I Dig Sports
Day One: Follow Seamaster 2019 ITTF Challenge Serbia Open
Serbian quartet upsets the odds
The lowest rated players in their respective opening phase groups, the host nation’s Dimitrije Levajac, Stefan Kostadinovic and Marko Popovic alongside Nikola Strugarevic all caused upsets in their opening matches.
Dimitrije Levajac beat Slovenia’s Tilen Cvetko (13-11, 13-111, 12-10), Stefan Kostadinovic overcame Croatia’s Tomislav Kolarek (12-10, 7-11, 13-11, 11-9). Likewise Marko Popovic accounted for India’s Mudit Dani (11-2, 11-8, 11-5); Nikola Strugarevic eventually proved too strong for Kazakhstan’s Timur Kelbuganov (11-8, 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8).
Fine start for host nation
The host nation’s Sabina Surjan and Tijana Jokic both made successful starts to their campaigns.
Sabina Surjan beat Slovakia’s Ema Labosova (11-4, 11-3, 11-6), Tijana Jokic accounted for Kazakhstan’s Zauresh Akasheva (5-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7).
Lev Katsman maintains form
Elevated to second spot on the under 18 boys’ world rankings, the winner earlier this year on the ITTF World Junior Circuit in Bahrain and France, Russia’s Lev Katsman opened his account by beating Norway’s Adrian Wetzel (11-7, 11-7, 11-7).
Likewise, there was success for Nicolas Burgos, the runner up on home soil earlier this year at the 2019 Chile Junior and Cadet Open, he beat Nikita Artemenko (11-4, 8-11, 11-6, 13-11). Additionally, there was a good start for the host nation, Dimitrije Levajac accounted for Slovakia’s Daniel Orac (11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 11-13, 11-8).
Efforts praiseworthy, African cause for pride
Notably, their performances have attracted accolades and encouragement from the continental ruling body, Khaled El-Salhy, President of African Table Tennis Federation considered the players fine ambassadors for the continent.
“Some African players did quite well, especially Quadri Aruna who was the last male player on track by reaching the round of 32, also Dina Meshref made it to the round of 64 in singles while her doubles’ pairing with Yousra Helmy reached the last 32 of the event. I think they all tried their best and lost in some very tough matches.” Khalid El-Salhy
Equally, Khalid El-Salhy accepted the fact the African players faced a daunting task in Budapest.
“Medals in this kind event are very difficult due to the big competition from China as well as from strong teams like Japan, Germany, Korea and others. Maybe they should look to medals in World Cup events. Players must also work hard to be able to advance in this kind of competition; this will surely help their world ranking. Also national associations must prepare their players and should be now looking to future World Championships.” Khaled El-Salhy
Likewise, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, Vice President Western African Region, stressed that African players need to raise their game for events like the World Championships.
“The performance of the African players was quite fair. We were hoping for better results but they had to contend with difficult draws and players recovering from injuries. The performances need to improve so we can challenge the top Asian and European players. Apart from this, I must commend Quadri Aruna who is still recovering from a hamstring injury but worked hard in getting to the round of 32 before going out in a closely contested match against the overwhelming favourite and World no. 1 Fan Zhen Dong. It was a great performance. The young Nigerian former junior champion, Ajoke Ojomu, also showed great promise in her first World Championships. She showed all the qualities needed to play at this level. Now she must add more hard work to her undoubted talent. The African female champion Dina Meshref also played well.” Wahid Enitan Oshodi
Furthermore, Wahid Enitan Oshodi stressed the need to be up to date.
“We must get our players playing more regularly against the best players in the world. Our coaches need to learn the latest techniques. We need more exposure for them and for the players. We need to get our players on the World Tour; this means money, they need more sponsorship and funding. We have all witnessed the vast improvements made by Quadri Aruna, Olajide Omotayo and Omar Assar since they started playing regularly on the Tour. You play against the best in the world and you learn from them. The support Quadri Aruna has received from Baba Ljebu Bet has helped him in no small way to ensure he attends tournaments and pays for the extra coaching that is needed at this level. Others need to emulate this.” Wahid Enitan Oshodi
Mattias Falck receives hero’s welcome in Halmstad
Falck translates to Falcon and very much like the bird of prey Mattias spent 24 hours in Stockholm flying around, visiting all the major television stations. Following his magnificent display in Budapest the country’s interest in the star has peaked.
