Gaultier Grabs Windy City Glory

Frenchman Gregory Gaultier lifted the 2014 METROsquash Windy City Open title at the University Club of Chicago following a straight games victory over Egypt's world No3 Ramy Ashour in the final of the second PSA World Series squash event of the year.

The world No2 from Aix-en-Provence took just 25 minutes to ease past a visibly-hampered Ashour, whose recent run of bad luck with injuries appeared to resurface in his eighth title match-up with Gaultier, taking the match 11-7, 11-3, 11-4.

The victory gave Gaultier his first win over the Cairo-native in nine attempts, but he celebrated in reserved fashion.

"It is tough to win in this way and it makes it hard to enjoy the victory in the same way," said a subdued Gaultier after the match.

"It is not enjoyable when you see your opponent injured and he has had so many injuries in the past and it is a shame as he is such an unbelievable player.

"But I am happy with how I played through the whole week. I had some tough matches and of course I'm happy to win the trophy as it is these moments that we all work so hard for."

Victory saw Gaultier claim his 26th PSA World Tour title - but his first since winning 2013 US Open in October.

"I've lost a few finals here and a few in my career and obviously I always try to change that," he said.

"The level of competition with guys like Ramy, Nick (Matthew), Mohamed (Elshorbagy) and all the others guys is so tough that there are only small things that make the difference now.

"Without all my team at home and the support of my family and sponsors I would never be in these finals and these moments would never happen so I'm really thankful to them."

Speaking after the match, Ashour said: "I'm happy I reached the final today but I felt a little niggle.

"Sometimes these things get in the way of your dreams but that takes noting away from Greg's win as he's an incredible athlete."

Windy City image courtesy of Marian Kraus Photography