Ahead of his mens final bid after a still superb career, top seed Mohamed ElShorbagy, whose last title came at the 2023 Black Ball Open in his native Egypt, had spoken openly about what a 50th title would mean.

Number 50 is such a lucky number for me. I was World No.1 for 50 months and Ive been searching for that 50th title for a while now.

His aspiration turned a reality on Sunday as ElShorbagy duly won his half-century of titles and Malaysias Rachel Arnold won the biggest title of his career after victories over Egyptian duo Mohamed Abouelghar and Farida Mohamed in the China Open 2024.

The PSA Squash Tour Silver-level event, which returned to the calendar after a five-year absence, took place at the spectacular Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, which boasted four all-glass show courts and featured 48 of the worlds best squash players.

Despite going into the match with his unseeded opponent having won all eight of their previous meetings, World No.9 ElShorbagy will have been wary of the threat posed by Abouelghar after the World No.49 took out ElShorbagys younger brother, No.2 seed Marwan ElShorbagy, in the quarter-final and No.3 seed Eain Yow Ng in the semi-final.

The Beast, who won the China Open the last time it was contested in 2019, made his intent clear early on today, playing aggressively and keeping his opponent on the back foot as he moved into the lead with an 11-6 win in game one.

Game two was a more even contest, with both players having multiple game ball opportunities before Abouelghar eventually made the breakthrough 14-12 to restore parity.

In an at-times bad-tempered third game, ElShorbagy regained his lead with a convincing 11-7 win.

Abouelghar looked for all the world to have forced a fifth game when he went 9-3 up in game four.

Former World No.1 ElShorbagy, though, had other ideas and in a dramatic turnaround, the Englishman chipped away at Abouelghars lead and scored eight consecutive points to win 11-9 and add another chapter to his impressive record book.

This is my third title here and Ive had much luck here. Its title number 50 for me and Ill never forget the match today, ElShorbagy said. Its such a big win for me; Ive been looking for it for a while now and Im really proud to achieve title number 50 in my career.

Its been an emotional week. Id like to dedicate this title to my grandmother, who passed away a couple of months ago. Her birthday was two days ago and she would have been 95 years old and she always prayed for me and looked out for me and I really pushed hard today to dedicate this title to her. I know shes watching and is in a better place. This title is for her.

Arnold, meanwhile, completed a perfect week as the No.6 seed got the better of No.3 seed Mohamed to win a Silver-level title for the first time in her career.

The 28-year-old started the match with control and accuracy, moving Mohamed around well to take the opener 11-5.

The Egyptian improved in game two, but could not match Arnold, who doubled her advantage with an 11-8 win.

Despite the commanding lead, Arnold will have taken nothing for granted after watching Mohamed come back from two games and eight match balls down in her semi-final against Sivasangari Subramaniam, and she began the third game watchfully.

Both players were good value for 8-8 in game three as Arnold pushed for a historic victory and Mohamed bid to begin another epic comeback.

To the delight of a large portion of the crowd, it was the Malaysian who made the decisive contribution, holding her nerve to earn two championship balls at 10-8, which she converted at the first time of asking.

Afterwards, Arnold said: I felt really confident today. Going in, I just thought about it as another match and not as a big final. It doesnt feel real at the moment but Im really happy!

For everyone whos believed in me, thank you so much! 

Result: China Open Womens Final

Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt. [3] Farida Mohamed (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 (28m)

Result: China Open Mens Final

[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (ENG) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-1: 11-6, 12-14, 11-7, 11-9 (58m)