WSF Squash World Team Championships 2024: Egypt's men and women retain titles

Egypt ruled at the WSF Squash World Team Championships 2024, retaining both the men’s and women’s titles in Hong Kong, China on Sunday (15 December).

In a thrilling finale to the 2024 squash season, the men defeated England 2-0 inside the Hong Kong Football Stadium after the women beat the United States by the same scoreline.

That was a seventh world team title for the men, one behind Australia's record of eight, with the women claiming a sixth crown.

With squash making its Olympic debut at LA 2028, Egyptian players will be among the favourites as they enjoy a golden era on all fronts.

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Nour El Sherbini leads Egypt’s women to glory

It is a fourth consecutive women’s title for Egypt, who this year were victorious in a repeat of the 2022 edition against the US.

Rowan Elaraby got the Egyptians off to a flying start in a fiery opening match against Marina Stefanoni. She took the opener 3-1 (11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-9) and celebrated with roars of passion, knowing that her team was on the verge of glory.

Seven-time world champion Nour El Sherbini then sealed a fourth consecutive triumph for Egypt, needing 38 minutes to beat Olivia Weaver 3-1 (11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 11-7).

It was a valiant effort from the U.S. team in their second consecutive final, but they could not avoid a repeat of the 2-0 reverse they suffered in Cairo two years ago. However, they are on the right track ahead of a home Games in LA four years from now.

• Egypt 2-0 USA

  • Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt. Marina Stefanoni (USA) 3-1: 11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-9
  • Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt. Olivia Weaver (USA) 3-1: 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-7

Ali Farag guides Egypt’s men to fourth straight triumph

In another rematch from the last World Team Championships final, Egypt’s men came up against an English team led by Egyptian-born former world champion Mohamed Elshorbagy.

The only rubber of the day to go the distance was the opener between Egypt’s Mazen Hesham and Curtis Malik of England.

Malik took the opening game but failed to convert a game point in the second as Hesham hit back. Malik led again but it was the Egyptian who finished the strong to triumph 3-2 (4-11, 13-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-8) in 63 minutes.

And it was four-time world champion and world number one Ali Farag who sealed a fourth consecutive title by defeating Elshorbagy in a tense battle. Farag won their two world final meetings in 2021 and 2022, but it was Elshorbagy who took the opening game.

Farag then hit back, edging the second before completing a 3-1 (6-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-9) victory to cap a dream day for the Egyptian contingent and fans back home.

• Egypt 2-0 England

  • Mazen Hesham (EGY) bt. Curtis Malik (ENG) 3-2: 4-11, 13-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-8
  • Ali Farag (EGY) bt. Mohamed Elshorbagy (ENG) 3-1: 6-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-9