I Dig Sports
The Qatari capital prepares to welcome the world for a feast of athletics action later this year
It’s now less than 150 days until the 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships gets under way – and the host city of Doha is preparing to throw open its doors to the world for the biennial showpiece.
It is expected that visitors from 205 countries, 3500 athletes, approximately 10,000 international guests, 30,000 spectators from outside Qatar and more than 2000 media personnel will descend on the city for what is the third-biggest sporting event on the planet.
Having been handed the baton from London, the location for a memorable championships which unfolded at the Olympic Stadium two years ago, anticipation is building towards the event, which will take place at another highly impressive, state-of-the-art venue – the Khalifa International Stadium – from September 27 to October 6.
There is no doubting that this will be a world championships with a difference. For starters, this will be the first time the event has been held in the Middle East.
With the temperatures in Doha in late September and early October high, all of the athletics sessions will start later in the day – particularly the marathon events, which will get off and running at midnight.
Yet, thanks to a three-year project, the Khalifa Stadium has been transformed into an ultra-modern venue equipped with cutting-edge features such as air-conditioning technology, LED lighting and digital floodlights, providing optimal performance conditions for athletes and a great viewing experience for spectators.
With the stage set, this will be a world championships to remember.
Here we take a look at Doha’s credentials as hosts, plus check out our trip tips feature here as we uncover some of the best things to see and do in a city which has lots to offer.
The next chapter
Having played host to events such as the Asian Games, as well as football’s Gulf Cup and AFC Asian Cup, Doha is no stranger to staging high-profile sporting events. Things are certainly about to step up a level, however.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is on the horizon, but first comes this year’s IAAF World Athletics Championships – a showpiece which will turn the world’s gaze towards the Qatari capital.
The sport of track and field athletics is a regular fixture on the sporting calendar in this part of the world, of course.
The Doha Grand Prix was first held in 1997, with only men’s events included in the programme, while women’s disciplines were added the following year.
The meeting’s profile rose quickly and it was elevated to Grand Prix II level just two years later while, by 2005, it was one of five meetings granted Super Grand Prix status. By 2010 it had grown to become a strong international early-season fixture, marking it as an ideal opening competition for the newly-formed Diamond League series.
The first ever Diamond League meeting was staged at Qatar Sports Club Stadium in 2010 on May 14, only two months after Doha hosted the acclaimed IAAF World Indoor Championships.
After hosting the recent Asian Athletics Championships, the next chapter in Doha’s athletics history will be written very shortly when the Diamond League season-opener celebrates its 10th staging on Friday.
Given what lies in store later this year, there will undoubtedly be extra significance and attention on the meeting as athletes look to make an early mark in world championships season.
Britain’s triple European champion Dina Asher-Smith gets to sample the Khalifa Stadium – the 2019 World Championships host venue which takes over this year from the Qatar Sports Club – and will be in action, over 200m, in what will be a fascinating contest with Marie-Josee Ta Lou of Ivory Coast, who won the 100m in last year’s meeting. It is just one of many intriguing battles to look out for in a packed programme.
The fortunes of Qatari stars Abderrahman Samba, the Diamond League winner who ran the quickest time for the 400m hurdles since 1992 (46.98) last year and has started the year in fine form, as well as world champion high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, will also be under the microscope in an international outdoor season which begins and ends in Doha.
The climax of it all will of course be the IAAF World Championships. It’s a finale not to be missed.
It’s not just the athletics that will be worth seeing when you visit Qatar for the IAAF World Championships
Doha is getting ready to welcome the world for a feast of athletics action later this year but the Qatari capital also has much more to offer.
Here are some experiences simply not to be missed when you make a trip for the IAAF World Championships, taking place from September 27 to October 6.
Click here to read more about the IAAF World Championship Doha 2019.
Walk through history at the Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is the jewel in the crown of Doha’s cultural offering. MIA’s stunning display of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic worlds have earned the museum wide recognition.
Visitors can stroll through 14 centuries of Islamic history and see award-winning collections of paintings, metalworks, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts. MIA is also home to IDAM, a fine-dining restaurant run by highly acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse.
Stroll along the Doha Corniche
This 7km long waterfront promenade and park, stretching in a semi-circle around the entire length of Doha Bay, is one of the capital’s showpiece features. It not only offers spectacular views of the city but also provides a vehicle-free recreational oasis, ideal for a jog in the cool of the morning, a relaxing family picnic or a leisurely evening stroll.
