GWC Squash House Preview: Zein Aiming For Back-To-Back Wins

The second of two American events this week will be the GWC Squash House Challenger, which will take place from Friday, September 23 to Monday, September 26 at the GWC Squash House in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The women’s Challenger 5 level tournament will see USA’s Marina Stefanoni as the top seed on home soil, with England’s Torrie Malik and Indian Akanksha Salunkhe seeded to make last four at least.

Egypt’s Zeina Zein moved up to World No.70 following her victory at the Nash Cup in London, Ontario, Canada, where she claimed her biggest Tour title to date. We spoke to the Egyptian following her win, and ahead of this week’s event in Connecticut.

“The Nash Cup was my biggest tournament to enter and my biggest career win. I was so happy to get through, as I had lots of tough matches. I was also thrilled with my performance during the week,” the young Egyptian said.

“My confidence level has been boosted. I am getting more comfortable on court with every match and I just go for my shots.”

The Challenger 20 level crown in Canada was the biggest of her fledgling career, and the 17-year-old will be aiming to go back-to-back this week to continue her rise up the World Rankings.

“I really wish I can win here in Greenwich, I’ll work as hard as I did in the Nash Cup and hopefully it pays off in this tournament too,” she explained.

“I’d love to get more wins and hopefully reach the top 50 in summer or maybe more, I won’t say no to that.”

Mexico’s Diana Garcia, Colombian Laura Tovar, Canada’s Hannah Blatt and another home hope, in Lucie Stefanoni, will make up the rest of the top eight seeds, with Carole Fouts, Arisha Khan and wildcard Lara Varma adding to the American contingent in action on home soil.

The event takes place from Friday, September 23 to Monday, September 26 at the GWC Squash House in Greenwich, Connecticut. Follow the PSA Challenger Tour on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates from the event.

First Round Draw: GWC Squash House Challenger
[1] Marina Stefanoni (USA) v Caroline Fouts (USA)
Diana Gasca (MEX) v [6] Lucie Stefanoni (USA)
[8] Hannah Blatt (CAN) v Anastasiia Kostiukova (UKR)
Zaynab Khan (PAK) v [3] Akanksha Salunkhe (IND)
[4] Zeina Zein (EGY) v [WC] Lara Varma (USA)
Arisha Khan (USA) v [7] Laura Tovar (COL)
[5] Diana Garcia (MEX) v Julia Le Coq (FRA)
Sohaila Ismail (EGY) v [2] Torrie Malik (ENG)