Abou Eleinen & Sivasangari Subramaniam win Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023 titles

Aly Abou Eleinen and Sivasangari Subramaniam emerged as triumphant champions at the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open with impressive victories over Eain Yow Ng and Amina Orfi respectively.

Egypt’s Aly Abou Eleinen secured his inaugural PSA World Tour title with an exceptional performance to defeat men’s No.3 seed Eain Yow Ng 11-6 5-11 11-7 11-7.

The World No.19 swiftly established control by maintaining his shot accuracy and forcing his opponent into extensive movement to comfortable claim the first game. A spirited Eain Yow Ng resurgence was rewarded by the Malysia winning the second game, however Aly Abou Eleinen, seeded second, remained composed, executing a methodical game plan that proved challenging to dismantle.

The intense exchanges earlier in the match took a toll on the Malaysian, evident in his struggles in the latter part of the third game. Capitalising on his opponent’s fatigue, Aly Abou Eleinen regained the momentum, securing the lead once more and ultimately sealing an enthralling victory in just over an hour.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Men’s Final:
[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (Egy) [3] Eain Yow Ng (Mas) 11-5, 5-11, 11-7, 11-7 (60m)

Sivasangari Subramaniam of Malaysia produced a commanding performance in the women’s final of the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023 to secure a decisive 39 minute 11-9 11-8 11-5 victory over Egypt's Amina Orfi.

The young Malaysian started the match with a precise game plan, aiming to nullify the pace of Amina Orfi by executing well-placed lifts into the backhand corner. Her strategy propelled her to an early 4-0 advantage. Although Amina Orfi gradually adapted to her opponent’s tactics, narrowing the scoreline to 7-7, it was Sivasangari Subramaniam who seized the pivotal opening game following a crucial no-let decision against her opponent.

The second game witnessed Amina Orfi launching a swift offensive to secure an initial 3-0 lead. However, Sivasangari Subramaniam responded with remarkable control as she adeptly utilised angles and front wall height. Despite a closely contested game, the World No.22 Malaysian increased the pressure towards the end game to double her lead.

Throughout the third game, Amina Orfi, who had sought the physio's assistance between games, struggled to gain substantial ground against an effective Sivasangari Subramaniam game plan. The No.7 seed maintained her pace from the outset, preventing her opponent from establishing a significant lead, with the culmination of her dominance allowing her to claim her 13th PSA World Tour title.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Women’s Final:
[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [4] Amina Orfi (EGY) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5 (39m)

Sivasangari Subramaniam, Amina Orfi, Eain Yow Ng and Aly Abou Eleinen all emerged victorious on semi-finals of the 2023 Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open.

[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 (28m)
Sivasangari Subramaniam extended her exceptional performance at the 2023 Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open to claim a commanding straight-game victory over the championship’s No.2 seed, Sarah-Jane Perry.

Despite Sarah-Jane Perry having a 4-0 head-to-head record prior to the semi-final, notably triumphing in their recent quarter-final encounter at the VITAGEN Singapore Squash Open, Sivasangari Subramaniam defied expectations with a remarkable turnaround.

The early stages favoured Sarah-Jane Perry who swiftly claimed an 8-3 lead in the opening game. However, Sivasangari Subramaniam steadily found her rhythm and adjusted her strategy. The Malaysian's resilience shone through as she notched up eight consecutive points to seize the first game.

The second game echoed the pattern of the first, as Sarah-Jane Perry surged ahead 8-1. Sivasangari Subramaniam maintained composure to mount a relentless comeback by stringing together an impressive sequence of ten consecutive points to win the second game and solidify her lead.

The third game saw a succession of skilful exchanges with both players engaged in trading shots that utilised the court's slower nature. However, it was Sivasangari Subramaniam who surged ahead, from a 5-5 deadlock to eventually claim the third game 11-6, to secure her place in the women’s final.

[3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [1] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) 11-9, 11-5, 11-4 (36m)
Eain Yow Ng of Malaysia secured a breakthrough in the PSA World Tour, surging into his inaugural PSA World Tour Bronze-level final after a stunning straight-game victory over top seed Mohamed ElSherbini.