Soak up the atmosphere in the Souq Waqif
The bustling alleys of Souq Waqif offer an authentic taste of Qatar’s local culture, architecture and history as a trading hub.
Its network of small shops and stores sell a rich variety of Middle Eastern fare, ranging from spices, dates and nuts to perfumes, jewellery, clothing and handcrafted souvenirs. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere while enjoying the traditional music, art and cultural shows which take place in the Souq.
An eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes offer traditional Qatari food as well as dishes with Asian and North African influences. The market is also home to art galleries, a traditional falconry market, a visitor’s centre and Qatar’s first hotel, the Bismillah Hotel, built in the 1950s.
Visit the Katara Cultural Village
The Katara Cultural Village and amphitheatre houses theatres, two mosques, art galleries and a venue which hosts year-round concerts, shows and exhibitions. The village also features a public beach offering a range of watersports and fine-dining restaurants.
See the Pearl-Qatar
Close to Katara lies the new man-made island of The Pearl-Qatar, which boasts impressive marina esplanades, luxury towers, villas, high-end boutiques and Mediterranean-style waterfront walks.
A day at the camel races
Professional camel racing is traditionally known as the sport of the sheikhs and Qatar’s Al-Shahaniya camel racing track is located an hour’s drive into the desert north of Doha.
The track hosts domestic and international tournaments every Friday between October and February. The racing camels are ridden by remote-controlled robot jockeys dressed in colourful racing silks.
Explore Al Zubarah Fort
Just over 100km from Doha lies Al Zubarah, which was once a prosperous coastal town in the Persian Gulf before it was destroyed in 1811 and abandoned in the early 1900s.
Today it is one of the most extensive and best-preserved examples of 18th-19th century settlements in the region.
After careful restoration, the town’s Fort was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013, the first such place in Qatar. The site houses a visitor centre and is a leading tourism attraction.
The National Museum of Qatar
Opened this year, the museum makes a dramatic addition to the Doha landscape with its design inspired by the local desert rose. This unique building embraces the newly restored Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani and provides visitors with many ways to participate, learn or to relax.
A 220-seat auditorium and rolling programme of events ensure each visit offers a new perspective. The dedicated research centre and laboratories provide new study opportunities.
For those looking to relax and take time out, new food venues include a stunning rooftop restaurant, while a newly landscaped park offers family-friendly interactive learning.
Take a dhow boat cruise
Cruise the Arabian Gulf’s calm waters and experience Qatar’s seafaring heritage aboard a traditional wooden dhow boat.
Typically sporting long thin hulls, dhows played an important role in Qatar’s trading history.
The traditional boats are decorated with fairy lights and cruises offer spectacular views of Doha’s skyline as guests tuck into an on-board BBQ buffet.
Find the sea in the desert
Around 60km from Doha in the south-eastern corner of the country lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid.
A UNESCO-recognised natural reserve with diverse flora and fauna and its own ecosystem, this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert.
Justin Gimelstob resigns from ATP board after assault sentencing
Justin Gimelstob has resigned from the ATP board after being sentenced for assault, saying he has become "a significant burden and distraction".
He was given three years probation and 60 days community service after a "no contest" plea to a battery charge.
Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka had suggested the American should leave his role as a player representative.
"Given the current climate I do not deserve to be in this position of influence," Gimelstob, 42, said.
Gimelstob, who has also worked as a coach and TV commentator, was sentenced in Los Angeles last week.
Former friend Randall Kaplan alleged that early in the evening of 31 October, Gimelstob "punched him in the head and face more than 50 times" in front of Kaplan's pregnant wife Madison and two-year-old daughter.
Mrs Kaplan went on to have a miscarriage, which the couple believe was a result of the stress of the attack.
Gimelstob did not admit guilt by pleading no contest and says he still "disputes the way that evening has been depicted".
But in a statement on his Facebook page, he added: "That evening compromised the sport and the people that entrusted me with the authority to represent them.
"My job was to best represent the players, the ATP, and be a custodian of the sport. My choices and actions last Halloween night prohibit me from doing that at this time.
"My role is designed to work on behalf of the players and the sport and it is clear that I have now become a significant burden and distraction to both.
