Record-Breaking Kawy Makes History at Women’s World Team Championship

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Egyptian World No.8 Omneya Abdel Kawy made history today (November 28) after becoming the first player to represent her country for a 10th successive time at the 2016 instalment of the WSF Women’s World Team Squash Championship taking place in Paris.

Kawy first appeared at the biennial tournament back in 1998 – winning all four of her matches to help guide Egypt to a first ever top eight finish – and the 31-year-old has gone on to make 47 appearances at this event, beating Sunayna Kuruvilla of India on day one of this year’s edition.

In recognition of her unique achievement, Kawy was awarded with a special trophy and the former World No.4 admitted that it was a big honour to be recognised in this manner.

“Team events are so special, and we don’t have events like the Commonwealth [Games] or Asian Games, so this event is the only one we play as a team,” said Kawy.

“Unlike when you play in individual events, when you play in a team event, with your team-mates supporting you, you want to give 150{d0587469e8933ea5fce14b556fa40d44c2813bf7740605b59885b5a8c24d5885}. I really love it.

“I remember that first time in Germany in 1998, I had no pressure and no coaches telling me I had to win, which is probably why I did win all my matches. I guess I was fearless in those days.

“I am so surprised to discover that I am the only person that has played in 10 World Team Championships, and I am honoured to receive this acknowledgement.”

Egyptian team coach and four-time Men’s World Champion Amr Shabana was full of praise for Kawy, saying: “We grew up together at the same club in Maadi. The first time I saw her, she was just five years old, hitting amazing shots and far exceeding someone of her age.

“She hit it hard, cross court and deep and continued that throughout her career. She is an amazing player – players like her don’t come around that often.”

Kawy has been unbeaten at the Women’s World Team Championship since 2010 and joins World No.1 and World Champion Nour El Sherbini, World No.3 Nouran Gohar and World No.4 Raneem El Welily in an Egyptian team which is aiming to reclaim the title they won in 2008 and 2012.

Defending champions England are also involved in the tournament which takes place from Monday November 28 – Saturday December 3.