Egyptians and Brits dominated Medal Podium at 8th FISU World University Squash Championship
Mazen Sabri (EGY) and Camilla Tomlinson (GBR) covered themselves with glory after emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s sections respectively of the 8th World University Squash Championship at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai, India.
In terms of a contest these finals fizzled out but there was no doubting the high standards that came on view. Cool and collected Camilla appeared to see through the game of the top seed Olga Ertlova of the Czech Republic. Normally a swift mover with a good touch with the racket Olga never looked the fighting player she was, Camilla ensured that with her testing returns and perfect placements. Trailing in each game, Olga gave in to the resilient British girl in less than 40 minutes. “I must say this is one of my biggest wins. This is a world level title. I am truly happy,” said Camilla of her achievement.
In the men’s final, two Egyptians gave a glimpse of the high-quality squash they are used to at the international level. It did not matter that Mazen and Zahed came from the same background. Both are friends off the court, but on court no quarter was given and none asked. Both played with immense concentration. Where Mazen was different, was his ability to get the ball to strike where he wanted, just above the tin and with consistency. Be it in the drops or the forehand blasts, Mazen virtually had his opponent skidding and gliding to great lengths. “I am familiar with Zahed’s game and that helped,” said Mazen in the end as he rose to take the gold medal in just 35 minutes of play.
In what was a final that went to the wire, Egypt managed to down reigning champion Great Britain 2-1 and grab the gold medal in the mixed team event on Sunday 7 September. This is the third time that Egypt is lifting the team title in this FISU squash championship, the last being in 2008. Malaysia beat South Africa 2-1 to settle for the bronze.
The next edition (9th) of the FISU World University Squash Championship will be hosted in 2016, in Malaysia.