Ramy Ashour
Encyclopedia
Ramy Mohamed Ashour (born September 30, 1987, in Cairo
, Egypt
) is a professional squash
player from Egypt. He reached world No. 1 in January, 2010, after beating Nick Matthew
in the final of the 2009 Saudi International Squash Tournament. At 22 he became the youngest player to achieve world No. 1 since the Khan era, having previously been the first two-time World Junior Squash champion. In addition, he has also won numerous titles including the World Open.
in the final. In July 2006, he became the first player in history to win the World Junior Championships twice. He defeated his junior compatriot Egyptian Omar Mosaad. He also led Egypt to 2–1 victory over Pakistan
in the final of the team event. By his victories, Egypt captured the first three positions in the individual players event and the team event title which was a feat no team has ever accomplished in the history of the tournament.
Ashour reached his first major final at the Cathay Pacific Swiss Privilege Hong Kong
Squash Open in 2006 where he lost to the eventual world number one fellow Egyptian Amr Shabana. En route to the final, he beat World number 10 John White
, world number 3 Thierry Lincou
and World No.2 David Palmer
.
Ashour won his first major professional title in January 2007, when he defeated David Palmer
(11–7, 11–3, 11–4) in 32 minutes for the Canadian Squash Classic. In April 2007, Ashour won both the Sheikha Al Saad Kuwait Open, the richest squash event in the world, by defeating his Egyptian compatriot Amr Shabana
, 11–5, 11–3, 12–10, in 34 minutes, after a 10-6 deficit in the third, and then won the Qatar
Classic in Doha
by again dispatching David Palmer with a score of 8–11, 11–9, 11–9, 11–6, in 66 minutes.
Also in 2007, Ramy won the ATCO Super Series
Finals event, held in August, by competing against other top points winners of the season. Only the top 8 players are invited to this prestigious event. The only player to go undefeated in his first 3 matches, Ramy then met French sensation Grégory Gaultier in the final. After a 62 minute battle, Ramy took the title 3–1 (12–10, 11–8, 4–11, 11–4).
To quote squash legend and writer Malcolm Willstrop, "Ramy Ashour is something else - his movement is better than anyone in the game, and allied to his unique racket skills and vision, he lights up the sport. Not only that but his modesty, and engaging smile make him a rare commodity."
The season ending 2009 Saudi International Open saw Ashour beat Nick Matthew
in a final where the winner would become the next world No. 1. Ashour won the 110 minute battle (his longest ever on the PSA tour) in a grueling 5 game match.
Ashour's older brother, Hisham Mohd Ashour
, also plays on the PSA
tour and has a career high ranking of No. 13 in the world; achieved in April 2011.
After losing his world number one ranking to English rival Nick Matthew
in June 2010, Ashour reached the final of the new World Series Australian Open in August, then battled to a 10-12, 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 win in 90 minutes over Gregory Gaultier
in the Hong Kong Open final two weeks later to ensure his return to the top of the rankings in September 2010.
But despite again slipping behind Matthew in the first 2011 rankings, Ashour started his New Year campaign in brilliant style, winning the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions
title for the second time since 2008 after overcoming the Englishman in the New York final. It was his comeback tournament after recovering from a 2010 hamstring injury.
But a month later he was again back in a World Series final at the North American Open in Virginia – but this time it was Matthew who prevailed in an epic five gamer.
Ramy came back however at the 2011 Australian Open, defeating defending champion Nick Matthew in another epic five gamer. Their rivalry continued as they played for their country in the WSF 2011 World Team Squash Championships
in Paderborn, Germany. Ramy (and Egypt) went on to win that encounter. Ramy further consolidated his push towards world #1 defeating Nick Matthew again at the 2011 Rowe British Grand Prix
3 games to 1.
