Doha: The Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex is poised to host world-class squash action as the QTerminals Qatar Classic returns to Doha today. Squash enthusiasts from around the globe will be treated to a PSA World Tour Platinum tournament that promises a week filled with intense competition, featuring both men’s and women’s events together for the first time since 2015.
Egypt’s Nour ElSherbini, who recently reclaimed the World No.1 spot from compatriot Nouran Gohar, will be seeking to solidify her position at the top of the rankings. ElSherbini’s fine run after winning the opening Platinum event in Paris last Saturday will be put to the test as the points separating the Egyptian duo are few. El Sherbini, who finished as runner-up in the 2015 Qatar Classic after falling to England’s Laura Massaro in the final, will need to match or surpass Gohar’s results this week to maintain her position.
For top seed Gohar to reclaim the World No.1 spot, she must win the event or reach the final, while ElSherbini must exit in the semi-finals or earlier. Both players will begin their title hunt from the second round, with El Sherbini poised for a strong campaign against potential challengers such as World No.10 Rowan Elaraby, World No.6 Nele Gilis, and World No.4 Joelle King before the final.
Gohar’s journey also commences with a bye into the second round, where she will face either Wales’ Emily Whitlock or Latvia’s Ineta Mackevica. Her path ahead is filled with formidable opponents, including World No.9 Olivia Fiechter and World No.7 Amanda Sobhy, setting the stage for a tantalizing semi-final clash with her arch-rival Hania El Hammamy.
While the star duo highlights the 48-woman draw for the second PSA Platinum event of the 2023-24 season, the men’s side also promises fireworks. World No.1 Ali Farag will be aiming to secure his second title of the season in a row, having claimed victory at the Paris Tournament. Farag’s final opponent in Paris, 2021 Qatar Classic winner – Peruvian World No.2 Diego Elias – is also back in Doha. The defending champion Mohamed Elshorbagy and former title winner Paul Coll, as well as top guns Marwan Elshorbagy, Mazen Hesham, Victor Crouin, Tarek Momen, and home favourite Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi, also return to action, promising thrilling action for the next seven days.
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