Egyptian champion Mohamed El-Shorbagy and female compatriot Nour El-Sherbini strengthened Egypt’s position at the top of the world of squash after winning both events at the Tournament of Champions in New York on Thursday.

World number one El-Shorbagy beat Englishman Nick Matthew in a thrilling 3-2 game.

El-Shorbagy had to go through a 93-minute game to claim the trophy against the three-time World Champion, scoring 8/11, 11/6 and 11/8, 6/11 and 11/6.

“Nick and myself always have such great battles. I told him after the match that it’s always an honour to play him in a World Series final and I was really happy to get my second title here," he said.

“I really enjoyed the match today and I look forward to having more great battles with him in the future. It’s a great start for me to 2016 and I’m glad,” concluded El-Shorbagy.

In the women’s event, El-Sherbini defeated home champion Amanda Sobhy from the US 3-1.

The 20-year-old champion – who is coached by four-time world champion Amr Shabana - had to battle through each set with 11/4, 9/11, 12/10 and 11/8 to claim her title.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. I can’t express it, words can’t describe how I’m feeling now. This one is really special and to win it is something I’m never going to forget,” El-Sherbini concluded.
 

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)