Ashour Creates Squash History In New Zealand

Egypt's Ramy Ashour created squash history today in New Zealand when he beat Omar Mosaad in the final of the Prince Men's World Junior Championship to become the first man ever to win the world junior title twice.

And he did so in some style, defeating his fellow countryman in straight sets 9-1 9-3 9-1 in 43 minutes in a sensational climax on an all-glass championship court witnessed by a full house at the 1300-seat Arena Manawatu stadium in Palmerston North.

The all-Egyptian final was a fine display of power-squash by Ashour who showed his class with a variety of killer shots that simply shut his opponent out of the match.

"I'm really, really happy to have made history by winning a second time," Ashour told Peter Bidwell, reporting for www.squashtalk.com.

Ashour shocked the squash world two years ago when - aged 16, and seeded only to reach the last eight - he romped through the biennial event in Pakistan to become the fourth Egyptian to win the crown since the inaugural event in 1980.

"I'm a much better player than I was two years ago," he said. "I'm fitter, and more mature too," added the 18-year-old who has already made his debut in the PSA top twenty world rankings.

He received his trophy and the winner's medal from the legendary Jahangir Khan, now President of the World Squash Federation.

"Jahangir told me to keep it up, you're going to become the senior world champion, you're improving every day," Ashour said.

Three other finals were also played today with Australian Zac Alexander defeating American Mart Froot 5-9 9-5 9-0 10-9 in the Plate final; Omar Tarek Mahm Aly of Egypt beating Chris Tasker-Grindley of England 5-9 9-2 9-2 9-1 in the Classic Plate; and Chris O'Kane of Ireland overcoming New Zealand's Cameron Jamieson 9-4 9-6 9-7 in the Consolation Plate.

Final:
[1] Ramy Ashour (EGY) bt [3] Omar Mosaad (EGY) 9-1, 9-3, 9-1 (43m)