CHENNAI: It’s the worst of times in Egypt. Political turbulence between the armed forces and rebel groups has led to 400 deaths between January to August. Yet, it’s the best of times for Egyptian squash. Far from the political bustle, they continue to produce top-notch players.
“The violence has eased. Egypt is a safe place for tourists and you can visit any time. If there are still reports of gunfire, it’s created by the western media,” exerts junior national coach Ahmed Mahmoud. It sounds like political PR, but in reality, he is merely implying that the unrest hasn’t affected the game. “A week’s practice was cancelled. A few local tournaments were postponed. That was it,” he says.
Squash wasn’t a victim of the unrest. Among the top 20 men’s players in the world, eight are Egyptians. Women, shrugging hitherto strains of conservatism, have four in top 20, including three in the first 10. “Look at their age, and I tell you their era of domination is yet to set in,” Mahmoud says.
He’s not exaggerating. Nour El Sherbini, World No 9, is 18 years old. Nour El Tayeb, World No 8, is 21. Nouran Gohar (26) and Habbiba Mohamed Ahamed (34), are aged 16 and 15, respectively. “Remember these names. These girls are going to rule the world. Habiba recently beat Sherbini and Jenny Duncalf in a tournament back home. So you can expect an Egyptian domination in the top 10.”
Though Amr Shabana and Karim Darwish have digressed, and an Egyptian is not at the helm for two-three years, Mahmoud reckons it is only a matter of time before Mohamed Elshorbagy (World No 3) usurped the throne from Frenchman Gregory Gaultier. “He is 23 and getting better. In two years, he should be heading the table. Ramy (Ashour) has recovered from injuries and will be a strong contender. We have youngsters like Mazen Sabri Hesham, 20, and Mohamed Abouelghar.”
Mazen, the men’s top seed at the World University Squash Championship, is cast in the Shabana mould, all grace and wrist with athleticism. Like other squash hall-of-famers, he is an attacking player and manipulates the ball with a precision and intent to pressure his opponent into submission. “It’s not something we are taught. It comes naturally. Our seniors have been like that and so are we,” explains Mazen.
Mahmoud gives a more tangible clarification: “Our first great, Ahmed Barada was an elegant player. It was during his time that the boom began and everybody wanted to be like him, an eye-catching shotmaker. The next generation followed that, and our game got an identity of its own.”
Results: Quarterfinals: Men: Mazen Sabri (EGY) bt Sanjay Singh (MAS) 8-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-8; Eddie Charlton (GBR) bt Addeen Idrakie (MAS) 11-8, 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 11-5; Zahed Mohammad (EGY) bt Joel Makin (GBR) 12-10, 11-8, 11-8; Saqib Yousuf (PAK) bt Andrew Martin (RSA) 11-8, 9-11, 15-13, 8-11, 11-3.
Women: Alexendra Fuller (RSA) bt Zuhijjah Binti Azan (MAS) 9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 13-11; Farah Abdel Megid (EGY) bt Aparajitha Balamurukan (IND) 11-3, 11-5, 10-12, 11-4; Olga Ertlova (CZE) bt Chloe Mesic (FRA) 8-11, 11-9, 11-2, 11-6; Camilla Tomilinson (GBR) bt Cheyna Tucker (RSA) 11-2, 7-11, 11-3, 11-4.