On arrival at the airport in his hometown of Halmstad, Mattias Falck was welcomed in style by the airport firefighters who greeted him with a water rainbow. Not everyone can say that they’ve experienced that! But, the celebrations didn’t stop there as he met with his teammates and other club members at Halmstad TTC.
“I couldn’t believe it! Even the pilots flying me welcomed me on board and congratulated me.” Mattias Falck
Tuesday 30th April also marked the first day of Spring in Sweden “Valborgsmässoafton” a day which is celebrated with music, speeches and bonfires. Adding to the festivities Falck’s homecoming was another cause for celebration with around 8000 people welcoming the 27-year-old home. However, Falck was not the only person who received a warm welcome as the city, along with the Swedish Table Tennis Association, also hailed the return of former legend of the sport and Falck’s coach Jörgen Persson who was also in attendance.
The Mayor of Halmstad, Mr. Jonas Bergman stated his elation at Falck’s achievement in Budapest and was especially delighted from a personal point of view to see the nation celebrating a local to Halmstad:
“This weekend something happened that we have not seen for 22 years, a Swedish table tennis player reached the final in a World Championships! This guy also lives in Halmstad which makes us extremely proud and happy.” Mr. Jonas Bergman, Mayor of Halmstad.
Humble as always Falck has been heartened by the love and support he has received since his arrival back in Halmstad:
“The past 24 hours have been crazy with interviews and TV-programmes and when I’m here in front of all these people it’s almost too much for me. I’m very happy and thankful for all the support you have given me, I felt it all the way to Budapest.” Mattias Falck
The Swedish Table Tennis Association has decided to honour the historic outing at the Liebherr 2019 World Championships with the unveiling of a special award “The Falck”, which will see €1000 being awarded to a standout individual with Mattias Falck presenting the award in person.
“It’s table tennis fever in Sweden after the success in Budapest for Mattias Falck and Swedish table tennis. Yesterday was a big celebration of Mattias and his coach Jörgen Persson in his hometown of Halmstad. STTA decided to establish a prize called “The Falck” that every year will be awarded to someone who made, tried or developed something extraordinary within Swedish table tennis with the prize being handed out by Mattias Falck. We are so happy to feel the support for table tennis in Sweden again. The only way to alleviate the fever is to play more table tennis.” Petra Sörling, chairman of the Swedish Table Tennis Association.
Fares Dessouky produces a shock win over Mohamed ElShorbagy in El Gouna
Top seed faces tough time
By ALAN THATCHER and ELLIE MAWSON
Top seed Marwan ElShorbagy faces a tough task to win next month’s Wimbledon Club Squash Squared Open – with a likely clash against Fares Dessouky for starters!
World No.11 ElShorbagy is seeded to meet fellow Egyptian Omar Mosaad in the final of the PSA World Tour Bronze tournament, which takes place between May 11-16.
After receiving a bye in the first round, ElShorbagy faces the winner of the first round tie featuring Dessouky and Pakistan’s Asim Khan.
Dessouky is in a rich vein of form, having overcome British Open champion Miguel Rodriguez and Marwan’s brother Mohamed to reach the semi-finals of last week’s El Gouna International, where he fell to Karim Abdel Gawad.
This year’s tournament, which takes place at the Wimbledon Club in London, will be the fourth instalment of the event and the largest to date, with a prize purse of $50,000 on offer.
Marwan ElShorbagy in action against Declan James in the Citigold Canary Wharf Classic
ElShorbagy is seeded on the same side of the draw as the likes of France’s former World No.6 and defending champion Mathieu Castagnet and Mexico’s Cesar Salazar.
The Bristol-based Egyptian is also seeded to meet England’s No.1 Declan James in the semi-finals in what will be their first meeting since the Englishman claimed a shock win over ElShorbagy in the second round of March’s Canary Wharf Classic.
At the opposite end of the draw, former World No.3 Mosaad is seeded to meet England’s former World No.1 James Willstrop in the semi-finals, but will first have to navigate through a draw which includes Willstrop’s compatriots Tom Richards and Daryl Selby.
English pair Jordan Warne and Tom Walsh occupy the wildcard spots and will face Egypt’s Mostafa Asal and France’s Lucas Serme, respectively, in round one.
The event is a significant fundraiser for Squash Squared, which is a UK registered squash and education charity supporting disadvantaged students for academic and sporting success. Tickets can be purchased via the tournament website and prices start from £20 for adults and £10 for juniors.
The Wimbledon Club Squash Squared Open, May 11-16, The Wimbledon Club, London, England.