Note: (ret) = retired, min = minutes, h = hours
Cairo
Cairo , is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world and Africa, and the 16th largest metropolitan area in the world. Nicknamed "The City of a Thousand Minarets" for its preponderance of Islamic architecture, Cairo has long been a centre of the region's political and cultural life...
, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
) is a professional squash
Squash (sport)
Squash is a high-speed racquet sport played by two players in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball...
player from Egypt. He reached world No. 1 in January, 2010, after beating Nick Matthew
Nick Matthew
Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010...
in the final of the 2009 Saudi International Squash Tournament. At 22 he became the youngest player to achieve world No. 1 since the Khan era, having previously been the first two-time World Junior Squash champion. In addition, he has also won numerous titles including the World Open.
Career Overview
Ashour won his first major international title in 2004, when he became the youngest player ever to win the Men's World Junior Squash Championship at just 16 years old. He also led Egypt to a second-place finish in the team event in 2004, losing to PakistanPakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
in the final. In July 2006, he became the first player in history to win the World Junior Championships twice. He defeated his junior compatriot Egyptian Omar Mosaad. He also led Egypt to 2–1 victory over Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
in the final of the team event. By his victories, Egypt captured the first three positions in the individual players event and the team event title which was a feat no team has ever accomplished in the history of the tournament.
Ashour reached his first major final at the Cathay Pacific Swiss Privilege Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
Squash Open in 2006 where he lost to the eventual world number one fellow Egyptian Amr Shabana. En route to the final, he beat World number 10 John White
John White (squash player)
John White is a former World No. 1 squash player.White finished runner-up at both the World Open and the British Open in 2002. He won the PSA Masters title in 2003 . He also won the British National Championships in 2004...
, world number 3 Thierry Lincou
Thierry Lincou
Thierry Lincou is a professional squash player from France. He reached the World No. 1 ranking in January 2004...
and World No.2 David Palmer
David Palmer (squash player)
David Palmer is a professional squash player from Australia. He won the Super Series finals in 2002, the World Open in 2002 and 2006; the British Open in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2008; and the Australian Open in 2008. He attained World No...
.
Ashour won his first major professional title in January 2007, when he defeated David Palmer
David Palmer (squash player)
David Palmer is a professional squash player from Australia. He won the Super Series finals in 2002, the World Open in 2002 and 2006; the British Open in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2008; and the Australian Open in 2008. He attained World No...
(11–7, 11–3, 11–4) in 32 minutes for the Canadian Squash Classic. In April 2007, Ashour won both the Sheikha Al Saad Kuwait Open, the richest squash event in the world, by defeating his Egyptian compatriot Amr Shabana
Amr Shabana
Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:...
, 11–5, 11–3, 12–10, in 34 minutes, after a 10-6 deficit in the third, and then won the Qatar
Qatar
Qatar , also known as the State of Qatar or locally Dawlat Qaṭar, is a sovereign Arab state, located in the Middle East, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its...
Classic in Doha
Doha
Doha is the capital city of the state of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf, it had a population of 998,651 in 2008, and is also one of the municipalities of Qatar...
by again dispatching David Palmer with a score of 8–11, 11–9, 11–9, 11–6, in 66 minutes.
Also in 2007, Ramy won the ATCO Super Series
PSA Super Series
The PSA World Series is a series of men's squash tournaments which are part of the Professional Squash Association World Tour. The PSA World Series touranaments are some of the most prestigious events on the men's tour...
Finals event, held in August, by competing against other top points winners of the season. Only the top 8 players are invited to this prestigious event. The only player to go undefeated in his first 3 matches, Ramy then met French sensation Grégory Gaultier in the final. After a 62 minute battle, Ramy took the title 3–1 (12–10, 11–8, 4–11, 11–4).
To quote squash legend and writer Malcolm Willstrop, "Ramy Ashour is something else - his movement is better than anyone in the game, and allied to his unique racket skills and vision, he lights up the sport. Not only that but his modesty, and engaging smile make him a rare commodity."