The initial phase of the match resembled a strategic chess match, with both players engaging in protracted rallies, exchanging points until reaching a deadlock at 7-7. Yet, it was Eain Yow Ng who clinched the pivotal first game after an intense 19-minute battle.

Capitalising on the recent strenuous matches of his opponent, the third-seeded Eain Yow Ng opted for a patient approach, biding his time in rallies and seizing opportunities for drop shots when his opponent was pushed deep into the court. His calculated strategy saw Eain Yow Ng taking the second game 11-5 to double his lead.

Progressing into the third game, the Malaysian displayed growing confidence, delivering forceful, deep shots to for Mohamed ElSherbini into taxing movement. Struggling to match the pace Eain Yow Ng, the Egyptian succumbed to defeat after a competitive 36 minutes of play.

[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 11-4, 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8 (66m)
Egypt's 16-year-old squash prodigy, Amina Orfi, orchestrated a stunning comeback from a 2-1 deficit to overcome top seed Georgina Kennedy of England in a thrilling five-game clash, securing her place in the women’s final of the 2023 Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open.

Despite their lack of prior encounters on the PSA World Tour, the intensity of the match was palpable right from the onset, as both players wasted no time delving into lightning-paced exchanges. Amina Orfi and Georgina Kennedy showed their trademark aggressive styles, initially locking horns in a closely contested battle. Amina Orfi, however, surged ahead, claiming the opening game 11-4.

Undeterred by the setback, England's No.1 Georgina Kennedy launched a determined resurgence in the second game, capitalising on her opponent's errors and taking command. Winning the second and third games 11-8 and 11-5, Georgina Kennedy swung the momentum in her favour, yet, in a testament to the tenacity of Amina Orfi, the World No.18 orchestrated a compelling turnaround, rallying to force a decisive fifth game.

Displaying nerves of steel, Amina Orfi gained a slender advantage in the closing stages and with a 9-7 lead executed a sensational backhand drop shot, striking the nick to set up three match points. Despite the valiant efforts of Georgina Kennedy, England’s No.1 succumbed to a crucial no-let decision, sealing the victory for the Egyptian prodigy.

[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bt [4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) 11-2, 11-7, 11-5 (44m)
Aly Abou Eleinen delivered to an error-free performance enroute to secure his place in the men’s final of the 2023 Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open, delivering a near-flawless display against the No.4 seed, Iker Pajares Bernabeu.

Continuing his impressive form from the previous rounds, Aly Abou Eleinen, who has thrived on the featured court throughout the tournament, demonstrated precision in his shot placements. Employing tight lines and consistent lengths, the Egyptian persisted in allowing the ball to fade deep into the court. Iker Pajares Bernabeu, fresh from a victory at the Niort Venise Verte, found himself struggling to counter his opponent’s strategy, succumbing 11-2 in the opening game.

The second game proved more competitive, with Iker Pajares Bernabeu finding his rhythm and engaging Aly Abou Eleinen in extended rallies. Despite the Spaniard's efforts to apply pressure, Aly Abou Eleinen, ranked World No.19, continue to show remarkable consistency, avoiding crucial errors and maintaining control throughout, which allowed him to maintain his lead, and claim the second game 11-7.

While the start of the third game saw a brief exchange of points, Aly Abou Eleinen retained a commanding presence on the court. His composed play and astute shot-making allowed him to dictate proceedings, culminating in a semi-final victory sealed with an exquisite backhand drop-shot, capping off 44 minutes of compelling action.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Men’s Semi-Finals:
[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bt [4] Iker Pajares (ESP) 11-2, 11-7, 11-5 (44m)
[3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [1] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) 11-9, 11-5, 11-4 (36m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Women’s Semi-Finals:
[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 11-4, 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-8 (66m)
[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 (28m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Men’s Quarter-Finals:
[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bt [9/16] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5 (36m)
[4] Iker Pajares (ESP) bt [7] Nathan Lake (ENG) 14-12, 11-7, 4-11, 11-4 (53m)
[3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [6] Grégoire Marche (FRA) 8-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-2 (43m)
[1] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bt [9/16] Henry Leung (HKG) 9-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-5 (54m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [6] Tomato Ho (HKG) 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 (29m)
[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [9/16] Rachel Arnold (MAS) 8-11, 11-2, 14-12, 11-2 (46m)
[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [3] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) 11-6, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7 (43m)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt [5] Mélissa Alves (FRA) 3-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8 (54m)

The second of the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023 saw another 16 matches played across two courts at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley, Hong Kong.

