Featured News
HSC 2024 Houston Men’s Squash Open: Day One Player Reaction
The HSC 2024 Houston Men’s Squash Open gets underway today, with eight first-round matches taking place at the Houston Squash Club.
All eight matches will be played on the glass court, and you can watch live on SQUASHTV from 13:00 (GMT-6).
We will have post-match reaction from today’s winners below as they bid to earn a place in round two.
Order of Play
El Hammamy Battles Back to Deny Herbert and Complete Round One
Karim El Hammamy fought back from 2-1 down to deny Simon Herbert a first Gold-level win, beating the Englishman 3-2 in the final match of day one.
El Hammamy has considerably more experience than Herbert at the World Tour level, but it was the 22-year-old who made the better start, hitting with accuracy when taking the ball in short before claiming game one with a vicious backhand winner.
Herbert then established a 4-1 lead in game two, but El Hammamy’s trademark speed and movement around the court helped him erase that deficit and later close out game two.
The momentum swung back in Herbert’s favour at the start of game three, as he mixed his shot selection up to take a 7-2 lead, holding off the threat of an El Hammamy fightback with a forehand drop that wrapped up the game.
The Egyptian was not ready to throw in the towel, though, and dominated game four to send us into a decider, which became both scrappy and tense, as both players wasted their reviews then grew frustrated as decisions went against them.
The video review was still called upon, at the referee’s request on match ball, with John Massarella in awarding El Hammamy a stroke that handed him victory.
“In the beginning I was struggling to find a little bit of length,” El Hammamy said after his win.
“When it’s not going your way and you’re not feeling your shots, you just have to run, so that was my thought and credit to Simon.
“He was playing really well and he was taking the middle of the court from me, so I’m glad I managed to get through this, and I will have to improve for the next round.
Result:
Karim El Hammamy (EGY) bt Simon Herbert (ENG) 3-2: 6-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7 (64m)
Vargas Sinks Baillargeon to Record First Gold-Level Win
Juan Camilo Vargas came from behind to beat David Baillargeon in a relentless, hard-fought battle, recording his first win at a PSA World Tour Gold-level event.
The two players are separated by just five spots in the world rankings, and that would prove to be a good indicator of the hard-fought battle that was to come as the players stepped on court.
The Canadian lefty took game one 11-8 before Vargas reversed the scoreline in game two, taking his first game ball after moving to 10-8 up by winning an epic, 97-shot rally which lasted well beyond the two-minute mark.
While that was an extreme case, long rallies became a trademark of the match in game three, something that played into the Colombian’s hands.
He continued to remain patient and outlast his opponent in taking game three by the same 11-8 scoreline, before finally creating daylight in game four, withstanding his fair share of pressure to give himself a 9-5 lead.
And his wait for victory would not be a long one, finishing things off in style, with a back-corner, three-wall boast that caught the nick.
Speaking after his win, Vargas said: “I’m just completely relieved and I’m very happy.
“I knew David would be really hard. He’s always really tough and gives 150%, so I knew I had to be really strong and I’m just pleased I got the win.
“It’s my first win in a gold so I’m very happy.”
Discussing his second-round matchup with Mostafa Asal, the 28-year-old insisted he would enjoy being the underdog while hoping to continue his good form.
“I’m trying to keep using the momentum that I’m carrying,” he said.
“I feel like I’m finally able to match the level of these higher-ranked players, and convert a few of the wins.
“Obviously against a quality player like Mostafa, there’s nothing to lose. I can play very relaxed, very free and just enjoy it.”
Result:
Juan Camilo Vargas (COL) bt David Baillargeon (CAN) 3-1: 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5 (52m)
Bonmalais Eases Past Khan to Reach Round Two
Sebastien Bonmalais eased past Faraz Khan to book his spot in the second round in Houston, where Miguel Rodriguez awaits.
The Frenchman came within a point of beating Marwan Elshorbagy in the Pittsburgh Open quarter-finals last week, and looked in good form on day one here in Texas, sweeping aside the American in just 35 minutes.
Both known for their long rallies, albeit in slightly different ways, it was little surprise that there were some drawn-out points in the opening game, with the relentless, long-limbed hitting of Bonmalais matching with the tireless retrievals of the American.
One rally even eclipsed the two-minute mark, but the Frenchman never truly looked threatened, dominating the T and keeping the pace high throughout, bringing up three match balls with a serve return into the nick, and taking his first opportunity with a deep backhand drive to the forehand corner.
“I’m really happy with my performance,” he said.
“I knew he was dangerous and talented, he can play very well, and I tried to stay focused and move him around the court, tried to find my length in attack and break his movement, because I know he can run for a long time, so I managed to do that well.
