[4] Karim Gawad (EGY) 3-0 Patrick Rooney (ENG) 11-7, 11-2, 11-2 (21m)
Karim
“I played very well. It’s my first time playing Patrick Rooney on tour; we have never met, so I prepared very well mentally for this. I know how good he is and how skilful he is. I couldn’t give him any loose points.
“I had to dig in from point one and try to take advantage of any loose balls.
“I’m very glad to win, especially with such a tough opponent like Patrick.
“Since I won this tournament, it’s always been in my head. I was really close to winning it again in 2023, but Ali Farag was too good. Ten years later, I’m here competing in another World Championships, so I’m really looking forward to it, and hopefully it’s a good tournament.”
This is an invisible boast from Karim Gawad! 😮💨
The 2016 World Champion starting strong in his first-round match with Patrick Rooney 👊
📺 https://t.co/bCa0MRqdqf pic.twitter.com/LdmnRZLCJh
— PSA Squash Tour (@PSASquashTour) May 9, 2026
