Ramy Retains El Gouna Crown To Celebrate Silver World Series Success

Egypt's Ramy Ashour successfully retained his El Gouna International Open trophy in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna - and notched up his 25th PSA World Series title success.

The world No4 from Cairo was in scintillating form to see off compatriot Mohamed Elshorbagy, the world No3, in four games to take the title for the second time.

Elshorbagy had come into the match following an epic 112-minute semi-final upset over France's world No1 Gregory Gaultier.

Ashour, who endured an injury-plagued four months from October to January, looked to be back at his devastating best throughout the entire tournament as he romped to the final without dropping a single game and proved too much for his younger opponent.

"I've never felt better," said Ashour following the triumph which marked the 34th PSA Tour title of his career.

"I'm overwhelmed to win the title and I'm very happy with my performance today - I thought it was a great match," added the 26-year-old.

Ashour looked to be on his way to a completing a clean sweep after taking the first two games 11-7, 12-10, but it was a match in which the younger Egyptian never gave up. Elshorbagy's determination was rewarded when he dug deep to take the third game 11-8.

But Cairo-based Ashour responded in fashion to win a fiercely-contested fourth game 11-8 and take the title following 72 minutes of scintillating squash which delighted the packed house in El Gouna.

"Mohamed is one of the most explosive and best players around. He's got many different attributes and is a threat to all the top players," added Ashour.

"He's already a top five player and he's definitely going to be one to watch but I'm happy to win today."

Ashour now boasts more PSA World Series titles than any other current player on the Tour, ahead of fellow countryman Amr Shabana (20) and England's Nick Matthew (15).