POINT TO PROVE
EGYPT’S two-time defending champion Mohamed El Shorbagy is once again the marquee name at the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Qatar Classic, which begins on Friday.
El Shorbagy suffered a shock defeat to compatriot and eventual champion Karim Abdel Gawad in the World Championship semifinal in Cairo last week, and would definitely be eyeing redemption at the glass courts of Khalifa International Complex.
His potential title rivals include France’s Gregory Gaultier, England’s three-time world champion Nick Matthew and the Egyptian trio of Ramy Ashour, Gawad and Omar Mosaad.
El Shorbagy’s most recent win came last month at Philadelphia, where he defended his US Open crown. The 25-year-old is relishing his comeback to Doha.
“I’ve fond memories of this court where I’ve won two titles. Whenever I’m back in Doha, I feel really happy to be here,” said El Shorbagy.
The world No.1 recently broke his own record of points on the PSA Tour for third time this season and is targeting more glory.
“I’m very proud to break my own points record for a third time in the same year. I’m staying hungry to try and achieve as much as I can,” added El Shorbagy.
In addition to the lucrative prize of $150,000, the Qatar Classic offers an opportunity for players to accrue crucial points on the PSA Road to Dubai standings, from where only the top eight will qualify for the season-ending World Series Finals.
The Qatar Classic is the third stage on the PSA Road to Dubai. The Hong Kong Open held in July and last month’s US Open were the first two with two more in the US, remaining.
“We’re happy to welcome the cream of world squash back to Doha. I’m confident that this tournament will help raise the professional game’s profile and boost its popularity across the region and especially in Qatar. Since the event is part of the Road to Dubai, more is at stake for the players this time,” said Qatar Squash Federation President Nabeel Ali bin Ali.
The qualifying stages will be held on Friday and Saturday.
The eight qualifiers will then join the 24 seeded players in the main draw as the tournament proper gets under way on Sunday.