Tsz Kwan Lau and Henry Leung produced stunning five-game triumphs against August Dussourd and Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi, propelling themselves into the quarter-finals of the 2023 Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open.

In a gripping 2nd round match witnessed by a fervent audience at the Hong Kong Football Club, Tsz Kwan Lau and the No.8 seed Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi engaged in an exhilarating exchange, treating the local fans to an enthralling 56-minute spectacle. Despite trailing early, World No.44 Tsz Kwan Lau rallied, drawing inspiration from the crowd to clinch the decider 11-7.

Meanwhile, Henry Leung, only a day after winning a demanding five-game encounter with compatriot Wong Chi Him, displayed remarkable resilience. In a 54-minute contest, Henty Leung battled from behind twice to secure victory over No.5 seed August Dussourd, marking his 100th PSA World Tour win.

Henry Leung gears up to face No.1 seed Mohamed ElSherbini in the quarter-finals, following the top seed’s hard-fought five-game test against Yassin Elshafei. Despite a tense turnaround, Mohamed ElSherbini sealed the win in the fifth game, concluding a 65-minute clash.

The day also witnessed straightforward victories for Spanish No.1 Iker Pajares Bernabeu, England's Nathan Lake and Eain Yow Ng of Malysia, each progressing in straight games. Egyptian No.2 seed Aly About Eleinen and France's Gregoire Marche completed the men's line-up for the quarter-finals.

In the women's competition, top seed Georgina Kennedy started her campaign with a hard-earned win against Aira Azman. Despite a challenging start, Georgina Kennedy triumphed in straight games and is set to face local favourite Tomato Ho in the quarters, who overcame Australia's Jessica Turnbull convincingly.

Rachel Arnold staged a remarkable comeback to oust No.8 seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir, securing victory in a 2nd round tenacious battle after losing the opening game.

As the tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, promising more thrilling clashes in the subsequent rounds.

Men’s 2nd Round:
[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bt Seif El-Shenawy (EGY) 11-2, 11-9, 11-9 (29m)
[9/16] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) bt [8] Abdulla Altamimi (QAT) 5-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-6, 11-7 (56m)
[7] Nathan Lake (ENG) bt [9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA) 11-8, 12-10, 11-2 (33m)
[4] Iker Pajares (ESP) bt [9/16] Faraz Khan (USA) 11-9, 11-4, 11-7 (45m)
[3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt [9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) 11-9, 11-6, 11-7 (32m)
[6] Grégoire Marche (FRA) bt [9/16] Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) 11-1, 11-3, 5-11, 11-7 (41m)
[9/16] Henry Leung (HKG) bt [5] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) 8-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9 (54m)
[1] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bt Yassin Elshafei (EGY) 11-5, 11-6, 10-12, 7-11, 11-6 (65m)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Women’s Quarter-Finals:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) v [6] Tomato Ho (HKG)
[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) v [9/16] Rachel Arnold (MAS)
[3] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) v [7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v [5] Mélissa Alves (FRA)

Women’s 2nd Round:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [9/16] Aira Azman (MAS) 13-11, 14-12, 11-1 (26m)
[6] Tomato Ho (HKG) bt Jessica Turnbull (AUS) 11-6, 11-3, 11-8 (25m)
[9/16] Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt [8] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 3-11, 11-3, 14-12, 14-12 (41m)
[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt [9/16] Ka Yi Lee (HKG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 (32m)
[3] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bt [9/16] Zeina Mickawy (EGY) 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 (30m)
[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [9/16] Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) 11-8, 11-6, 7-11, 11-9 (38m)
[5] Mélissa Alves (FRA) bt Ainaa Amani (MAS) 11-5, 11-3, 7-11, 11-4 (31m)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bt Cheng Nga Ching Sara (HKG) 11-4, 11-5, 11-4 (21m)

The opening day of the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023 featured sixteen 1st round matches played at the Hong Kong Football Club, including nine players from Hong Kong, five of whom made their mark by securing places in the tournament's second round.

