Selby Looking Forward to Battles In Women’s Game During 24-25 Season

The new PSA season is less than two weeks away with the first ever Diamond level event in Giza, Egypt opening the new campaign. The CIB Egyptian Open will see the return of a qualification draw, due to start on the 26th August. A total of 152 players will compete across both draws, all looking to start the season on the front foot.

England’s former World No.9 and former British Nationals champion Daryl Selby is anticipating many intriguing battles on the PSA Squash Tour this season, especially in the women’s game, as he can see youth prevailing as a host of players battle for spots in the world’s top 10.

Men’s One to Watch

Daryl: “I really like the look of Aly Abou Eleinen. He’s sitting outside the top 10 currently but he’s definitely someone that I think we’ll see climb the rankings this season and break into that bracket at some point.

“My other one to watch is Youssef Ibrahim. He’s always such an entertaining player to watch, once he finds the balance between attack and defence and improves his physicality he will be some force to be reckoned with.”

Women’s Ones to Watch

Daryl: “Amina Orfi. She’s such a talent even at such a young age and she will be an interesting watch this season to see how she progresses up the rankings and whether she can regularly challenge the top five.

“Fayrouz Aboelkheir is another young Egyptian player who showed glimpses of the level she can reach last season. I think we’ll see her cause some big upsets this season and climb towards the top 10 and maybe even break into it.”

Men’s Top 4 Battle

Daryl: This is a hugely interesting battle at the top of the men’s game for the season ahead. [Mostafa] Asal and [Diego] Elias will be looking for more consistency throughout the season to try and hit that number one spot. I feel like [Ali] Farag will be able to fend off the challengers just about this season, but a lot of the major titles will be shared due to the intensive nature of the season and the strength in depth of the players at the top of the men’s game.

Women’s Top 10 Battle

Daryl: “I see youth prevailing in the women’s top 10 battle. Gina [Kennedy] and Olivia [Weaver] are continually improving and I feel like they will challenge the top three more heavily this season. It’s fantastic to see Amanda [Sobhy] and Joelle [King] back, two world class players, but it will be a tough ask after long periods out to get back to the levels that the top women are playing at now. There will be a lot of intriguing match ups this season in the women’s game, no doubt.

To watch all the action unfold from the upcoming season, head to SQUASHTV or follow the PSA Squash Tour on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.