Doha: Paul Coll became the first New Zealander to clinch the QTerminals Qatar Classic title following his victory over World Champions Mostafa Asal while Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy made it two wins from two to start the PSA Squash Tour season after beating last year’s champion Nour ElSherbin in straight games to win the women’s trophy on a thrilling finals night in Doha on Saturday.
With his victory at the PSA World Tour Platinum event, Coll puts to an end a six-match losing streak against World No.1 Asal. The 33-year-old delivered an impeccable performance, ultimately securing a title at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex with a score of 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5.
This season has been quite tumultuous for Coll, who started strong with a win at the London Classic, only to face one of the sport’s most significant upsets when he was defeated by World No.252 Adam Hawal at the CIB Egyptian Open last month.
Nevertheless, he made a remarkable comeback, reversing his recent misfortunes against Asal to triumph in the final on his fourth attempt at this location.
His performance was calculated, allowing him to advance up the court and pursue the volley, effectively keeping his opponent at bay as he achieved his 30th PSA title and his first major trophy since the Hong Kong Open in December 2023.
“I was on top of the world in London and then probably one of the darkest I’ve ever been [after the loss to Hawal],” said Coll.
“I went back home and punished myself. I went back to my roots and did court sprints, a lot of work went into this and I’m absolutely stoked.
“It felt uncomfortable, I said to Rob [Owen, Coll’s coach] that I get stuck down the backhand side and I can’t inject any pace in the game, he [Asal] just controls me. He told me to get up the court and volley. He’s so good, it’s unbelievable how he can whip those kills in. I had to make it all about me today. It’s a long time [since winning a major] so I’m stoked.”
Meanwhile, El Hammamy commenced her season by securing silverware at the CIB Egyptian Open last month, and she maintained her flawless beginning to the 2025-26 campaign with an 11-6, 15-13, 11-8 victory over the eight-time World Champion, thereby winning the Qatar Classic for the second time.
This match mirrored last season’s PSA World Championships final, with El Hammamy avenging her previous loss to claim her 17th PSA title, marking her first Qatar Classic silverware since 2023.
“It’s the first time I’ve won two titles back-to-back, it’s a dream start,” said El Hammamy.
“I never have a very good start to the season, so it’s been memorable. I’ve never been in this position before, I’m pretty pleased and I’m enjoying myself on court. I haven’t made a lot of changes [in the off season], but I’m on the right track and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
“I’m hoping [to reach World No.1 this season], but I don’t want to put expectations on myself. If I keep on improving at every tournament, then hopefully I can end as the World No.1.”
Results – Men’s Final: 2025 QTerminals Qatar Classic
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [1] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-1: 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5 (68m)
Results – Women’s Final: 2025 QTerminals Qatar Classic
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 15-13, 11-8 (41m)
