Egypt’s Salma Hany emerged victorious at the 2025 Manchester Squash Open, capturing her first title of the season. The No.3 seed delivered a masterful performance, defeating top seed and defending champion Georgina Kennedy in a mesmerizing five-game thriller at the PSA Squash Tour Bronze-level event.
Hany, currently ranked 15th in the world, made an electrifying start by dominating the opening game 11-2, leaving the home crowd in silence. Her precise control and unyielding energy set the tone for the match. However, Kennedy, known for her tenacity and sharp boasts, responded fiercely in the second game, securing an 11-9 victory to level the score.
Post-match, Hany expressed her disbelief and joy, “I still can’t believe it’s over. What a battle,” she said. “I feel really proud of how I kept it together till the end. Playing Gina is never easy; she’s such a fighter. We had a battle here last year, so winning this one is incredibly special, especially after my injury at the season’s start,” she shared with psasquashtour.com.
Hany’s journey to this victory has been remarkable, overcoming injury challenges that initially threatened her season. Her triumph at Manchester is not only a personal victory but a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her team. Her win marks a significant milestone in her career, promising more success in the future.
Kennedy’s improved line hitting posed problems for Hany in the second game, but the Egyptian rallied in the third game, executing nine stunning winners to take the lead once more. Her tactical use of the spongy ball showcased her adaptability and strategic prowess.
The men’s final saw Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas clinch the Manchester Open 2025 title in a thrilling five-set clash against Egypt’s top seed, Aly Abou Eleinen. Cardenas, the Mexican No.1, used his strength and tactical advantage to dominate the first game. Despite Eleinen’s efforts to level the match in the second game with an 11-5 win, Cardenas’s resilience and superior court control ultimately led him to victory.
Squash enthusiasts and analysts are already hailing Hany and Cardenas’s victories as defining moments in their careers. Squash analyst and former world champion, Laura Massaro, remarked on the matches’ intensity: “Both finals were exhilarating to watch. Hany’s victory is a significant boost for Egyptian women’s squash, showcasing her mental strength and strategic game play.”
As the squash season progresses, all eyes will be on these champions to see how they continue to shape their paths in the global squash arena. With Salma Hany’s victory, Egyptian squash continues to cement its position as a powerhouse in the sport, inspiring a new generation of athletes
