Canadian Women’s Open Day One: Afternoon Roundup

The Canadian Women’s Open got off to an exciting start, with three glass court matches and two traditional matches taking place.

In the opening match on the Jonathon Power glass court at the Allen Lambert Galleria, Canadian-Egyptian Zeina Zein recorded her first win on the World Tour after beating USA’s World No.61 Marina Stefanoni in straight games.

World No.67 Zein, who was playing in her first Bronze event on the World Tour after first round exits at the Platinum level El Gouna International and the Hong Kong Open in 2022, was too strong throughout for Stefanoni, with the Alexandria native using width well to run out a 11-9, 11-9, 11-8 winner in 34 minutes.

Afterwards, Zein said: “I’m so happy. That’s my biggest win!

“I really enjoy playing here. I love the organisation; every tournament I’ve played [in Canada] is amazing. I’m always excited to come here and play!”

Elsewhere on the glass court, it was defeat for both Canadian wildcards. First, England’s Millie Tomlinson recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory over World No.124 Nikki Todd before Egypt’s Kenzy Ayman did the same to Iranian-born Canadian World No.216 Niki Shemirani.

On the court at the Toronto Athletic Club, Cindy Merlo fought back from two games down to get the better of Swiss compatriot Nadia Pfister, while Egypt’s World No.63 Nadine Garas beat English World No.53 Grace Gear 3-1.

The evening session of the Canadian Women’s Open is underway right now, with three matches taking place on the glass court in the stunning Allen Lambert Galleria.

The Canadian Women’s Open is available to watch live on SQUASHTV. Keep up to date with live scores here.

For updates on the Canadian Women’s Open, visit the PSA World Tour website or follow the PSA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Results: Afternoon Session – Canadian Women’s Open
Millie Tomlinson (ENG) bt [WC] Nikki Todd (CAN) 3-0 : 11-8, 11-7, 11-3 (24m)
Kenzy Ayman (EGY) bt [WC] Niki Shemirani (CAN) 3-0: 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 (19m)
Zeina Zein (EGY) bt Marina Stefanoni (USA) 3-0: 11-9, 11-9, 11-8 (34m)
Cindy Merlo (SUI) bt Nadia Pfister (SUI) 3-2: 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8 (48m)
Nardine Garas (EGY) bt Grace Gear (ENG) 3-1: 11-2, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9 (33m)