Hany Conquers Kennedy In ToC Shock

Egyptian trio Salma Hany, Malak Khafagy and Yahya Elnawasany scored impressive wins on day two of the 2024 JP Morgan Tournament of Champions - Hany claiming her maiden Tour victory over fifth seed Georgina Kennedy to reach the third round of the PSA World Tour Platinum event.

Hany battled back from 2/1 down to down the English world No.6 and reach the last sixteen of a Platinum event for the fifth time this season.

"It feels amazing," said Hany later. "I love this venue and tournament. Having to play Gina in the first match is brutal for both of us and I was so pumped up for this one. I had a game plan, my coach is here at my favourite tournament so I really didn't want to go home early.

"He was telling me to stick to the plan, be aggressive and go for my shots. He would tell me the right words and it's what I needed to hear."

Khafagy was first to secure her place in round three, a first appearance in the last sixteen for the 19-year-old. She defeated Hong Kong's Tomato Ho in straight games at the Nicol Squash Club, avenging her 3/2 loss from the New Zealand Open.

"Last time I played her, I was 2/0 up and I lost so I was devastated with the way I dealt with the match," said Khafagy.

"Now I won in three, I'm so proud with how solid I was and I'm excited. Coming here I wasn't expecting anything and I wanted to play my best and I wanted to enjoy it. Now I've beaten them both, it means everything to me and I super overwhelmed and I don't know how to process everything right now!"

Khafagy now faces top seed and idol Nour ElSherbini on Saturday and can't wait to step onto court with the world No.1.

"Nour is my role model and we grew up watching her at the same club. We train together, I see her every day, she's like an older sister to me and I'm super excited to play with her. It's a pleasure to be on court with her."

After overcoming Switzerland's Nicolas Mueller in round one, Yahya Elnawasany scored another big win on day two as he defeated compatriot Aly Abou Eleinen to book his place in the third round. Three tight games went the way of the younger Egyptian, who will now face No.3 seed Paul Coll.