The PSA China Squash Open 2024, held from October 30 to November 3 at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center Crescent Lagoon in Shanghai, concluded with England’s Mohamed ElShorbagy and Malaysia’s Rachel Arnold crowned as the men’s and women’s champions. The prestigious Silver-level event, boasting a prize pool of $142,500, brought together top international squash talent, marking a significant milestone for the sport’s presence in China.
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Victories and Highlights
- Rachel Arnold’s Commanding Women’s Win: Malaysia’s Rachel Arnold dominated the women’s final with a clean 3-0 win over Egypt’s Farida Mohamed. Arnold’s decisive performance highlighted her exceptional court skills and strategic gameplay.
- ElShorbagy’s 50th PSA Men’s Title: Mohamed ElShorbagy clinched his 50th PSA title in the men’s final with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Egyptian opponent Mohamed Abouelghar, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in squash.
Event Overview and Global Participation
The 2024 China Squash Open featured a total of 48 elite players (24 men and 24 women) from around the world, with four athletes ranked in the top 10 globally. The event involved 46 matches played over five days, with high-stakes competition attracting athletes from diverse countries, including defending champion and former world No. 1 Mohamed ElShorbagy. This year’s tournament marked the first major squash event on the Chinese mainland since the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics program.
Inclusion of Chinese Talent
In a show of support for local development, four players from mainland China were granted wildcard entries. Though these athletes faced early exits, the experience offered invaluable exposure to high-level competition, inspiring them to further hone their skills and aim for future successes.
Impact on Squash Development in China
Wang Ding, director of the squash department at the General Administration of Sport of China, highlighted the tournament’s impact on promoting squash among Chinese youth. The event has sparked interest in squash across the nation, with aspirations to cultivate a new generation of players and enthusiasts who can carry the sport forward in China and internationally.
2024 Tournament Summary
- Dates: October 30 – November 3, 2024
- Venue: SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center Crescent Lagoon, Shanghai
- Prize Pool: $142,500
- Participants: 48 players (24 men, 24 women)
- Total Matches: 46
- Top-Ranked Players: Four players from the world’s top 10, including Mohamed ElShorbagy
- Chinese Wildcards: Four local players granted wildcard entries
Semifinals Results
Men: Mohamed Elshorbagy (Egy) bt Iker Pajares (Esp) 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3. Women: Rachel Arnold bt Aira Azman 11-7, 11-9, 11-7; Farida Mohamed (Egy) bt S. Sivasangari 6-11, 4-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9.
Women’s Semi-Finals
[6] Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt [8] Aira Azman (MAS) 3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (27m)
[3] Farida Mohamed (EGY) bt [2] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) 3-2: 6-11, 4-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9 (66m)
Men’s Semi-Finals
[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (ENG) bt [7] Iker Pajares (ESP) 3-1: 11-7, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3 (59m)
Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt [3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) 3-1: 11-7, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6 (53m)
Results: China Open 2024 Quarterfinals
Women’s Quarterfinals
- [6] Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt [1] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 (46m)
- [8] Aira Azman (MAS) bt [4] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) 3-2: 2-11, 9-11, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6 (55m)
- [3] Farida Mohamed (EGY) bt [5] Tomato Ho (HKG) 3-1: 12-10, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9 (36m)
- [2] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) bt [7] Georgia Adderley (SCO) 3-1: 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9 (54m)
Men’s Quarterfinals
- [1] Mohamed ElShorbagy (ENG) bt Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) 3-1: 8-11, 11-2, 14-12, 11-5 (46m)
- [7] Iker Pajares (ESP) bt [4] Fares Dessouky (EGY) 3-2: 11-9, 4-11, 11-6, 2-11, 11-9 (78m)
- [3] Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-2 (64m)
- Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) bt [2] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) 3-0: 11-3, 11-8, 11-2 (27m)
