Gohar Grabs 5th Title of 2022 At South Western Open

Earning her fifth PSA World Tour trophy of the year, world No.1 Nouran Gohar claimed the inaugural South Western Women's Open title in Houston, Texas, after a straight games victory over compatriot Nour El Tayeb. The No.1 seed took a tight opening game before moving from strength to strength to win the PSA World Tour Gold event at Houston Squash Club.

Both players made it through to the final after coming through tough semi-final encounters against Rowan Elaraby and Amanda Sobhy respectively. The finalists both had to go all the way to five games to defeat their spirited opponents to give themselves a shot at the title.

The pair had met 14 times previously on the PSA World Tour, with Gohar holding a positive 9-5 advantage in the head-to-head record. The world No.1 came out firing in the opening game, hitting the ball at a blistering pace to restrict El Tayeb's trademark attacking flair. Gohar earned herself two game balls at 10-8 and despite a determined comeback from El Tayeb, took the lead 12-10.

World No.8, El Tayeb admitted that she still feels like she is making her way back after returning to the tour just 10 months ago. She looked to be feeling the effects of yesterday's semi-final against US No.1 Sobhy as the physicality of the older Egyptian faded in the second game. El Tayeb started to make unnecessary errors which only spurred her opponent on further.

After securing the second game 11-5 to place one hand on the trophy, Gohar was relentless in her pursuit of the title. Her hitting power increased as well as her accuracy, making life extremely difficult for El Tayeb in all areas of the court. Gohar set herself up with four match balls at 10-6 and converted at the second time of asking to seal the game 11-7 and win her first title of the season and eighth title in 12 months.

"Nour [El Tayeb] has been an inspiration," said Gohar later. "I don't think anyone could do what she did. She's a very tough opponent, I'm very happy that she's back on tour. It's always enjoyable against Nour. I always feel like I'm the underdog so it takes the nerves away but it has been a great week of squash and I've felt at home this week here in Houston. I'm so grateful for the support so thank you so much.

"I'm just enjoying it right now, everything in life moves too quickly so I'm just trying to enjoy the good moments. Thank you to Jahanzeb [tournament promoter] for putting the tournament on, not everyone can sort a Gold event in such a short space of time. I want to thank all my team, my coach, friends and family, Tecnifibre, Red Bull and all my fitness coaches."

Action from the PSA World Tour quickly moves on to the Bronze-level Open de France de Squash 2022, which begins today, followed by the Platinum-level CIB Egyptian Open at the Pyramids of Giza, which begins on September 19th.