“It was a mix between staying patient but at the same time, I needed to attack and make him move, so I really needed to be sharp on my shots and mix in every shot I can imagine… boast, drop etc.”
Result:
Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) bt Faraz Khan (USA) 3-0: 11-7, 11-2, 11-7 (35m)
Brownell Beats Local Favourite Ibrahim in Front of Full House
Timothy Brownell denied local favourite Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim a fairytale debut on the PSA World Tour, beating the wildcard 3-0 in front of a full house in Houston.
Ibrahim is still just 18 years of age and was a runner-up at last year’s US Junior Open, but had never played on the World Tour stage before.
But if there were any nerves on show in game one, they were arguably coming from the more experienced Brownell, with Ibrahim drawing cheers from the crowd with every point he won.
At 10-9 up and with a game ball at his feet, the teenager might have been sensing an unlikely upset, but the southpaw denied him and then won the tie break, an outcome that would prove crucial.
Brownell cruised through game two for the loss of just two points and enjoyed similar success in game three, although Ibrahim did give the crowd a few more moments to cheer for, most notably hitting an outstanding forehand winner from the back of the court, which even drew a smile from his opponent.
Speaking on court after his win, Brownell was full of praise for his young challenger.
“It’s awesome to see all the support he has,” he said to the crowd.
“You guys should be super proud of him. He’s such a talent, he’s up and coming, he’s got so much better. I was fortunate enough to see him when he was 13 or 14, playing some of his first tournaments, and he was just the sweetest kid.
“You can really tell he loves the game, and I’m certain he’s going to keep going and achieve a really high level.”
Brownell’s win sets up a second-round clash with Karim Abdel Gawad, and Brownell could not hide his excitement at facing a player he himself idolised growing up.
“What a dream,” he said on the prospect of playing the Egyptian.
“Karim Abdel Gawad is one of the greatest players ever. If you guys have ever seen him play, he’s about as smooth as it gets, brilliantly talented, probably the best swing on tour, and for me it’s a dream to be able to play these guys.
“It’s something I always wanted. I watched SquashTV growing up, just like a lot of the kids in the front row here, so getting to play the people you used to watch is pretty cool, and I’m just looking forward to that tomorrow.”
Result:
Timothy Brownell (USA) bt [WC] Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim (PAK) 3-0: 12-10, 11-2, 11-6 (31m)
Eleinen Beats Ex-College Teammate in Battle of UPenn Alumni
Aly Abou Eleinen beat his former college teammate Andrew Douglas to reach round two in Houston.
The Egyptian was on the same University of Pennsylvania team as Douglas for several years, but put that relationship to one side on the glass court in Texas, winning 3-1 to book a spot in round two.
It was far from straight-forward for the World No.14, with Douglas threatening an upset after winning game two to level the scores, in what was a somewhat topsy-turvy tie break.
The American thought he’d won the game on a stroke at 13-12 after saving a game ball of his own at 12-11 down, but the decision was overturned on review, with a yes let the call.
Douglas did get the job done on the following point, but that seemed to kick Elienen back into gear, as he came out firing in game three.
A ruthless backhand kill on a loose Douglas volley was the highlight of the game, which the Egyptian won 11-6, and he then ran away with game four as the American ran out of steam.
“It was a tough match,” Eleinen said.
“Andrew and I were on the same team for four years at Penn. It’s hard playing an ex-teammate. I told myself before the match I was going to try and ignore the fact that we were on the same team, but it’s easier said than done so I’m glad that I got through today.
“In the second game, I was a bit tense. I had a bunch of opportunities and I just wasn’t hitting through the ball which caused a lot of mistakes, but I started the third game pretty well and I stuck to my game plan. I let loose a little bit more and I was able to get into the match.”
Result:
Aly Abou Eleinen (EGY) bt Andrew Douglas (USA) 3-1: 11-6, 12-14, 11-6, 11-3 (51m)
Salazar Sees Off Stewart to Book Meeting with ‘Legend’ Elshorbagy
Cesar Salazar overcame a disappointing third game to see off Rory Stewart, booking a round-two clash with Mohamed Elshorbagy in the process.
The experienced Mexican took the first two games by the same 11-8 scoreline, although the end of game two produced its fair share of controversy, with referee John Massarella heavily involved.
There was heavy contact and words exchanged between the two players, with Stewart growing frustrated, frustration that appeared to get the better of him on game ball, when he wasted a review on a Salazar pickup that was a clear couple of inches off the floor.