The season ending 2009 Saudi International Open saw Ashour beat Nick Matthew
Nick Matthew
Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010...
in a final where the winner would become the next world No. 1. Ashour won the 110 minute battle (his longest ever on the PSA tour) in a grueling 5 game match.
Ashour's older brother, Hisham Mohd Ashour
Hisham Mohd Ashour
Hisham Mohd Ashour, is a professional squash player who represented Egypt. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 13 in April 2011.- External links :*...
, also plays on the PSA
Professional Squash Association
The Professional Squash Association is the governing body for the men's professional squash circuit. The body operates in a similar fashion to the ATP for tennis. The PSA World Tour involves over 100 tournaments annually all over the globe...
tour and has a career high ranking of No. 13 in the world; achieved in April 2011.
After losing his world number one ranking to English rival Nick Matthew
Nick Matthew
Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010...
in June 2010, Ashour reached the final of the new World Series Australian Open in August, then battled to a 10-12, 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 win in 90 minutes over Gregory Gaultier
Gregory Gaultier
Grégory Gaultier is a professional squash player from France. He won the British Open in 2007, and finished runner-up at the World Open in 2006 and 2007....
in the Hong Kong Open final two weeks later to ensure his return to the top of the rankings in September 2010.
But despite again slipping behind Matthew in the first 2011 rankings, Ashour started his New Year campaign in brilliant style, winning the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions
Tournament of Champions (squash)
The Tournament of Champions is an annual international squash championship held in New York City. In recent years, the event has been held at New York's Grand Central Terminal, in a specially-constructed four-walled glass court in the Vanderbilt Hall....
title for the second time since 2008 after overcoming the Englishman in the New York final. It was his comeback tournament after recovering from a 2010 hamstring injury.
But a month later he was again back in a World Series final at the North American Open in Virginia – but this time it was Matthew who prevailed in an epic five gamer.
Ramy came back however at the 2011 Australian Open, defeating defending champion Nick Matthew in another epic five gamer. Their rivalry continued as they played for their country in the WSF 2011 World Team Squash Championships
World Team Squash Championships
The World Team Squash Championships are an international squash competition played between teams representing different nations. Countries enter teams of three or four players to represent them in the championships. In each round of the competition, teams face each other in a best-of-three singles...
in Paderborn, Germany. Ramy (and Egypt) went on to win that encounter. Ramy further consolidated his push towards world #1 defeating Nick Matthew again at the 2011 Rowe British Grand Prix
British Grand Prix (squash)
The ROWE British Grand Prix is an annual men's squash tournament that takes place at the National Squash Centre in Manchester. The tournament is part of the PSA World Series, the most prestigious class of event in the PSA World Tour. The tournament was founded in 2010 and takes place in September...
3 games to 1.
PSA Titles (22)
All Results for Ramy Ashour in PSA World's Tour tournamentEWLINE
|
EWLINE
|
| No. | Date | Tournament | Opponent in Final | Score in Final | Minutes Played |
| 1. | November 21, 2004 | Athens Open |  Andrew Whipp |
13–11, 12–10, 7–11, 7–11, 11–9 | 1 h 15 min |
| 2. | January 12, 2007 | Canadian Classic |  David PalmerDavid Palmer (squash player) David Palmer is a professional squash player from Australia. He won the Super Series finals in 2002, the World Open in 2002 and 2006; the British Open in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2008; and the Australian Open in 2008. He attained World No... |
11–7, 11–3, 11–4 | 32 min |
