World Tour Finals: El Sherbini Halts El Hammamy to Reach Title Decider

World No.1 Nour El Sherbini is through to the final of the Xbox PSA World Tour Finals for the fourth time after she got the better of World No.3 Hania El Hammamy.

It marks El Sherbini’s fifth successive victory over the 23-year-old and she achieved the victory with 11-9 wins in both games to add to her final appearances in 2017, 2018 and 2022.

The 28-year-old – who won the latter two of those final matches – hit her targets early on in both games, but had to show impressive mental fortitude to keep her opponent at bay following comebacks from El Hammamy towards the back end of both games.

El Sherbini will take on World Champion Nouran Gohar in the title decider. It will be a repeat of the 2022 final, while it will be the fourth time in a row the pair have met in a final. Gohar has won all three of those previous final matches.

“As everyone sees, it’s always a hard and physical against Hania,” said El Sherbini afterwards.

“She’s a great player, never gives up, and gets everything back. We haven’t played in a long time, which is tough, but I’m happy to win this one. 

“We’re very good friends off court as well, and I know how tough it’s been for her to come back after the injury. She’s been trying to come back to the way she used to play, but to be honest she hasn’t been feeling it on court over the last couple of months. Outside of the court, I’m a big sister to her and I try to cheer her up.

“I’m sure she will be back next season more hungry, stronger and she will hunt for this World No.1 spot.

“I don’t feel like I’m the underdog [against Gohar]. I’ve gone one step better than last year and I want to end the season in a good way. She’s been doing great the last three tournaments, but I’ve also been doing well the whole season.”

Result

[1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) bt [3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 2-0: 11-9, 11-9 (32m)