England's Mohamed ElShorbagy (right) and Malaysia's Rachel Arnold pose for a photo after winning the men's and women's finals at the China Squash Open 2024 on Nov 3, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) China Squash Open 2024 concluded at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center Crescent Lagoon in Shanghai on Nov 3, with England's Mohamed ElShorbagy and Malaysia's Rachel Arnold emerging victorious in the men's and women's finals, respectively.
In a display of dominance, Rachel Arnold secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Egyptian player Farida Mohamed in the women's final, showcasing her exceptional skills and strategic prowess on the court. Meanwhile, Mohamed ElShorbagy staged a remarkable comeback in the fourth set to defeat Egyptian competitor Mohamed Abouelghar 3-1 in the men's final, claiming his 50th PSA title.
The tournament marked the first professional squash event held in the Chinese mainland following the inclusion of squash on the official program of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, underscoring the growing popularity and recognition of the sport on the global stage.
A view of the tournament court of the China Squash Open 2024 in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Featuring a star-studded lineup of 48 male and female athletes from around the world, the PSA China Squash Open boasted a substantial prize pool of $142,500, attracting top talent and creating an atmosphere of fierce competition and sportsmanship. Among the participants were four players ranked in the top 10 globally, including the illustrious ElShorbagy, a former world No 1 and reigning China Open champion known for his exceptional skills and consistency on the court.
In a gesture of inclusivity and support for local talent, four Chinese mainland players were granted wildcard entries to compete alongside international squash stars in the Silver-level tournament. Despite facing first-round defeats, the promising young athletes viewed the experience as a valuable opportunity for growth and learning, inspiring them to continue honing their skills and striving for excellence in the sport.
Wang Ding, the director of the squash department at the small ball sports management center of the General Administration of Sport of China, highlighted the tournament's role in not only showcasing the allure of squash but also in encouraging greater participation among young individuals, fostering a new generation of squash enthusiasts and athletes in China and beyond.
Li Junfeng contributed to this story.