Main Draw:
[1] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) [Bye]
Asim Khan (PAK) v [9/16] Fares Dessouky (EGY)
[9/16] Lucas Serme (FRA) v [WC] Tom Walsh (ENG)
[6] Mathieu Castagnet (FRA) [Bye]
[8] Cesar Salazar (MEX) [Bye]
Mahesh Mangaonkar (IND) v [9/16] Ramit Tandon (IND)
[9/16] Mostafa Asal (EGY) v [WC] Jordan Warne (ENG)
[3] Declan James (ENG) [Bye]
[4] James Willstrop (ENG) [Bye]
Olli Tuominen (FIN) v [9/16] Chris Simpson (ENG)
[9/16] Ben Coleman (ENG) v Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP)
[5] Tom Richards (ENG) [Bye]
[7] Daryl Selby (ENG) [Bye]
Baptiste Masotti (FRA) v [9/16] George Parker (ENG)
[9/16] Iker Pajares Bernabeu (ESP) v Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA)
[2] Omar Mosaad (EGY) [Bye]
Preview by ELLIE MAWSON (PSA Media Team). Edited by ALAN THATCHER.
Pictures courtesy of PATRICK LAUSON and PSA
Ali Farag and Raneem El Welily move ahead of World Tour Finals Leaderboard
El Gouna champions Raneem El Welily and Ali Farag
Egypt’s top stars power ahead on the Road to Cairo
By ELLIE MAWSON
Egyptian World No.1s Ali Farag and Raneem El Welily have extended their respective advantages at the top of the men’s and women’s PSA World Tour Finals Leaderboard.
The PSA World Tour Finals will take place in Cairo, Egypt from June 9-14 and will feature both a men’s and women’s tournament.
The reigning World Champions and all seven PSA World Tour Platinum winners will qualify for the prestigious event. The remaining places are allocated to the highest ranked players on the PSA World Tour Finals leaderboard and points are on offer at all PSA World Tour events throughout the season.
Farag continued his strong run of form, which has seen him claim six PSA titles this season, after winning both the DPD Open Squash and El Gouna International this month.
The World No.1 sits at the top with 21,225 points, with compatriot and World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy in second place on 15,615, World No.3 Tarek Momen in third and Karim Abdel Gawad in fourth.
Both ElShorbagy and former World No.1 Gawad have already sealed their places at the season-ending tournament. ElShorbagy won both the U.S. Open and Hong Kong Open titles, while Gawad claimed victory at December’s Black Ball Squash Open.
Germany’s Simon Rösner, New Zealand’s Paul Coll, Peru’s Diego Elias and Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar occupy the remaining places in the top eight on the leaderboard.
Meanwhile on the women’s leaderboard, El Welily heads the standings with 16,455 points after winning three successive PSA World Tour tournaments, including the Black Ball Squash Open, DPD Open Squash and the El Gouna International.
Compatriot and World Champion Nour El Sherbini remains in second place on 12,085 points, with World No.3 Nour El Tayeb behind her on 8,360 points.
France’s Camille Serme moves up to fourth after reaching the semi-finals of the El Gouna International and DPD Open Squash while New Zealand’s Joelle King sits in fifth but has already claimed her place at the season-ending tournament after winning the Hong Kong Open in November.
England’s Sarah-Jane Perry, Egypt’s Nouran Gohar and Wales’ Tesni Evans hold the last three spots in the top eight on the women’s leaderboard.
The world’s top male and female players head to Hull, England next month for the prestigious Allam British Open. The final PSA World Tour Platinum event of the season will be held between May 20-26.
PSA World Tour Finals Leaderboard.
Article by ELLIE MAWSON (PSA Media Team). Edited by ALAN THATCHER.
Picture and graphic courtesy of PSA
England welcome European rivals to Edgbaston Priory
The England squad are welcomed to the court
Busy time at Edgbaston as Europeans follow National Club finals
By JULIE O’HARE
More than 200 players representing 22 countries assembled in the arena for the opening ceremony of the 2019 European Team Championships at the Edgbaston Priory club in Birmingham.
Priory Club Chairman, David Tucker, extended a warm welcome to the players, saying: “On behalf of the members and staff at Edgbaston Priory Club, we look forward to your company in the clubhouse over the next four days and to seeing some close and exciting matches on court.”
Players from each country then carried their flags on to the court to a soundtrack of legends of the Birmingham music scene before the President of the European Squash Federation, Zena Wooldridge, declared the Championships officially open.