"That is not something that could or should continue."
Britain's Murray became the first leading player to call on Gimelstob to quit his role, telling the Telegraph he "could not see" how the American could continue.
On Tuesday, fellow three-time Grand Slam Champion Wawrinka called for an end to "a shameful period" for the sport.
Yu Hsiu-Ting reaches new heights, surprise winner
On the concluding day of play, after accounting for Hong Kong’s Chelsea Chan Shiu Lau, the no.8 seed (11-7, 11-8, 11-6, 11-4), she overcame colleagues in most exacting encounters; in the penultimate round she beat Cai Fong-En, the no.2 seed, in six games (11-5, 7-11, 12-10, 8-11, 13-11, 11-7), prior to securing the title in a seven games contest, when facing Chien Tung-Chuan, the top seed (6-11, 11-13, 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-6).
In the opposite half of the draw, on the concluding day of play, Chien Tung-Chuan had halted Hong Kong’s aspirations. She accounted for Wong Hoi Tung (13-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-7), followed by success in opposition to Yenn Ho Ching, the no.9 seed (11-7, 11-5, 11-7, 13-11). Notably, in the round of the last eight, Yenn Ho Ching had beaten the host nation’s Michelle Wu, the no.4 seed (11-6, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5).
Defeat for Hong Kong, not in the cadet girls’ singles event; all three steps of the medal podium were reserved. Phoebe Hui Wai, the top seed, emerged the winner. After overcoming Canada’s Patricia Hui, the no.11 seed (9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3) she accounted for colleagues Wong Hoi Ching, the no.7 seed (11-9, 11-8, 11-8) and Chelsea Chan Shoi Lam (11-8, 11-5, 11-9) to secure the title.
Impressive from Phoebe Hui Wai, it had been the same in the opposite half of the draw from Chelsea Chan Shiu Lam. In the quarter-final round she beat Australia’s Chan Yin Ting (11-6, 11-8, 11-3), followed by a semi-final success in opposition to compatriot, Yenn Ho Ching, the no.2 seed (12-10, 11-4, 11-6).
The ITTF World Junior Circuit tournament concluded, attention in Darwin now turns to the Para Oceania Championships.
Huang Yu-Jen excels expectations, secured podium top step
The no.4 seed, at the final hurdle he needed the full seven games to beat colleague, Tai Ming-Wei, the top seed and winner last year in El Salvador, emerging successful by the very narrowest of margins (11-4, 7-11, 11-8, 10-12, 12-10, 8-11, 11-9).
Hard fought success, it had been very much the same en route to the title deciding contest. At the quarter-final stage he needed six games to overcome Malaysia’s Wong Qi Shen, the no.12 seed (5-11, 6-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7, 15-13), before in a similarly exacting engagement accounting for colleague Li Hsin-Yu, the no.9 seed (11-13, 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 13-11, 11-8). Notably Li Hsin-Yu was very much a player in form; one round earlier he had halted the progress of Hong Kong’s Pau Yik Man, the no.2 seed (11-4, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9).
In the opposite half of the draw, in the later rounds, Tai Ming-Wei had ended the hopes of Hong Kong by accounting for Lau Chun Nok, the no.14 seed (11-4, 11-2, 11-3) and Baldwin Chan Ho Wah, the no.11 (11-5, 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 11-6).
Disappointment for Hong Kong, conversely in the cadet boys’ singles event it was success. Yiu Kwan To, the top seed, emerged the winner, overcoming colleague Yu Nok, the no.3 seed, in the final (11-4, 11-8, 11-4).
Earlier, at the quarter-final stage, Yiu Kwan To had beaten Lau Chu Nok, the no.9 seed (11-4, 11-2, 11-3), followed by success in opposition to Malaysia’s Tan Yi Heng, the no.7 seed (11-6, 11-3, 11-8) and surprise quarter-final winner against Baldwin Chan Ho Wah, the no.4 seed (5-11, 11-8, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9).
Meanwhile, in the later rounds, Yu Nok had thwarted Australian hopes; he accounted for Richard Li (11-5, 11-5, 11-2), followed by success in opposition to Finn Luu, the no.2 seed (11-6, 11-6, 11-7).
The ITTF World Junior Circuit tournament in Darwin concluded, attention in northern Australian city now turns to the Para Oceania Championships.
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
Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: 
Email: 
