El Hammamy Defeats Sobhy In Emotional Hong Kong Open Rematch

Defending Milwaukee Hong Kong Open champion Hania El Hammamy secured her place in the quarter finals of the PSA Squash Tour Platinum event after defeating Amanda Sobhy in an emotional rematch of the 2023 final.

El Hammamy, a two-time winner in Hong Kong, faced Sobhy in last year's title decider which was cut short when the US star ruptured her Achilles in the opening game.

Sobhy, who returned from injury at the start of the season back in August, stood toe-to-toe with the reigning champion in what was a closely-contested battle.

El Hammamy's title defence continues as she clinched a 12-10, 11-9, 11-7 victory over Sobhy for a place in the last eight.

"It's definitely a tough match and such an emotional one," El Hammamy said afterwards. "As Amanda mentioned on her social media posts, it was the final she didn't get to play so it was such an emotional time for both of us last year.

"For the first time I never enjoyed winning a title - it was such an emotional time for both of us and heartbreaking, so 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.

"Playing against Amanda usually is very tricky, even if she's not back physically to her form before her injury. Her squash and her tactics are really dangerous and it's definitely tough and tricky mentally to be playing against her."

The men's defending champion Paul Coll also continued his title defence after producing a clinical performance to overcome Miguel Rodriguez.

The New Zealander, who had won the last five meetings with Rodriguez, was solid throughout in an entertaining contest with the Colombian.

Coll controlled the majority of the rallies, with his immaculate length hitting helping him secure a 3-0: 11-6, 11-8, 11-3 victory.