Milwaukee Hong Kong Open 2024 continued at Squash Centre in Admiralty on Wednesday with a rematch of last year’s women’s final between defending champion Hania El Hammamy of Egypt and Amanda Sobhy of United States.
The Egyptian eventually won the tough match 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 after 36 minutes and booked herself a place in the quarterfinals as the event moves to an outdoor venue on Thursday with a specially set up glass court at Edinburgh Place in Central.
It was, in fact, the first encounter between the two quality players since the 2023 final when the American was forced to retire in the opening game after rupturing her Achilles tendon.
The former World No.3 did not return to the Tour until the new season began in September.
“Yes, it’s definitely a tough match and such an emotional one,” said winner El Hammamy after her victory. “It was such an emotional time for both of us and heartbreaking (2023 final). I don’t think I really enjoyed for the first time of winning a title.
“I’m very proud of her and definitely very pleased to see her back on court in such a short period of time after a big injury. It was very tricky and a bit hard mentally to play against her … even if she is not back physically to her form before her injury. Her squash and her tactics are really dangerous … it’s all about her physicality and I’m sure it’s going to come back.”
Sobhy, who reached her first final in the Canadian Women’s Open in October after her comeback, was happy with the progress she has made so far after last year’s injury.
“Today was kind of the match that I didn’t get to play (last year’s final), and even though it was in the round of 16, it was something just like I’ve been through in the last year,” she said.
“My movement, my game and my playing are significantly better than it was when I started in September. I just want to see how much I’ve improved in the few months of being back on the Tour. It’s huge to be playing at this level and really taking it to the top players a year after my second Achilles rupture. This is amazing and I am really proud of myself.”
El Hammamy, a two-time defending champion in Hong Kong, has, however, failed to win any title since her victory 12 months ago.
“I’m in a way of used to losing a bit now, so it’s a matter of finding the mix to get me back to winning titles and hopefully I could find it here,” she said.
In another match, second seed Nouran Gohar of Egypt beat New Zealander Joelle King, the 2018 champion, after four games. Gohar, who may reach the World No. 1 spot depending on her result in Hong Kong, won the tie 11-5, 10-12, 11-3, 11-5 in 40 minutes. Seventh seed Tinne Gilis of Belgium also beat Hollie Naughton of Canada in straight games 11-8, 11-3, 11-5 to reach the quarterfinals.
However, sixth seed Georgina Kennedy of England fell short against Sana Ibrahim of Egypt after losing the first two games 8-11, 9-11 and suffering an injury that forced her to pull out in the third.
In the men’s event, defending champion Paul Coll of New Zealand overcome Miguel Rodriguez of Colombia. It took 43 minutes for the third seed to seal a 11-6, 11-8, 11-3 victory.
He said, “It was tough, obviously Miguel was a very experienced player and I know what he is capable of. But I also felt confident that if I played well, I could get the win.
“I will try to defend my title as I always feel I play well in Hong Kong. I also enjoy playing here and now look forward to the quarterfinals on the main court outside. It looks like an awesome venue and so I’m excited for Friday.”
Joining Coll to the last eight included two Egyptian players - second seed Mostafa Asal and seventh seed Tarek Momen. Momen beat Marwan El Shorbagy, now playing for England, in four games 6-11, 11-1, 11-7, 11-9 while Asal brushed aside Auguste Dussourd of France 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-4).
Another quarterfinalist is Joel Makin after the Welshman beat Fares Dessouky of Egypt in a lengthy 3-1 win (9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-4) after 63 minutes.