Addressing the players, Zena Wooldridge said: “On behalf of the European Squash Federation, we welcome you to Birmingham and the Edgbaston Priory Club for this the 47th Men’s and the 42nd women’s championships.
Zena Wooldridge welcomes players from 22 nations
“England last hosted the European Team Championships in 2003 and I am delighted that England Squash backed Edgbaston Priory Club to host this event in 2019.
“This club is one of the most prestigious in the country and as well as having a reputation for delivering excellent tournaments has a fine pedigree in winning titles. The club hosted the National Club Championships at the weekend with the club lifting both the women’s and men’s titles.”
Zena went on to extend her thanks to all the club’s staff, especially Mike Edwards and Mike Harris, volunteers and sponsors for their hard work and support in bringing the event to fruition.
Flag bearers for every competing nation arrive on court
Pictures courtesy of Edgbaston Priory and England Squash
Amanda Sobhy beats Laura Massaro in El Gouna
Raneem roars ahead for sixth month in a row
By SEAN REUTHE
United States No.1 Amanda Sobhy has risen four places to sit at World No.8 after the PSA Women’s World Rankings for May were released today (May 1).
Sobhy, the 25-year-old Harvard-graduate from Boston, last week reached her first PSA World Tour Platinum semi-final since rupturing her achilles in March 2017, with a run to the last four of the El Gouna International Squash Open.
Sobhy, who beat World No.3 Nour El Tayeb and World No.10 Laura Massaro en route to the semis, has returned to the top 10 after a two-month absence.
Meanwhile, El Gouna International champion Raneem El Welily remains at World No.1 for a sixth successive month ahead of World No.2 Nour El Sherbini. El Tayeb stays at No.3 ahead of France’s Camille Serme, who has cut the gap on the Egyptian to just 20 points. New Zealand’s Joelle King rounds off the top five.
England’s Sarah-Jane Perry stays at No.6 ahead of El Gouna runner-up Nouran Gohar. Wales’ Tesni Evans drops to No.9, while England’s Massaro drops two spots to No.10, her lowest ranking since May 2008.
Hong Kong’s Annie Au drops a spot to No.11, while Alison Waters falls two places to No.12. England’s Victoria Lust stays at No.13, with Egypt’s Salma Hany (No.14) and India’s Joshna Chinappa completing the top 15.
Yathreb Adel rises two places to a career-high No.16 ranking to sit ahead of fellow Egyptian Hania El Hammamy.
Malaysia’s former World No.1 Nicol David moves up a place to No.18. David, 35, spent an unprecedented nine years atop the World Rankings between 2006-2015 and will make her final appearance in the rankings this month as she brings a trophy-laden career to a close at the Allam British Open between May 20-26.
Hong Kong’s Joey Chan drops two places to No.19, while America’s Olivia Blatchford Clyne completes the top 20.
PSA Women’s World Rankings Top 20 – May 2019.
Pictures and graphic courtesy of PSA
Joel Makin rises to career-best position of 12 in the world
Joel Makin in action against Paul Coll in the Citigold Wealth Management Canary Wharf Classic
Welshman is highest-ranked British male on PSA Tour
By ALAN THATCHER and SEAN REUTHE
Joel Makin is the highest-ranked male player in Great Britain after climbing to a career-best position of 12 in the latest PSA World Rankings for May.
Makin has made solid progress under coach Robert Owen with significant progress over the past two years.
He has added more depth, tactical options and a greater awareness of the mental side of the game to his renowned strength, speed and fitness.
The 24-year-old Birmingham-based Welshman came close to a magnificent win over Karim Abdel Gawad in the Tournament of Champions in New York in January before conceding the match after twisting his ankle.
His progress is not unlike that achieved by New Zealander Paul Coll, who recently beat Makin on the way to winning the biggest title of his career, the Citigold Canary Wharf Classic in March.
Coll, who has dropped a place to six the May rankings, has added similar guile, consistency and skill to his physical presence and Makin will be targeting a similar path into the top ten.
Fares Dessouky celebrates victory over Mohamed ElShorbagy in El Gouna
A semi-final finish at last week’s El Gouna International Open has seen Egypt’s Fares Dessouky rise 24 places to World No.18 after the PSA Men’s World Rankings for May were released today (May 1).
Dessouky, a former World No.8, had been ranked outside of the top 20 for 12 months as he recovered from a torn ACL sustained in November 2017.