Despite dropping the first game 11-6 against Germany's Saskia Beinhard, a standout performance from Cheng Nga Ching Sara saw the World No.70 record a memorable 11-7 11-9 11-9 win in a 45-minute to set-up a clash with No.2 seed Sarah-Jane Perry in the next round.

Other Hong Kong players, Ka Yi Lee and Tsz-Wing Tong triumphed in four-game battles against Nardine Garas and Menna Hamed respectively. However, wild card Ching Hei Fung fell to Egypt's Zeina Mickawy in straight games. Zeina Mickawy will face America's Sabrina Sobhy in the next round.

Malaysia's Aira Azman, Ainaa Amani, Rachel Arnold, along with Australia's Jessica Turnbull, also secured victories.

In the men’s event, Henry Leung endured a gruelling five-game encounter against compatriot Wong Chi Him, prevailing 11-6 5-11 11-6 6-11, 11-5 in 53 minutes with Henry Leung maintaining composure to secure a 2nd round match against France's Auguste Dussourd.

American player Shahjahan Khan emerged victorious after a demanding 61-minute battle against England's Tom Walsh. Starting with a close 13-11 loss in the first game, Shahjahan Khan rallied to claim the next three games 11-9 12-10 11-4.

Todd Harrity, making his 250th appearance on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour, was denied a place in the 2nd round of the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023 by Egyptian Yassin Elshafei who defeated the American 10-12 11-2 11-7 11-9 in 45 minutes.

Egypt's Ibrahim Elkabbani notched his 50th PSA World Tour win with a swift 27-minute victory over Tang Ming Hong. Argentina's Leandro Romiglio and Faraz Khan secured wins against Muhammad Asim Khan and Yannik Omlor respectively.

Iker Pajares Bernabeu, seed No.4, will face Faraz Khan of the USA in the 2nd round at the Hong Kong Football Club.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Men’s 2nd Round:
[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) v Seif El-Shenawy (EGY)
[8] Abdulla Altamimi (QAT) v [9/16] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG)
[7] Nathan Lake (ENG) v [9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA)
[4] Iker Pajares (ESP) v [9/16] Faraz Khan (USA)
[3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) v [9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG)
[6] Grégoire Marche (FRA) v [9/16] Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY)
[5] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) v [9/16] Henry Leung (HKG)
[1] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) v Yassin Elshafei (EGY)

Women’s 2nd Round:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) v [9/16] Aira Azman (MAS)
[6] Tomato Ho (HKG) v Jessica Turnbull (AUS)
[8] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) v [9/16] Rachel Arnold (MAS)
[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) v [9/16] Ka Yi Lee (HKG)
[3] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) v [9/16] Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) v [9/16] Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG)
[5] Mélissa Alves (FRA) v Ainaa Amani (MAS)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) v Cheng Nga Ching Sara (HKG)

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023, Hong Kong Football Club, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Men’s 1st Round:
[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bye
Seif El-Shenawy (EGY) bt [9/16] Addeen Idrakie (MAS) 15-13, 9-11, 11-6, 11-6 (46m)
[9/16] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) bt [WC] Edmon Lopez (ESP) 11-5, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5 (42m)
[8] Abdulla Altamimi (QAT) bye
[7] Nathan Lake (ENG) bye
[9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA) bt Tom Walsh (ENG) 11-13, 11-9, 12-10, 11-4 (61m)
[9/16] Faraz Khan (USA) bt Yannik Omlor (GER) 11-7, 11-4, 3-11, 11-8 (44m)
[4] Iker Pajares (ESP) bye
[3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bye
[9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG) bt Muhammad Asim Khan (PAK) 11-6, 11-9, 11-3 (41m)
[9/16] Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) bt Tang Ming Hong (HKG) 11-2, 11-9, 11-7 (27m)
[6] Grégoire Marche (FRA) bye
[5] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bye
[9/16] Henry Leung (HKG) bt [WC] Wong Chi Him (HKG) 11-6, 5-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-5 (53m)
Yassin Elshafei (EGY) bt [9/16] Todd Harrity (USA) 10-12, 11-2, 11-7, 11-9 (45m)
[1] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bye

