Mosaad Celebrates Hong Kong Triumph On Birthday
by Howard Harding
17 March 2012 - Egypt's Omar Mosaad celebrated his 24th birthday in style today by winning the HKFC Meco Invitational, the inaugural PSA World Tour International 25 squash event at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley, Hong Kong.
The top seed from Cairo rallied back after losing the first game to defeat second seed Olli Tuominen of Finland 3-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-4 before an appreciative crowd at Hong Kong Football Club.
"I was tense at the start but, as the match went on, I became more comfortable," revealed world No13 Mosaad after his 55-minute title triumph. "Olli played well, but I think he lost his concentration a little bit in the second and third games.
"I'm very happy today because I've won and it's my birthday. I've had a great week here in Hong Kong and I'm looking forward to returning to play here again," added Mosaad, who now boasts seven PSA World Tour titles.
After receiving his winner's trophy from Heather Deayton, vice-president of the World Squash Federation, Mosaad was presented with a cake and serenaded with "Happy Birthday" by fans.
Tuominen, the world No24, got off to a flying start and wrapped up the first game in just seven minutes. But the imposing Mosaad regained the initiative in a gruelling second game, dominating the 'T' as Tuominen frequently complained to the referee that he was being blocked from reaching the ball.
"The rallies that I was allowed to play, I enjoyed," said a frustrated Tuominen afterwards. "I just felt there was not much squash being played."
Mosaad - who defeated Hong Kong hero Leo Au, a qualifier, in the semi-finals - also collected a cheque for HK$33,345 to go with his champion's trophy.
HKFC chairman Fook Aun Chew said the first staging of the HKFC Meco Invitational Squash Tournament had been a huge success.
"We have been thrilled to host some world class squash players this week and it has been a pleasure to see so many spectators attending the matches and showing such enthusiasm for this event," he said. "I would like to thank our title sponsor, Meco Group, for their generous support, not only of this tournament but previous squash events at the Club."
RESULTS: PSA International 25 HKFC Meco Invitational, Happy Valley, Hong Kong China
Final:
[1] Omar Mosaad (EGY) bt [2] Olli Tuominen (FIN) 3-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-4 (55m)
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