| 3. | January 29, 2007 | Dayton Open |  John WhiteJohn White (squash player) John White is a former World No. 1 squash player.White finished runner-up at both the World Open and the British Open in 2002. He won the PSA Masters title in 2003 . He also won the British National Championships in 2004... |
8–11, 7–11, 11–16, 12–10, 11–2 | 1 h 12 min |
| 4. | April 11, 2007 | Sheikha Al Saad Kuwait Open |  Amr ShabanaAmr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
11–5, 11–3, 12–10 | 34 min |
| 5. | April 17, 2007 | Qatar Classic Open | David Palmer David Palmer (squash player) David Palmer is a professional squash player from Australia. He won the Super Series finals in 2002, the World Open in 2002 and 2006; the British Open in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2008; and the Australian Open in 2008. He attained World No... |
8–11, 11–9, 11–9, 11–6 | 1 h 9 min |
| 6. | August 12, 2007 | Super Series Finals |  Grégory GaultierGregory Gaultier Grégory Gaultier is a professional squash player from France. He won the British Open in 2007, and finished runner-up at the World Open in 2006 and 2007.... |
12–10, 11–8, 4–11, 11–4 | 1 h 2 min |
| 7. | January 16, 2008 | Tournament of Champions Tournament of Champions (squash) The Tournament of Champions is an annual international squash championship held in New York City. In recent years, the event has been held at New York's Grand Central Terminal, in a specially-constructed four-walled glass court in the Vanderbilt Hall.... |
James Willstrop James Willstrop James Willstrop is a professional squash player from England.-Biography:Willstrop is recognised as a young squash talent with a big future ahead of him... |
11–7, 13–11, 11–9 | 40 min |
| 8. | February 16, 2008 | Canadian Classic | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
11–2, 11–9, 8–11, 11–8 | 38 min |
| 9. | April 20, 2008 | Hurghada International Open | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
12–10, 9–11, 11–7, 9–11, 12–10 | 47 min |
| 10. | October 19, 2008 | World Open 2008 Men's World Open Squash Championship The 2008 Men's World Open Squash Championship is the men's edition of the World Open, which serves as the individual world championship for squash players... |
Karim Darwish Karim Darwish Karim Darwish is a squash player from Egypt.-Career:Earlier in 2008, Darwish finished runner-up at the World Open, losing in the final to fellow Egyptian player Ramy Ashour... |
5–11, 11–8, 11–4, 11–5 | 1 h |
| 11. | February 28, 2009 | North American Open | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
11–8, 13–11, 10–12, 5–11, 11–8 | 1 h 31 min |
| 12. | April 04, 2009 | Hurghada International Open | Gregory Gaultier Gregory Gaultier Grégory Gaultier is a professional squash player from France. He won the British Open in 2007, and finished runner-up at the World Open in 2006 and 2007.... |
7-11, 11-5, 11-3, 11-8 | 47 min |
| 13. | December 10, 2009 | PSA Masters | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
11–6, 9–11, 11–9, 11–9 | 1 h 19 min |
| 14. | December 18, 2009 | Saudi International Open | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
11–7, 7–11, 11–9, 9–11, 11–8 | 1 h 50 min |
| 15. | March 20, 2010 | CIMB KL Open | Karim Darwish Karim Darwish Karim Darwish is a squash player from Egypt.-Career:Earlier in 2008, Darwish finished runner-up at the World Open, losing in the final to fellow Egyptian player Ramy Ashour... |
11-8, 11-8, 11-9 | 51 min |
| 16. | August 29, 2010 | Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open | Gregory Gaultier Gregory Gaultier Grégory Gaultier is a professional squash player from France. He won the British Open in 2007, and finished runner-up at the World Open in 2006 and 2007.... |
10-12, 11-9, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9 | 1 h 30 min |
| 17. | September 20, 2010 | Rowe British Grand Prix | James Willstrop James Willstrop James Willstrop is a professional squash player from England.-Biography:Willstrop is recognised as a young squash talent with a big future ahead of him... |
11-7, 3-11, 11-3, 11-5 | 40 min |
| 18. | November 02, 2010 | Kuwait Open | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
