Squashing the region
By
Inas Mazhar
A WEEK after winning the world women's juniors championships in Cairo, the Egyptian Squash Federation also dominated the Arab Men's and Juniors Championships at home.
The pharaohs outclassed nine Arab countries proving complete dominance in all men's and juniors events in the 15th Arab Squash Championship that ended earlier this week at the Cairo Stadium indoor complex. Inas Mazhar reports
Yet again this month with squash seemingly seeping from its seams, Egypt claimed victory once more; claiming both the individuals and teams competitions in all age groups in the Arab Squash Championship.
For the Egyptian Squash Federation, the results were outstanding. "The Arab victory was a continuation to the federation's series of victories and proof that we are going the right way, carrying out well-planned policy for the future of the game," said Mohamed El-Menshawi, president of the Egyptian Squash Federation.
"By winning the world women's championships titles last week I can say that the future of squash is ours regionally, continentally and internationally. Our next step is the world men's championship in Vienna in November. We hope to win the world titles as we did in the women's," he added.
Andrew Wagih won the under-13 event, with his teammates clinching all the following seven places of the event and the ninth as well -- leaving just the eighth and tenth places to other countries, Jordan and Kuwait.
Mohamed Aly Anwar deserved the admiration of the audience at the glass court stands, as they watched the young pharaoh dominate the court, leading his fellow mates to win the under-15 event. Kuwait was second.
Egyptian officials believe that Anwar could be the upcoming surprise of the next British Open and his qualifications and talent could lead him to secure a place amidst the men's team soon despite his young age.
Omar Mosaad Pheroun confirmed Egypt's win in the under-17 event when he knocked down Kuwait's Aly Al-Ramzy in the final of the event.
Egypt's men's champion defended his Arab title as he beat fellow man Hisham Ashour in the final of the men's event. Wael Hatem upset Egypt's world number 21, Omar El- Borollosy, to clinch the third place.
In the teams' events, Egypt won all first places in the under-13, 15, 17, 19 and the men's as well. In the under-13, Egypt came in first, Kuwait in second, and Qatar in third places. In the under-15 and under-17 events, Egypt, Kuwait and Qatar stepped onto the podium twice as winners of the first three places respectively. In the under-19, Egypt was followed by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia .
In the men's event, Egypt led Kuwait to the first place. Bahrain was third, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon followed.
