Gaultier & Mosaad To Contest World Championship Final

A new name will be etched onto the most prestigious trophy in squash on Sunday when debutant finalist Omar Mosaad and four-time runner-up Gregory Gaultier go head-to-head in the climax of the 2015 Men's PSA World Squash Championship in Bellevue in the US state of Washington.

Gaultier, the Frenchman who lost the 2006 final after squandering five match-balls before also falling at the final hurdle in 2007, 2011 and 2013, produced a masterclass against giant-killer James Willstrop to secure his berth in the title-decider. The Englishman had already taken out top seed and pre-event favourite Mohamed Elshorbagy and world No.5 Miguel Angel Rodriguez in stunning style to reach the last four - but Gaultier was impeccable as he saw out the match in straight games, winning 11-1, 11-8, 11-8 after just 50 minutes.

"I've lost four finals in my life and I had five match-balls and obviously didn't make it," said Gaultier, who was quick to mention the impact of the Paris attacks on his hunger to win.

"But I am more than motivated to win tomorrow. I came here and I was sick the first few days and I was struggling but I had to deal with it. The motivation makes the difference at the end of the day - if your head is there you can deal with anything," added the Frenchman, now in the 67th PSA World Tour final of his career.

"Everybody was really touched about what happened in France and what's happening at the moment in the whole world - I'm determined to make it for myself, for my country, for my team and for everybody who supports me in the world."

Gaultier will line up against Omar Mosaad in a repeat of the 2015 US Open final after the man known as the 'Hammer of Thor', for his hard-hitting style, followed up his huge quarter-final upset win over 2014 champion Ramy Ashour with a classy 11-4, 11-4, 11-8 victory over fellow Egyptian Tarek Momen.

The number eight seed outclassed Momen in one of the finest performances of his career to secure his place in what could be a career-defining contest, which poignantly comes just three months after the 28-year-old lost his mother and sister in a tragic car accident in Egypt.

"To be in the final of the World Championship is an amazing feeling," said Mosaad on the eve of his 26th Tour final.

"It's the second time this season I've made a big final so I'm really happy and I hope I can play well tomorrow and win. Today was tough but I will pick myself up now, recover, and hopefully come back strong tomorrow.

"Three months ago my family had an accident and I lost two of them, so I hope I can win tomorrow and dedicate this title to my father because he deserves it. He's been a role model for me and I want to win for him."

World Championship image courtesy of www.squashpics.com