Asal Claims Houston Open Title

Egypt's Mostafa Asal, who will top the world rankings for the first time later today, claimed the Houston Open title after beating England's former world No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy in straight games in the final of the PSA World Tour Gold event at Houston Squash Club in Texas.

After overcoming No.3 seed Marwan ElShorbagy in controversial circumstances in the previous round, Asal guaranteed himself the top spot in the next PSA World Rankings - but had one more match to play in Houston, as he took on the older ElShorbagy brother for the title.

Both players came out to solid starts in the match, moving the ball accurately into the back two corners with both looking to intercept on the volley to take the ball in short. Asal was able to find more attacking opportunities at the mid-stage of the game and ran through to a 9-5 lead before hitting two thunderous cross-court nicks to take the opening game 11-6.

ElShorbagy, looking to capture his 49th PSA title, came back at Asal in the second game with serious intensity. The England No.1 drifted slightly as Asal established a 7-5 lead, but ElShorbagy produced two quality rallies to draw level in the game. ElShorbagy then disagreed with his backhand kill being called 'not good' by the referees and lost his concentration, which allowed Asal to move forward and convert the game 11-7 and take a massive 2/0 lead and place one hand on the trophy.

The end came quickly for the 2017 World Champion as Asal's hard-hitting pace was relentless. The top seed rattled off point after point to charge towards the finish line, setting himself up with eight championship balls from 10-2. A backhand drop from ElShorbagy found the tin to seal the match and the tournament for the 21-year-old, who now has 11 PSA titles to his name.

"I'm so happy for this tournament and for Jahanzeb [Khan, the promoter]," said Asal later. "Thanks to all the sponsors and all the guys here that make this event alive. As I said, if we have three or four Jahanzebs, we could be an Olympic sport. He's doing so many great things for squash, thanks for all he is doing and all his efforts and I want to thank all the community here for coming today.

"I'm so happy to claim this spot [talking about becoming world No.1]. Mohamed knows this spot very well for sure. I've always been looking up to him, he was my idol since I was a kid, I would always go to events in Egypt to watch him and cheer for him, so to play with him at any point is a pleasure for me.

"Today, as you could see, nothing [bad] was happening on the court, it's all about respect. Other players are creating my reputation so it's tough to play against them but to play against this beast and this idol is a pleasure and I want to thank him for his support. He's the only player who supports me, he is the only player who was messaging me to tell me that I am right and that I will get there, so I couldn't thank him more."