9-11, 11-4, 13-11, 11-1 | 45 min |
| 19. | January 27, 2011 | Tournament of Champions Tournament of Champions (squash) The Tournament of Champions is an annual international squash championship held in New York City. In recent years, the event has been held at New York's Grand Central Terminal, in a specially-constructed four-walled glass court in the Vanderbilt Hall.... |
Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
11–3, 7–11, 11–9, 11-7 | 52 min |
| 20. | May 19, 2011 | Hurghada International Open | Karim Darwish Karim Darwish Karim Darwish is a squash player from Egypt.-Career:Earlier in 2008, Darwish finished runner-up at the World Open, losing in the final to fellow Egyptian player Ramy Ashour... |
11-9, 9-11, 12-14, 11-9, 11-3 | 1 h 20 min |
| 21. | August 14, 2011 | Australian Open | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
12-14, 11-6, 10-12, 11-8, 11-4 | 77 min |
| 22. | September 25, 2011 | Rowe British Grand Prix | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
1-11, 11-3, 11-7, 11-4 | 66 min |
Note: (ret) = retired, min = minutes, h = hours
PSA Tour Finals (Runner-Up) (13)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Opponent in Final | Score in Final | Minutes Played |
| 1. | October 22, 2005 | Athens Open | Hisham Mohd Ashour Hisham Mohd Ashour Hisham Mohd Ashour, is a professional squash player who represented Egypt. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 13 in April 2011.- External links :*... |
11–7, 2–11, 10–12, 7–11 | 37 min |
| 2. | January 29, 2006 | Dayton Open | John White |
5–11, 3–11, 6–11 | Unknown |
| 3. | March 11, 2006 | COAS International | Mohammed Abbas Mohammed Abbas Mohammed Abbas, is a professional squash player who represented Egypt. He reached a career-high international ranking of World No. 13 in April 2007.- External links :... |
4–11, 11–9, 5–11, 7–11 | Unknown |
| 4. | October 22, 2006 | Hong Kong Open | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
11–13, 11–3, 5–11, 11–13 | 48 min |
| 5. | October 28, 2007 | Saudi International Open | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
5–11, 5–11, 11–1, 9–11 | 50 min |
| 6. | April 27, 2008 | Kuwait Open | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
9-11, 7-11, 11-13 | 52 min |
| 7. | September 06, 2009 | U.S. Open | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
7-11, 2-11, 11-7, 14-12, 8-11 | 57 min |
| 8. | November 07, 2009 | Kuwait Open | Amr Shabana Amr Shabana Amr Shabana is a professional squash player from Egypt. He won the World Open in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, and reached the World No. 1 ranking in 2006.-Career overview:... |
8-11, 8-11, 5-11 | 50 min |
| 9. | January 28, 2010 | Tournament of Champions Tournament of Champions (squash) The Tournament of Champions is an annual international squash championship held in New York City. In recent years, the event has been held at New York's Grand Central Terminal, in a specially-constructed four-walled glass court in the Vanderbilt Hall.... |
James Willstrop James Willstrop James Willstrop is a professional squash player from England.-Biography:Willstrop is recognised as a young squash talent with a big future ahead of him... |
10-12, 5-11, 11-9, 2-11 | 49 min |
| 10. | February 27, 2010 | North American Open | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
9-11, 14-16, 4-5 (ret) | 48 min |
| 11. | August 15, 2010 | Australian Open | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
14-16, 7-11, 10-12 | Unknown |
| 12. | October 24, 2010 | El-Gouna International Open | Karim Darwish Karim Darwish Karim Darwish is a squash player from Egypt.-Career:Earlier in 2008, Darwish finished runner-up at the World Open, losing in the final to fellow Egyptian player Ramy Ashour... |
14-16, 3-11, 1-5 (ret) | 52 min |
| 13. | February 26, 2011 | North American Open | Nick Matthew Nick Matthew Nicholas Matthew is a professional squash player from England who won the British Open in 2006 and 2009 and is the reigning World Champion. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 1 in June 2010... |
9-11, 5-11, 11-8, 11-8, 6-11 | 1h 23 min |