The 24-year-old was in fine form in El Gouna as he beat the likes of World No.2 Mohamed ElShorbagy and World No.7 Miguel Rodriguez en route to the semi-finals as he reached the last four of a PSA Platinum tournament for the first time in two years.
Eventual El Gouna International winner Ali Farag tops the men’s rankings for a third successive month ahead of ElShorbagy, while Tarek Momen ensures that it’s an all-Egyptian top three for a fourth month in a row.
El Gouna finalist Karim Abdel Gawad moves up two places to No.4, while Germany’s Simon Rösner completes the top five.
Coll slips a place to No.6, with Colombia’s Rodriguez staying at No.7. Peru’s Diego Elias rises to a career-high No.8 ranking after winning the Macau Open in April. He swaps places with Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar, while India’s Saurav Ghosal stays at No.10.
Egypt’s Omar Mosaad rises a place to No.11, with Makin rising three spots to a career-high No.12 ranking. Germany’s Raphael Kandra also reaches a career-high position, moving up one place to No.13, to sit ahead of Egyptian Zahed Salem and England’s Declan James, who also now occupies a career-high No.15 ranking.
Frenchman Gregoire Marche is the fifth player in the top 20 to reach a career-high ranking this month as he moves up two spots to No.16. Former World No.1 James Willstrop, Dessouky, Australia’s Ryan Cuskelly and England’s Daryl Selby complete the top 20.
Meanwhile, former world champion Gregory Gaultier has dropped out of the top 20 for the first time since April 2003. The Frenchman has not played on the PSA Tour since October 2018 due to surgery on a knee injury and has fallen 13 places to No.26.
Egypt’s Marwan ElShorbagy also drops out of the top 20, and is at his lowest ranking since April 2014 after falling 10 places to No.21.
PSA Men’s World Rankings Top 20 – May 2019.
Pictures and courtesy of PSA and PATRICK LAUSON
Ken Pisi: Northampton winger to leave Saints after seven years
Samoa winger Ken Pisi will leave Northampton at the end of the season after seven years with the Saints.
The 30-year-old, who has played 138 games for the club, moved from New Zealand side North Harbour in 2012 and helped Saints win the 2014 Premiership after losing in the final in 2013.
He was also in the side which lifted the European Challenge Cup in 2014 and has scored 34 tries for the club.
Pisi, whose brother George also played for Northampton, has 13 caps for Samoa.
"I'm very proud to have spent the majority of my career playing for Northampton Saints in front of this great crowd at Franklin's Gardens," he told the club website.
"When I first came over, I didn't know what to expect, but I have felt welcomed by the amazing rugby community here in Northampton ever since I first pulled on a Black, Green and Gold jersey.
"In seven seasons as a Saint I have been blessed enough to win some silverware, make lifelong uso's [brothers] and create many unbelievable memories which I'll always treasure."
Nic White to leave Exeter Chiefs for Australia with Rob Baxter's blessing
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says he could not stand in the way of Nic White playing in a World Cup after confirming the Australian scrum-half will leave the Chiefs in 2020.
White, 28, will join a Super Rugby franchise and in so doing be eligible for selection by the Wallabies for this autumn's showpiece event in Japan.
He joined Exeter in 2017 and has scored 10 tries in 44 games for the club.
White has 22 caps and told BBC Sport in November that he hoped to add to them.
"Nic's got our full blessing," Baxter told BBC Sport.
"He's fully contracted with us now for this season and the season coming, but by signing for an Australian franchise, that allows Australia to pick him now which makes him available for the World Cup.
"Nic's always wanted to play in a World Cup, it's been a big ambition of his.
"As much as we'd like Nic to stay here long term, he's a very good player for us and done very well, there is a reality that we also think it's part of what we're about that if we can help someone reignite their career and do well that we don't want to stand in their way."
It means Exeter have a year to decide how to replace White, who began his career at the Brumbies before moving to French side Montpellier in 2017.
Exeter are blessed with a number of home-grown options at nine; Stu Townsend started the 2017 Premiership final, but is recovering from a serious knee injury, while Jack Maunder won an England cap in 2017 and his brother Sam has played age-group rugby for England.
"You'd like to keep all your top players and keep adding to it, but that isn't the reality," said Baxter.
"We'll keep our eye on the market, interesting players will become available, but first and foremost we'll look at the form of the young nines we've got here and see if we start to anticipate a year's time is the right time for them all to step up and fight for the one, two and three spots just on their own."
Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: 
Email: 
