Egypt reclaim Team title in Chennai

FINAL : [1] Egypt 2-0 [3] England
Marwan Tarek 3-0 Nick Wall       12-10, 11-6, 11-7 (45m)
Omar El Torkey 3-0 Sam Todd    13-11, 11-4, 11-4 (32m)

Hot favourites and top seeds Egypt, fielding a team comprised of all the individual medalists, reclaimed the title that they lost in the last event in Poland two years ago, but England certainly gave them their sternest challenge of the tournament.

First up was Marwan Tarek, who had lost the decider in Poland, went on to become individual champion in 2017 and was runner-up here last week, against Nick Wall, England’s only quarter-finalist here.

But the Englishman played well to stay with Tarek all through the first, and the Eyptian’s reaction when he took the lead was indicative if both how much he wanted the win, and how tough that 17-minute game was.

There was a little niggle between the players towards the end of the game with words and looks exchanged. “I understand his frustration, inside the court we all want to win,” said Marwan afterwards. “He said some things to rattle me but I’ve been dealing with banter since I was 12, I know how to deal with it.”

Tarek was always ahead, but never comfortably, through the next two games, kneeling to kiss the floor as he gave his team the lead.

In the second match Sam Todd threatened to give England a lifeline as he matched Omar El Torkey all the way, earning game balls at 10-9 and 11-10.

Egypt’s bronze medalist held his nerve to take the lead, and never looked back as he took the next two game comfortably give Egypt the title – a record sixth.

“We’re so proud and happy,” said the Egyptian coaching team. “The boys have worked so hard for this and they’ve got their reward, bringing Egypt another treble, just like the girls last year.

“This generation has taken over from those recent generations that have done the country so proud, and they have the talent and the desire to dominate the senior ranks in the coming years.

“Thanks to the organisers, the Indian squash federation and all the workers and volunteers that made this a great event that everyone will remember and can be proud of.”

Marwan was particularly pleased : “This win was very important to me, because I know what it’s like to be on the losing end of a final like this one. This win makes up for losing out in the individuals as it’s the only junior trophy that was missing from my trophy cabinet. It’s special that we were able to go through without dropping a single game.”

England coach Lee Drew reflected : We all knew that this was a very strong Egyptian team and that it would be very difficult. The players gave everything and tested the Egyptians, we had chances to win the first game in both matches.

“It’s a great achievement to be runner up at a World Championship, given the last time it was achieved by an English team was back in 2002. Chris [Ryder] and I are immensely proud with the way the squad has performed.”

Last words (three) go to the Egyptian players :

Omar El Torkey : Its amazing!
Mostafa El Serty : Wonderful, Amazing, Awesome.
Mostafa Asal : Congratulations for Egypt.
Marwan Tarek : Its back home.

FINAL : [1] Egypt 2-0 [3] England

Bronze Medals : Czech Republic & USA

Playoff Finals 
5th/6th:    Canada 2-1 Malaysia
7th/8th:    Hong Kong 2-0 Pakistan
9th/10th:  Switzerland 2-1 New Zealand
11th/12th:  India 2-1 Argentina
13th/14th:  Colombia 2-0 Australia
15th/16th:  Ireland 2-0 Germany
17th/18th:   Scotland 2-1 France
19th/20th:  South Africa 2-0 Singapore
21st/22nd:  Finland 2-1 Qatar
23rd/24th:  Zimbabwe 2-0 Saudi Arabia

RIP Graham Prior

Tragedy struck the championship on the final day when South African team manager/coach Graham Prior, the WSF African Coaching Coordinator, collapsed as he was boarding a bus after his team’s tie. It seems he suffered a severe heart attack and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

“The sense of shock, coupled with a complete numbness, is all that one can feel when something like this occurs,” said WSF CEO Andrew Shelley on hearing the news. “Graham was such an esteemed and popular leader amongst coaches, a mentor to so many. While that is how the world of squash know him, it is his family and friends, robbed of Graham so early, that our hearts go out to at this terrible time. He and they will be in everybody’s thoughts, I know.”