Coll & El Hammamy Claim Qatar Classic Crowns

New Zealand's Paul Coll and Egypt's Hania El Hammamy have captured the QTerminals Qatar Classic trophies following wins over World Champions Mostafa Asal and Nour ElSherbini on a thrilling finals night in Doha.

Coll has become the first New Zealand player to win the prestigious trophy after ending a six-match losing run against world No.1 Asal. An immaculate performance saw the 33-year-old finally get his hands on a title at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, winning 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5.

It's been a roller coaster season so far for Coll, who began the season with victory at the London Classic before suffering one of the sport's biggest-ever upsets when he lost to world No.252 Adam Hawal at the CIB Egyptian Open last month.

However, the Kiwi bounced back in the best possible way, turning recent history against Asal on its head to win a final on the fourth time of asking at the venue.

It was a measured display which saw him get up the court and hunt the volley, keeping his opponent behind him as he claimed his 30th PSA title and his first major trophy since the Hong Kong Open in December 2023.

"I was on top of the world in London and then probably one of the darkest I've ever been," said Coll.

"I went back home and punished myself. I went back to my roots and did court sprints, a lot of work went into this and I'm absolutely stoked.

"It felt uncomfortable, I said to Rob [Owen, Coll's coach] that I get stuck down the backhand side and I can't inject any pace in the game, he [Asal] just controls me. He told me to get up the court and volley. He's so good, it's unbelievable how he can whip those kills in. I had to make it all about me today. It's a long time [since winning a major] so I'm stoked."

Meanwhile, El Hammamy made it two wins from two to start the PSA Squash Tour season after beating last year's champion ElSherbini in straight games.

El Hammamy began her season with silverware at the CIB Egyptian Open last month, and continued her perfect start to the 2025-26 campaign with an 11-6, 15-13, 11-8 triumph against the eight-time World Champion to win the Qatar Classic for the second time.

The match was a repeat of last season's PSA World Championships final, with El Hammamy gaining her revenge to lift her 17th PSA title, while it's her first Qatar Classic silverware since 2023.

"It's the first time I've won two titles back-to-back, it's a dream start," said El Hammamy.

"I never have a very good start to the season, so it's been memorable. I've never been in this position before, I'm pretty pleased and I'm enjoying myself on court. I haven't made a lot of changes [in the off season], but I'm on the right track and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.

"I'm hoping [to reach world No.1 this season], but I don't want to put expectations on myself. If I keep on improving at every tournament, then hopefully I can end as the world No.1."

The next stop on the PSA Squash Tour will be the Silicon Valley Open, which will be held at Squash Zone in Redwood City. The Gold-level tournament will be held between October 11-15. The action will be shown live on SQUASHTV.