Throwback Thursday: Shabana and David Triumph in World Series Finals

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We’re less than a week away from the season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals, where the top eight qualifiers across the Men’s and Women’s events will be vying for a share of the lucrative $160,000 prize money – which is equal for the first time – between May 24-28.

The last three Men’s tournaments have been won by Egyptians and, with World No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy establishing himself as the dominant force in the Men’s game, the coveted title could end up in Egyptian hands for a fifth time in history.

The Women’s event, meanwhile, has only been staged twice, and Malaysian superstar Nicol David has captured the crown on both occasions. We thought we would have a look back at the 2012 edition of the prestigious tournament – which was the last time the Men’s and Women’s events were held side-by-side.

Egyptian legend Amr Shabana emerged as the early contender for the title, topping his group after successive wins over World No.3 Nick Matthew, ElShorbagy, and England’s Peter Barker, while current World Champion Gregory Gaultier and former World No.1 James Willstrop advanced from Pool B.

David slumped to a surprise defeat against Massaro in her second group match, but wins against Hong Kong’s Annie Au and former World No.2 Natalie Grinham spared her blushes as she qualified in second place.

Then-World No.1 David went up against France’s Camille Serme, who topped Pool B, in the last four, and made short work of her as she surged to the win without dropping a game – a victory that set up a rematch with Massaro in the final after the Englishwoman recovered from a game down to dispatch compatriot Jenny Duncalf.

Elsewhere, ‘The Maestro’ Shabana ensured that he would lock horns with ‘The Wolf’ Matthew in the showpiece finale after they managed respective wins over Willstrop and Gaultier.

Catch the highlights of both finals below

Tune into SQUASHTV to catch more World Series Finals action – including this 2013 semi-final clash between Elshorbagy and Matthew.

Watch the Dubai PSA World Series Finals and much more with a Eurosport Player subscription from £4.99. Find out more about the PSA World Tour on Eurosport Player.

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