The 2020-21 PSA World Champions were crowned tonight in Chicago as the Egyptian top seeds and World Numbers one and two do battle in both finals at the University Club of Chicago.
[1] Nour El Sherbini (Egy) 3-1 [2] Nouran Gohar (Egy) 11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9 (53m)
[1] Ali Farag (Egy) 3-1 [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (Egy) 7-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 (67m)
El Sherbini Crowned Women’s World Champion
World No.1 Nour El Sherbini has won her fifth PSA World Championship title after defeating compatriot. and World No.2 Nouran Gohar in four games in Chicago.
That win makes El Sherbini the third woman to win five PSA World Championship titles, following in the footsteps of Malaysia’s Nicol David (8) and Australia’s Sarah Fitz-Gerald (5). Thanks to her victory in Chicago, she also keeps hold of her No.1 spot going into August.
El Sherbini looked relax and on the front foot from the get go as she took advantage of a few nerves from her compatriot, who has featuring in her first World Championship final. The 25-year-old settled into her rhythm quickly to take the first before doubling her lead in the second.
That seemed to spark something for Gohar in the third, however, as she quickly shook off her nerves to attack with a vengeance. Pushing El Sherbini into all four corners of the court as she pulled a game back.
That momentum stayed with Gohar in the fourth as the two Egyptians traded points, but it was El Sherbini who was able to hold her nerve and sneak out the victory in four games to lift the sport’s biggest prize.
“It’s really hard trying to think of anything to say right now,” said El Sherbini afterwards.
“I’m really thrilled, if anyone told me before that I was going to win five World Championships then I wouldn’t believe them. It’s really hard to believe that I have just won my fifth World Championship.
“It was very tough until the end, Nouran kept pushing me, she keeps fighting and never gave up. That’s why she’s here and she’s playing her first World Championship final, I know how big it is and how she’s feeling. She didn’t show any pressure, she played hard and tough until the last point. I’m really happy I finished it in the end.
“I always try to work and improve my weaknesses and watch what’s the problem and try to improve to make it easier. Trying to work on my movement lately so it makes it easier and I hope the work paid off.
“I think I had to wait until the final to lose one game and to the World No.2.
“I’m going to celebrate with my dad and back home, my mum and my brother, all the family and friends – it’s very late now but everyone is up and watching!”
Result: [1] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [2] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-1: 11-5, 11-8, 8-11, 11-9 (53m)
Farag is the Men’s World Champion
Egypt’s World No.1 Ali Farag is the 2020-21 men’s PSA World Champion following an 7-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 victory over World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy at the University Club of Chicago.
ElShorbagy had already taken the World No.1 spot off Farag this week following his semi-final victory over New Zealand’s Paul Coll in the semi-finals last night. However, Farag made sure he didn’t do the double as he came from one game down and 7-0 down in the second to triumph and win his second World Championship title in Chicago.
ElShorbagy came out of the blocks firing and kept up the form that had seen him drop just one game so far this week as he comfortably took the first before powering ahead in the second.
Farag managed to get back into his rhythm though and produced a flurry of points to unsettle ElShorbagy and draw back level.
It continued to be tense between both players in the third as they played the calibre of squash we have come to expect from them, trading blows until Farag took the advantage. The World No.1 then powered to the finish line in the fourth to claim his third major title in the Windy City.
“I’m quite emotional about this because it’s a special week for me with my baby daughter born just before this and having my parents in my corner,” said Farag.
“My favourite person of all time, Mike Way, is here. I don’t know what it is about Chicago that brings the best out of me and now my daughter was born here as well, I think I should apply for a residency!
“It’s definitely becoming my favourite city and not just because of the events but because of the people that make you feel so welcome. The Walter family never cease to amaze us with how much they support the sport.
“Mohamed, when I share a court with him, every time it’s an honour. We are here, our generation, because of him. He paved the way for us and we have to keep raising our game. If he wakes up because of me, all of us wake up because of him. I’m in awe of what he does and he is the reason that we are here today.
“A couple of weeks ago at the World Tour Finals, I lost every single match. I was top seed and I didn’t win a match, I wasn’t in a good way and there’s only one person I call when I’m like that and that’s Mike Way. I told him he had to come to Chicago, I’m in big trouble and you’re the only one that gets my head in the right space. Nour is jealous because of how much I love you.
“There are countless words I want to say about Nour [El Tayeb]. Whatever she’s going through, holding the baby for me to be able to play on this court and. I’m forever grateful about that. They always say the first World Championship is the most special but for me this is because of the people I have around me.”
ElShorbagy said:
“First of all, I would like to congratulate Ali.
“He’s such a champ and he’s one that really inspires me to be better every day. He makes me want to wake up every single day to get better. He has been my main rival for three or four years now and that’s like our 13th final, I have so much respect for him. I would like to congratulate him as his daughter was born just two days before this tournament started. But, I’m really angry at you for beating me today, but I look forward to many more big finals. Our rivalry deserved to play in one big World Championship final.
“I would like to thank the Walter family for supporting the sport, you take it to another level. We are really lucky to have you and I look forward to being back. Thank you to the crowd for supporting us.
“I would like to thank my parents, thank you for letting me live my dream and I hope I make you proud. I’m sorry I didn’t win today but hopefully I’ll be back and get my hands on that trophy.”
Result: [1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-1: 7-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-4 (67m)