Women’s 1st Round:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bye
[9/16] Aira Azman (MAS) bt Nadia Pfister (SUI) 11-4, 11-4, 9-11, 11-5 (26m)
Jessica Turnbull (AUS) bt [9/16] Kenzy Ayman (EGY) 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 (23m)
[6] Tomato Ho (HKG) bye
[8] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bye
[9/16] Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt Toby Tse (HKG) 11-7, 11-6, 11-6 (21m)
[9/16] Ka Yi Lee (HKG) bt Nardine Garas (EGY) 1-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-9 (26m)
[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) bye
[3] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bye
[9/16] Zeina Mickawy (EGY) bt [WC] Ching Hei Fung (HKG) 11-8, 11-6, 13-11 (30m)
[9/16] Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) bt Menna Hamed (EGY) 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-3 (47m)
[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bye
[5] Mélissa Alves (FRA) bye
Ainaa Amani (MAS) bt [9/16] Marta Dominguez Fernandez (ESP) 11-6, 11-9, 11-6 (29m)
Cheng Nga Ching Sara (HKG) bt [9/16] Saskia Beinhard (GER) 6-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-9 (45m)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye

Top seed and World No.10 Joel Makin has been forced to pull out of the forthcoming Hong Kong Football Squash Club Open 2023 due to an ankle injury, forcing a change in the lineup for the Bronze-level PSA World Tour event set to run from the 21st to 25th November in Hong Kong.

Egypt's Mohamed ElSherbini steps into the vacancy left by the Welsh player as the new No.1 seed, positioned in the lower half of the draw.

Following the withdrawal of Joel Makin, Aly Abou Eleinen moves up the seeding ranks to become the No.2 seed. His second-round opponent will emerge from a match between Joel Makin’s replacement, Seif Shenawy, or Addeen Idrakie.

Notable contenders, including Ace Malaysia Squash Open semi-finalist Eain Yow Ng and Spain's top-ranked player Iker Pajares Bernabeu claim the 3/4 seeding positions.

Qatar No.1 Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi also benefits from the absence of Joel Makin, now securing a spot as one of the top-eight seeds and thereby receiving a first-round bye.

The withdrawal of Joel Makin from the tournament lineup alters the landscape, creating new matchups and opportunities for these talented players vying for success at the event.

Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023
Men’s Updated Draw:
[2] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) [bye]
Seif Shenawy (EGY) v [9/16] Addeen Idrakie (MAS)
[9/16] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) v [WC] Edmon Lopez (ESP)
[8] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) [bye]
[7] Nathan Lake (ENG) [bye]
Tom Walsh (ENG) v [9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA)
[9/16] Faraz Khan v Yannik Omlor (GER)
[4] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) [bye]
[3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) [bye]
Muhammad Asim Khan (PAK) v [9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG)
[9/16] Andrew Douglas (USA) v Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY)
[6] Gregoire Marche (FRA) [bye]
[5] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) [bye]
[WC] Wong Chi Him (HKG) v [9/16] Henry Leung (HKG)
[9/16] Todd Harrity (USA) v Yassin Elshafei (EGY)
[1] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) [bye]

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have announced Joel Makin and Georgina Kennedy as the top seeds for the Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023. The PSA World Tour Bronze-level event is making its second consecutive appearance on the international squash calendar and is scheduled to run from the 21st to 25th November.

After overcoming health challenges from last season, Georgina Kennedy, the women's top seed and England's No.1, has firmly cemented her position among the world's top women's squash players. Kennedy has reached at least the quarter-finals in three of the four tournaments she participated in the 2023-24 squash season, including semi-final appearances at the season-opening Paris Squash 2023 event and 2023 Grasshopper Cup. In Hong Kong, Georgina will be aiming to clinch her 12th PSA World Toure title. The England No.1 receives a first-round bye and will face the winner of the match between Nadia Pfister and Aira Azman in her opening match.