It appeared as though the red mist had descended for Stewart and he was soon 3-1 down in game three, but he regained his composure and got himself on the board, winning game three somewhat against the odds.
That would only delay Salazar’s wait for victory, though, as he dominated game four from start to finish, with the only halt to his procession coming when Stewart got the ball stuck in the roof, causing a break in play as a new one was warmed up.
That was at 8-1 and the new ball was barely needed, with Salazar claiming the three points he needed in quickfire time to secure himself a win.
“I think Rory’s a very good player,” Salazar said after his win. “He’s improved a lot in the last few years.
“This match was very important for me, because last week I couldn’t play my best, I lost a very important match, so I needed this.
“I came here thinking… I need a new chance to try and improve, to win and to enjoy being on court. I worked very hard, so I’m happy with my performance today.
“I’ve played on the Tour for a long, long time but this was my first time playing with Rory. I see some new faces, but my next match is with Mohamed [Elshorbagy] and for me he’s a legend, I respect him a lot.
“We’ve played a lot of times in the past. I think it’s a new chance to improve, to try to play my best squash, and at this time, I’m just trying to enjoy every match, every opportunity to be on court, to play tournaments.”
Result:
Cesar Salazar (MEX) bt Rory Stewart (SCO) 3-1: 11-8, 11-8, 7-11, 11-1 (48m)
Leung Fights Back to Beat Tandon
Leung Chi Hin Henry staged an impressive fightback to beat Ramit Tandon in five games, in a match that lasted close to an hour.
Tandon had won the pair’s only two previous matchups on the PSA Tour without dropping a game, and looked as though he might be heading for a repeat in this one, as he dominated game one.
The Hong Kong player – who was playing his first match since getting married a fortnight ago – increased his tempo in game two, playing at a higher pace and showing off some impressive retrieval skills to level the score.
The Indian regained control in game three, winning it with a forehand drive that sent Leung the wrong way, and the closing rallies of that game suggested that a win might be within sight for the World No.38.
But just as he done in game two, Leung upped the pace in game four, sending the match into a decider with a deep squeeze on the backhand side.
Feeling the physical strain, Tandon let Leung get out to an early lead in game five, and while he threatened to stage a comeback of his own, it was too little, too late, as the 28-year-old wrapped up victory on a forehand smash down the line.
“I’m very happy to get a win today,” Leung said.
“My opponent, Ramit, is a very talented player but today I was also playing well, and I just tried to make it physical, because I know he’s not like that, so I’m happy to come back and win3-2.
Speaking on what he changed after game three, Leung added: “I tried to go forward more, to attack more, push up the court a little bit, so it’s amazing.
“It’s my first time here in Houston, and the court is very good. I’m happy to get the win today and it’s a good New Year for me.”
Result:
Leung Chi Hin Henry (HKG) bt Ramit Tandon (IND) 3-2: 5-11, 11-8, 5-11, 11-6, 11-6 (56m)
Balazs Beats Elnawasany to Set Up Farag Clash
Farkas Balazs set up a second-round clash with World No.1 Ali Farag, beating Yahya Elnawasany 3-1 in the opening match of the tournament.
The Hungarian came into this event on the back of a tough run of matches, losing on each of his last five appearances on the PSA Tour, but got himself back in the win column with an impressive performance.
After finding himself 5-4 down in game one, Balazs turned the momentum in his favour with a brilliant backhand drop from deep in the court, proceeding to win the next six points that followed to close out the game.
He was then 4-0 up in the second, but any chances of a landslide from there were soon dispelled, as the Egyptian clawed his way back into the matchup, taking game two, with Balazs this time the one making more unforced errors.
Game three was a back-and-forth affair, with Elnawasany squandering a game ball at 10-9 up, only to save the first two that Balasz had himself.
It would be third-time lucky for the Hungarian, though, as he closed out the game 14-12 with a neat front-court boast from the backhand side, and he would soon see victory though, winning the third 11-6.
“I’m really happy I was able to win this match,” he said on court moments after his win.
“I’ve watched Yahya matches on the tour before and I saw him play really good matches. He’s always fighting, he’s always fair and a really good person off the court as well.
“I always try to play at 100%, every match. If you play a tournament where the best players are playing from all around the world, from the first round, from the first point, you have to do your best.”
Looking ahead to his clash with Farag in round two, he added: “It will definitely be a really hard match.
“I know he likes playing players who try to attack and he always makes players run all of the time, all over the court, so I think I will do the same tomorrow, but I will try to do my best and try to enjoy it.”
Result:
Farkas Balazs (HUN) bt Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) 3-1: 11-5, 8-11, 14-12, 11-6 (59m)
