World Cup Squash | Egypt expectedly defends title with thumping consequence over Malaysia

The triumphant Egypt workforce receives the winner’s trophy from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.Ok. Stalin in Chennai on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Additionally seen are TN Sports activities Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, left, and World Squash Federation president Zena Wooldridge, proper,
| Picture Credit score: M. VEDHAN

Expectedly and deservedly, Egypt, the highest seed, bagged the SDAT-WSF Squash World Cup on the Categorical Avenue Mall right here on Saturday, with a thumping 4-1 win on factors over Malaysia, seeded fourth, within the last. Egypt had received the World Cup when it was final held right here in 2011.

Malaysia was brimming with confidence particularly after the upset victory over host India the opposite day, however the defending champion got here roaring again after dropping the primary match to win the remaining two.

The primary tie went in favour of Malaysia with the left-hander Xin Ying Yee, ranked 79 on the earth, placing it throughout Kenzy Ayman, ranked 56, in three straight video games.

On a excessive: Kenzy Ayman, Aly Abou El Einen, Fayrouz Abouelkheir and Karim El Hammamy of Egypt after their title win within the Squash World Cup on the Categorical Avenue Mall in Chennai on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
| Picture Credit score:
RAVINDRAN R

With an enormous backswing, the Malaysian generated quite a lot of energy and pace in her strokes and at occasions, was crafty along with her delicate drops and double boast. Kenzy discovered it tough to learn Yee’s sport correctly.

Down a match, it was left to high seed Aly Abou El Einen to stage issues and he delivered in fashion, defeating an lively Darren Pragasam in three straight video games. After a sensational sport in opposition to India’s Saurav Ghosal on Friday, a lot was anticipated from the Malaysian, however Abou performed a notch greater.

Egypt’s Aly Abou EI Einen performs in opposition to Malaysia’s Darren Pragasam in the course of the finals of the SDAT WSF Squash World Cup held in Chennai on June 17, 2023.
| Picture Credit score:
AFP

There have been a couple of positives from Darren, particularly his backhand drops from the backcourt and his spectacular court-craft. Abou, nonetheless, remained largely in charge of the rallies. The turning level for Egypt emerged within the second sport.

At 6-6, Darren hit what seemed like a clear backhand down-the-line winner. Abou fell claiming that he was inadvertently hit on the face by Darren’s racquet. The Egyptian took an damage time-out and returned to win the second and third sport, the match and the tie.

The lone hope for Malaysia was 18-year-old Aira Azman, who took on Fayrouz Abukhdeir within the third match. Surprisingly, she seemed deflated and never motivated sufficient particularly within the first two video games. She fought onerous to win the third sport, however Fayrouz appeared decided to shut out the sport and the match.

Egypt’s Fayrouz Abouelkheir in motion throughout their workforce last match, at World Squash Federation (WSF) World Cup 2023, in Chennai, Saturday, June 17, 2023.
| Picture Credit score:
PTI

Mohamed Elkeiy, Egyptian coach mentioned the important thing was the workforce’s meticulous planning and execution. “We beat them 3-1 in the group match. We knew it was going to be a fight. We were ready to win some matches that we lost earlier,” he mentioned.

Later, M. Ok. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, gave away the prizes.

The consequence: Egypt bt Malaysia (4-1 on factors) (Kenzy Ayman misplaced to Xin Ying Yee 4-7, 5-7, 6-7; Aly Abou El Einen bt Darren Pragasam 7-3, 7-6, 7-4; Fayrouz Abouelkheir bt Aira Azman 7-4, 7-5, 6-7,7-6).