Egyptian duo Elshorbagy, El Tayeb claim 2018 Windy City titles (Photo: The Tournament official Website)
Egyptian squash stars Mohamed ElShorbagy and Nour El Tayeb claimed the 2018 Windy City Open late on Wednesday after beating Marwan ElShorbagy, also of Egypt, and Joelle King of New Zealand respectively in the tournament's final games.
Mohamed ElShorbagy, who has regained his world number one ranking by claiming the richest purse ever in a world series event, needed 39 minutes to beat his younger brother 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-6), to win the 2018 Windy City Open.
"It’s been an incredible season," Mohamed was quoted as saying on the tournament's website.
"After last season, I worked really hard, set new goals that I wanted to achieve, and it just shows that nothing can stop anyone achieving their dream if they work hard for it," he added.
"I’m really glad to get through this match with my brother. He has played incredible this season and he will still get better.
"This is the second time we’ve played in a big final and his first World Series title will come at the right time - I just wanted to keep it a little bit later than today."
The women’s world number three, Nour El Tayeb, came from 2-1 down and saved two championship balls to defeat number nine Joelle King 3-2 (11-8, 10-12, 11-13, 11-9, 12-10) in 78 minutes.
"I can’t believe it," El Tayeb said after claiming the title.
"I felt like I lost this match three or four times! I was down in the fourth, then I was down in the fifth but looking over at Haitham [Effat] and Ali [Farag] - they gave me the encouragement, but I really can’t believe that I won the tournament."
"Every day that I’ve woken up I’ve felt tired but I knew that I can do it. I don’t think I’ve ever only played five-setters in a tournament. I think I will have to give my physical fitness coach a very big bonus," she said.
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