Egyptian Open: Gawad Beats Farag to Win Title

Egypt’s World No.4 Karim Abdel Gawad claimed the CIB Egyptian Squash Open title after he defeated World No.1 Ali Farag in straight games in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.

The last time the two players met in front of the Pyramids was in 2016 when Gawad came away with the victory and the former World No.1 ensured it was a repeat this time around as he overcame the reigning World Champion by an 11-6, 11-8, 11-8 margin in 61 minutes.

Gawad has strong form in Cairo after claiming two PSA titles in his home country last season and the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’ was once again on his metal as he dominated from the outset with Farag struggling to find his rhythm and way into the encounter.

2016 – @karimabdelgawad becomes the first man in a decade to win a trophy in front of the Pyramids

Now he’s done it again to become the first Egyptian to win twice in front of the iconic landmark

Gawad just loves playing in front of the Pyramids #SquashByThePyramids pic.twitter.com/2PFCoqw1Xo

— PSA World Tour (@PSAWorldTour) November 1, 2019

“Playing Ali is always very tough for me, he is the World No.1,” said Gawad.

“He’s always been my competitor since we were seven years old until now. I know how hard it is, we played in the final [in front of the Pyramids] in 2016 and now we’re playing again in the final here. He’s dealing with a lot of hard moments and he is just a champion to be on court with and he fights until the end with this amazing spirit – best of luck with him and his family.

“I talked a lot with my coaches, Omar Abdel Aziz, Mahmoud Abdel Kader and Ahmed Faragallah. We talked a lot and put together different plans, with the World No.1 it’s very difficult so you have to have different plans and more than a plan to just win. Winning in three today means a lot to me in such an amazing venue for me and for everyone.”

Result:
[3] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [1] Ali Farag (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, 11-8 (61m)