Farag, the world No.1, overcame Peru’s Diego Elias in four games to successfully defend his title, while El Hammamy stunned top seed Nouran Gohar in a hard-fought five-game final to win her first major trophy since 2023.
Farag, 31, joins Canada’s Jonathan Power as the only four-time champions in the event’s softball era after battling past world No.3 Elias 11-9, 12-10, 6-11, 11-4 in 64 minutes.
The Egyptian dictated the early exchanges, clinching two tight tie-breaks before sealing victory in a contentious fourth game that saw Elias penalized for racket abuse and dissent.
“This title means a lot to me, New York’s Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic venues in squash, and it’s always a privilege to compete here. Diego and I have had so many tough battles, and today was no different.” Farag said to the tournament website.
El Hammamy, ranked third in the world, produced one of the biggest wins of her career, defeating Gohar 8-11, 11-8, 3-11, 11-6, 11-8 in a grueling 79-minute contest.
The 23-year-old’s victory came after a semifinal triumph over world No.2 Nour El Sherbini, making her the first player to defeat the world’s top two in consecutive matches at this event since 2016.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve worked so hard to be in this position, and to win my first Tournament of Champions title here in Grand Central is something special.” El Hammamy said.
Her victory also ended Gohar’s bid for a second title at the prestigious PSA Platinum event, which has been a fixture on the squash calendar since 1930.
Farag and El Hammamy’s triumphs continue Egypt’s dominance in the sport. Egyptian players now win seven of the last eight women’s and five of the last six men’s titles at the Tournament of Champions.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: