Egyptian squash stars Nour El-Sherbini and Mostafa Asal claimed the coveted PSA World Championship titles in Chicago, reaffirming Egypt’s unshakable status as the world capital of squash.

The prestigious tournament, sponsored by the Walter Family, featured a record-breaking $1.3 million prize pool, split equally between the men’s and women’s divisions—an achievement in parity that underscores the growing global prestige of the sport.

In what can only be described as a moment of legend-making, El-Sherbini, 29, defeated compatriot Hania El-Hammamy with a decisive 11-5, 11-9, 4-11, 11-7 victory. This marked her eighth World Championship title, equaling the legendary Nicol David’s all-time record. It was her 10th consecutive final appearance, and she has now won all four PSA World Championships held in Chicago.

“I never thought I would be winning eight,” El-Sherbini said, overwhelmed with emotion. “It’s been a tough season, and this title means everything to my team, my parents, and all those who’ve supported me.”

Her opponent, El-Hammamy, just 23, was competing in her first-ever World Championship final, a notable accomplishment in itself. Analysts noted El-Hammamy’s nerves early on, but praised her resilience and predicted a bright future.

“She’s amazing. She will win this title more than once,” El-Sherbini added in a show of sportsmanship and sisterhood.

Asal’s Ascendancy: Power, Precision, and Redemption

In the men’s final, Mostafa Asal, still just 23, stunned the squash world with a dominant straight-games victory over four-time World Champion Ali Farag, scoring 11-7, 11-8, 11-3 in under an hour. The win was both a personal redemption and a historic moment—Asal did not drop a single game throughout the tournament.

Now the holder of both the PSA World Championship and British Open titles, Asal also retained his World No. 1 ranking, which he would have relinquished had Farag taken the title.

“Emotionally, I feel out of this world,” Asal said, holding back tears. “I owe this to my mentor James Willstrop. There were moments I considered leaving the sport. This title proves I belong.”

His victory, played out on one of squash’s biggest stages, was a masterclass in strategic aggression and mental resilience. Asal’s path to the top has not been without controversy—his often polarizing style has earned him both criticism and adoration—but in Chicago, he silenced doubters with results.

Global Context: Egypt’s Enduring Squash Legacy

Egypt has long been considered the spiritual home of squash, a nation that consistently produces elite players dominating the global rankings. With both men’s and women’s finals being all-Egyptian affairs, Cairo once again underscored its dominance in a sport that continues to grow internationally.

Ahmed Darwish, regional sports analyst and former national coach, noted:

“What we’re witnessing isn’t just success—it’s dynasty. El-Sherbini is a legend. Asal is a revolution. This isn’t Egypt’s golden era—it’s the standard the rest of the world is chasing.”

Behind the scenes, Egypt’s development programs and coaching infrastructure are cited as core reasons for the country’s squash supremacy. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with private sponsors, has invested heavily in training academies and international exposure for junior players.

Sources close to the Egyptian Squash Federation revealed hat discussions are underway for Egypt to bid for the 2027 PSA World Championships, potentially bringing the sport’s highest honor back to Cairo.

“With our athletes consistently winning abroad, it’s time we hosted the sport’s pinnacle event at home,” the official stated under condition of anonymity. “The momentum is there, and the players deserve it.”

While El-Sherbini and Asal celebrated their triumphs, the next generation is already rising. El-Hammamy and Farag remain formidable, and with Egypt’s youth pipeline flourishing, squash fans across the globe can expect the Nile’s champions to continue setting records.

As squash continues its campaign for Olympic inclusion, Egypt’s dominance offers the sport both credibility and star power. And with this weekend’s double triumph in Chicago, the message is clear: In squash, all roads lead to Cairo.