LOC00:31
21:31 GMT
(With photos)
KUWAIT, March 14 (KUNA) -- The world's top seed and unstoppable squash
player Ramy Ashour, of Egypt, on Thursday night celebrated his tenth
successive PSA World Tour final by beating the world's No. 4 James Willstrop.
Ashour finished the sensational final of Kuwait Professional Squash
Association (Kuwait PSA) Cup against Willstrop, of England, 3-1 in his favor.
The reigning world champion began strongly against Willstrop, from Leeds,
who topped the world rankings for all but one month of last year, according to
an PSA statement.
After a sluggish opening few minutes, Willstrop turned the tables and
rattled off five points in a row from six-all - including a now almost
'trade-mark' dummy shot at the front of the court that completely fooled
Ashour - to take the opening game.
Ashour was clearly trying to calm himself down as he returned to the court
for the second game and after the Englishman led 4-1 and 7-5, the top seed
turned on his ace game to draw level.
By now the packed and exuberant Kuwait crowd was playing a significant part
in the match - chanting for their Egyptian hero.
Errors crept into Willstrop's game in the third as Ashour won six points in
a row before the Englishman was able to stop the rot. But two typical
crosscourt volley nicks gave Ashour the game - and a 2/1 lead.
Clearly now in the ascendancy, Ashour bounced back on court for the fourth
- and after a now tired-looking Willstrop survived an excellent rally to
recover to 3-6, the Egyptian took the next five points in a row to claim his
magnificent 6-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-3 victory.
Speaking to reporters after the award-giving ceremony, Kuwait Minister of
Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah
Al-Salem Al-Sabah took great pride in representing His Highness the Amir
Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the event.
Sheikh Salman spoke highly of the sensational style of the players and the
wonderful organization of the championship and the high turnout of spectators.
He voiced hope for hosting such major events which have great impact on the
levels of Kuwaiti sportspeople.
On his part, the jubilant champion Ashour kissed the court floor in
celebration as the crowd cheered their appreciation.
He said the tournament is one of the world's major squash events that draws
participation of distinguished players.
He appreciated, in statements to KUNA, the efforts made by the organizing
committee, chaired by Sheikha Fadiya Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, which led to
the wonderful event.
Speaking of his opponent, Ashour said: "He's a great person, on and off
court. He's a gentleman and I've learnt a lot from him. He's a great player."
The Kuwait PSA Cup, locally known as the late Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah
Al-Sabah international men's squash championship, was hosted by Al-Qadsia
Sporting Club between March 8 and 14.
The PSA is an affiliate of the WSF (World Squash Federation) who determine
the rules of the game. (end)
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