Amanda Sobhy Celebrates Canadian Open Success

Amanda Sobhy is the 2023 Canadian Women's Open champion after coming from behind to defeat Egypt's Salma Hany and win the 20th PSA title of her career.

The American fell behind early, but came back hard to get the better of Hany, who appeared to struggle with an injury sustained in game two.

Ahead of the match, both players had proved themselves worthy of their status as the top two seeds having reached the final without dropping a game, though US No.1 Sobhy will likely have taken confidence from her dominant 9-0 record against the Egyptian.

The capacity crowds at the stunning Allen Lambert Galleria in Brookfield Place, Toronto, had been treated to thrilling squash all week and the final day was no different, with both players wowing the crowd in an entertaining opening game.

It was Hany who struck first, with the Egyptian moving Sobhy around the court well and finishing the opening game strongly as she pushed on from 7-5 down to winning 11-8.

Unsurprisingly, Sobhy came back firing in the second game, with the American more accurate in her attacking play and giving Hany, who took an injury break after the game, few opportunities.

After taking the second game 11-5, Sobhy continued to attack in the third, testing an increasingly frustrated Hany's movement as she moved ahead with a second 11-5 win.

With momentum behind her and oozing confidence, Sobhy looked to put the match to bed rapidly in game four, with the American taking the first four points against the labouring Egyptian.

Despite the efforts of Hany, she could do little as Sobhy continued to win quick fire points, with the American putting the contest to bed with an 11-6 victory.

After being handed her trophy and medal by Canadian legend Jonathon Power, Sobhy said: "It feels great [to have won a 20th title]. That was my goal this week, to win the event, and I'm really pleased that I did it. It was amazing and so great to have [this level of] women's squash back in Canada!"

After thanking her team and sponsors, she added: "This is the first time in 20 years having the glass court in this venue and it's been phenomenal all week. I am so glad that I played this event and I want to thank you all for making it happen and showing up day after day to make it happen!"

Hany said: "I'd like to congratulate Amanda for winning today. I'm obviously very gutted to lose another final to her, but we're not going away from each other. Overall, I'm very happy with my week and think I played some amazing squash!"

For both Sobhy and Hany, attention turns immediately to the British Open, which is returning to Birmingham after a 22-year hiatus and will be played 9-16 April.