
Sherbini & Farag Lift World Championship Trophies
Irrepressible Egyptian squash stars Nour El Sherbini and Ali Farag have claimed the 2020-21 World Championship titles as well as breaking personal records early on Friday to maintain their impressive run in the prestigious tournament.
World No.1 El Sherbini needed only 53 minutes to beat compatriot and World No.2 Nouran Gohar 3-1 (11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9) in the final game of Women's World Championship that took place in Chicago.
The 25-year-old, squash star El Sherbini became the third woman to win five PSA World Championship titles as Nicol David of Malaysia claimed 8 titles and Australia’s Sarah Fitz-Gerald won it 5 times.
“I’m really thrilled, if anyone told me before that I was going to win five World Championships then I wouldn’t believe them," El Sherbini said after the victory.
" It’s really hard to believe that I have just won my fifth World Championship,"
“It was very tough until the end, Nouran kept pushing me, she keeps fighting and never gave up. That’s why she’s here and she’s playing her first World Championship final, I know how big it is and how she’s feeling. She didn’t show any pressure, she played hard and tough until the last point. I’m really happy I finished it in the end," the Egyptian squash star added.
"I always try to work and improve my weaknesses and watch what’s the problem and try to improve to make it easier. Trying to work on my movement lately so it makes it easier and I hope the work paid off.
“I think I had to wait until the final to lose one game and to the World No.2.
“I’m going to celebrate with my dad and back home, my mum and my brother, all the family and friends – it’s very late now but everyone is up and watching!”
Farag crowned Men’s World Champion
Ali Farag, world No.1 also needed 67 minutes to beat his fellow citizen and World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy 3-1 (7-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4) in the final game of men's World Championship at the University Club of Chicago.
It's the second time for the 29-year-old, Farag to claim the World Championship title after winning it also in 2018-2019 edition.
“My favourite person of all time, Mike Way, is here. I don’t know what it is about Chicago that brings the best out of me and now my daughter was born here as well, I think I should apply for a residency!" Farag said.
“It’s definitely becoming my favourite city and not just because of the events but because of the people that make you feel so welcome. The Walter family never cease to amaze us with how much they support the sport.
“Mohamed, when I share a court with him, every time it’s an honour. We are here, our generation, because of him. He paved the way for us and we have to keep raising our game. If he wakes up because of me, all of us wake up because of him. I’m in awe of what he does and he is the reason that we are here today.
“A couple of weeks ago at the World Tour Finals, I lost every single match. I was top seed and I didn’t win a match, I wasn’t in a good way and there’s only one person I call when I’m like that and that’s Mike Way. I told him he had to come to Chicago, I’m in big trouble and you’re the only one that gets my head in the right space. Nour is jealous because of how much I love you.
“There are countless words I want to say about Nour [El Tayeb]. Whatever she’s going through, holding the baby for me to be able to play on this court and. I’m forever grateful about that. They always say the first World Championship is the most special but for me this is because of the people I have around me.”
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