Elshorbagy And El Welily Triumph In Windy City Open by Nathan Clarke photos squashpics.com
March 2, 2016
- Egyptian duo Mohamed Elshorbagy, the men's World No.1, and Women's
World No.3 Raneem El Welily triumphed in their respective
title-deciders at the 2016 Windy City Open presented by Guggenheim
Partners and Equitrust Life Insurance Company to lift the silverware at
the fifth PSA World Series tournament of the 2015/16 season.
With
equal prize money on offer it was double-delight for Egypt as El Welily
overcame compatriot Nour El Sherbini to win her first PSA World Tour
title since September 2015 while Elshorbagy collected his fourth
consecutive World Series crown after opponent Nick Matthew, the English
World No.3, was forced to retire in the third game of their encounter
due to injury.
After reaching the World No.1 spot last
Autumn El Welily suffered from a huge drop in form, failing to reach
the final on her last five outings. But she put in a performance of
note to defeat the in-form 20-year-old, who came into the match
following back-to-back 3-0 wins over Nicol David and Laura Massaro, in
the sort of victory that could propel the enigmatic shot-maker back to
the summit.
“I’m lost for words right now,” said an
emotional El Welily after the match. “I’m very, very happy to
have won today. It’s the first title in a long time.
“I
never thought I’d be No.1 after winning here last year so I’m just
going to take it one step at a time. It’s all about baby steps and
taking it one match an done point at a time.
“I need to work
hard to make sure I have that same attitude and huger on court for the
rest of the season. There’s still a few tournaments to play but I’m
really grateful that I won today and hopefully I can keep it up.”
Vanquished
opponent El Sherbini said: “She was just too good today - she deserves
to win.Sshe has been playing so well all week from the first match.
It’s nice to see her back at her best form.”
For Elshorbagy celebrations were muted as he collected his maiden Windy City Open crown.
The
opening game of the encounter lived up to the pre-event billing between
the two perennial foes as they slugged it out in a series of tough,
punishing rallies but it was evident early that Matthew was struggling
on court and the tenacious 35-year-old was forced to conceded early in
the third game and hand Elshorbagy the victory.
“I noticed at the start of the second he was struggling to move," said the Egyptian.
“I
live for great battles and to play against great players like Nick.
It’s unfortunate what happened today as that’s not the way that I
wanted to win.
“But this is the first time I’ve won this
title and I’m very happy to have my name on there - it is an
achievement that I’m very proud of."
Speaking afterwards
Matthew said: “I felt a muscle in my glute go in the first game and it
seized up. Mohamed is hard enough to play when you’re fully mobile
never mind injured so it was a frustrating end.
“I don’t mind losing - it’s just disappointing when you can’t do yourself justice and give Mohamed the fight he deserves.”
Result - Final: 2016 Men's Windy City Open
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (EGY) bt [2] Nick Matthew (ENG) 3-0: 11-6, 11-3, 1-0 retired (22m)
Result - Final: 2016 Women's Windy City Open
[2] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt [5] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 (35m)