Kennedy's compatriot, Sarah-Jane Perry, secures the No.2 seed for the event and seeks to reignite her season in Hong Kong. Perry, known for her skill at the front of the court, aims to leverage her strengths in her first match, which will be against either Germany's Saskia Beinhard or her training partner, Katie Malliff, also from England, in the second round.

Egypt's rising star, Amina Orfi, holds the fourth seed in this Bronze-level competition. Orfi enters the tournament with a boost of confidence following her maiden Platinum quarter-final appearance at the U.S. Squash Open, where she narrowly fell to Amanda Sobhy. Currently ranked in the world’s top 20, Orfi shows no signs of slowing down as she pursues a spot in the world's top 10. Notably, Orfi finds herself in the same half of the draw as top seed Georgina Kennedy, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster semi-final showdown between the two.

Welshman Joel Makin is the top seed in the men’s draw, aiming to secure his first title of the season. Makin's campaign this year has seen him reach the quarter-finals in Paris, the semi-finals at the QTerminals Qatar Squash Classic 2023 and final of the recent Grasshopper Cup 2023. He is a player with a successful track record, boasting five PSA World Tour titles. His first-round bye sets him up to face the winner of an exciting first-round clash between Addeen Idrakie and Abdulla Al Tamimi.

Egyptian duo Mohamed El Sherbini and Aly Abou Eleinen are both making waves in the PSA World Tour, currently ranked World No.16 and World No.17 respectively, and they hold the No.2 and No.3 seeds in this event.

The 5/8 seeding positions are dominated by European players with Iker Pajares Bernabeu, Auguste Dussourd, Gregoire Marche and Nathan Lake all seeded to advance to the quarter-finals.

The Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023 also carries a strong home interest with seven Hong Kong players featuring in both draws. Additionally, a pre-qualifier tournament in the women's event, involving eight players, will determine the final entry. Leading the charge for Hong Kong is World No.28 Tomato Ho in the women's draw, while Tsz Kwan Lau leads the home contingent in the men's competition.

Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023
Men’s Draw:
[1] Joel Makin (WAL) bye
Addeen Idrakie (MAS) v [9/16] Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT)
[9/16] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) v [WC] Edmon Lopez (ESP)
[5] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) bye
[8] Nathan Lake (ENG) bye
Aly Hussein (EGY) v [9/16] Shahjahan Khan (USA
[9/16] Faraz Khan (USA) v Henry Leung (HKG)
[3] Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bye
[4] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bye
Muhammad Asim Khan (PAK) v [9/16] Leandro Romiglio (ARG)
[9/16] Andrew Douglas (USA) v Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY)
[7] Gregoire Marche (FRA) bye
[6] Auguste Dussourd (FRA) bye
[WC] Wong Chi Him (HKG) v [9/16] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY)
[9/16] Todd Harrity (USA) v Yassin Elshafei (EGY)
[2] Mohamed ElSherbini (EGY) bye

Hong Kong Football Club Squash Open 2023
Women’s Draw:
[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) Bye
Nadia Pfister (SUI) v [9/16] Aira Azman (MAS)
[9/16] Kenzy Ayman (EGY) v Jessica Turnbull (AUS)
[6] Tomato Ho (HKG) Bye
[8] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) bye
[Qualifier] v [9/16] Rachel Arnold (MAS)
[9/16] Ka Yi Lee (HKG) v Nardine Garas (EGY)
[4] Amina Orfi (EGY) bye
[3] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bye
[WC] Ching Hei Fung (HKG) v [9/16] Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
[9/16] Tsz-Wing Tong (HKG) v Menna Hamed (EGY)
[7] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bye
[5] Melissa Alves (FRA) bye
Ainaa Amani (MAS) v [9/16] Marta Dominguez Fernandez (ESP)
[9/16] Katie Malliff (ENG) v Saskia Beinhard (GER)
[2] Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG) bye