10 - 16 January 2002
Issue No.568
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 10 - 16 January 2002 Issue No.568 |
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A slip in squash
Egypt failed to emulate last year's six-title performance in the world's most prestigious junior squash tournament. Nashwa Abdel-Tawab writes on the dip in fortunes
Egypt's four titles at the recently- concluded Eye Group British Junior Open Squash Championships in Sheffield would have been cause for celebration, coming as it did in the sport's best-known international tournament for teenagers. But the country won six titles last year, a two-rung fall that needs to be addressed. The drop is attributed to a decline in the men's game in particular. They managed just one victory while the girls took home three trophies.
Egypt's victorious team at last year's British Junior Open. Willstrop, right, Britain's sole light
In the Under-19 event, top seeded Omneya Abdel-Qawi beat Swiss Manuela Zehnder in three straight sets 10-8, 9-6, 9-0 to retain the title for the second successive year. In the U- 17, Sara Badr came second after losing 9-6 9-3, 9-2 to Australia's Kasey Brown.
The U-15 and the U-13 finals were an all Egyptian affair. Raneem El-Walili got off to a slow start before sweeping by Nihal Yehia 6-9, 9-2, 9-7, 9-5. Shahenda Osama had an even easier time disposing of Esraa Sami Said 9-2, 9-2, 9-2.
In the boys U-13, Egypt's Mohamed Ali Anwar beat countryman Mohamed Said Mahmoud 9-0, 9-7, 9-0. However, in the other three categories Egyptians struck out early, leaving Pakistan and Britain vying for the top awards. In U-15 final, Pakistani Farahan Mehboob beat countryman Yasir Butt in a marathon 7-9, 9-1, 9-4, 8-10, 9-4. In the U- 17, Safeer Khan of Pakistan had little trouble with Khalid Atlas, also of Pakistan, winning 9-6, 9-5, 9-2.
In the boys U-19 final, Briton James Willstrop beat compatriot Peter Barker 9-6, 9-5, 9-4 for the first British title since 1980.
Although Egypt took two steps backwards, Ahmed Taher, coach of the women's squad, was happy with the results. "We continue to dominate the youth championships," Taher said.
"The players were unlucky in the draw and the games," Abbas Qaoud, Egypt's men's coach, said following the tournament. "But we still have generations of talented players."
Egypt's squad is expected to remain in England until the end of the week, playing friendlies with several Britons in preparation for the World Championships in India in August.
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