Ashour Beats Elshorbagy in Four to Win $115K El Gouna International by Nathan Clarke
photo courtesy Steve Cubbins
April 18, 2014 - World No.4 Ramy Ashour successfully retained his EL Gouna International
Squash Open title against the idyllic backdrop of the Red Sea today,
beating compatriot and World No.3 Mohamed Elshorbagy 3-1 to seal the
championship.
Ashour was in scintillating form as he saw off his younger opponent,
who came into the match following an epic 112-minute victory over World
No.1 Gregory Gaultier of France in the semi-finals, to win just his
first PSA World Series title since he claimed the 2013 British Open.
The maverick Egyptian, who endured an injury-plagued four months from
October 2013 – January 2014, looked to be back at his devastating best
throughout the entire tournament as he romped to the final without
dropping a single game and proved too much for the ever-determined
Elshorbagy. “I’ve never felt better,” said Ashour following the victory. “I’m overwhelmed to win the title and I’m very happy with my performance today – I thought it was a great match.”
Ashour looked to be on his way to a completing a clean sweep after
taking the first two games 11-7, 12-10, but it was a match in which the
younger Egyptian never gave up and his determination was rewarded when
he dug deep to take the third game 11-8.
But Cairo-based Ashour responded in fashion to win a fiercely contested
fourth game 11-8 and take the title following 71-minutes of
scintillating squash which delighted the packed house in El Gouna. “Mohamed is one of the most explosive and best players around. He’s
got many different attributes and is a threat to all the top players,” added Ashour. “He’s already a top five player and he’s definitely going to be one to watch but I'm happy to win today.” 2014 EL Gouna International Squash Open – Final:
