Defending Champion Gohar Withdraws From South Western Women’s Open

World No.2 Nouran Gohar has unfortunately been forced to withdraw from the upcoming South Western Women’s Open and will therefore not be able to defend her title in Houston between 27 September – 1 October.

Compatriot Nour El Tayeb will take the place of Gohar as the No.1 seed and after a disappointing early exit in Doha, will be determined to make amends in the first women’s Gold event of the new season. She’ll be up against either Alexandra Fuller or late entry Cindy Merlo in round two.

USA’s Amanda Sobhy now moves to the No.2 seed position and will look to claim a 21st career title in Texas. She will now face either Jana Shiha or Georgia Adderley in round two after receiving a bye in the first round.

Egypt’s Salma Hany now moves to a top four seeding position and Wales’ Emily Whitlock is now a top eight seed and after receiving a bye in round one, will play either Nour Aboulmakarim or event wildcard Raya Navani in the second round.

Due to the withdrawal of France’s Marie Stephan, England’s Millie Tomlinson also comes into the draw and will face compatriot Lucy Beecroft in the opening round.

The action will be available to watch LIVE on SQUASHTV. With further updates available by visiting the PSA World Tour website or following the PSA on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Updated Draw: South Western Women’s Open 2023
[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bye
Georgia Adderley (SCO) v [9/16] Jana Shiha (EGY)
[9/16] Nour Aboulmakarim (EGY) v [WC] Riya Navani (USA)
[8] Emily Whitlock (WAL) bye
[5] Olivia Clyne (USA) bye
Ineta Mackevica (LAT) v [9/16] Nada Abbas (EGY)
[9/16] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) v Emilia Soini (FIN)
[3] Olivia Fiechter (USA) bye
[4] Salma Hany (EGY) bye
Grace Gear (ENG) v [9/16] Zeina Mickawy (EGY)
[9/16] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) v Millie Tomlinson (ENG)
[6] Farida Mohamed (EGY) bye
[7] Melissa Alves (FRA) bye
Nicole Bunyan (CAN) v [9/16] Hana Ramadan (EGY) 
[9/16] Alexandra Fuller (RSA) v Cindy Merlo (SUI)
[1] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bye