Finals : El Tayeb and Soliman triumph

The opening event of the new season concluded in Cairo as the top seeds in the inaugural CIB Zed Open battled it out for the PSA Bronze titles.

El Tayeb wins inaugural women’s event

Nour El Tayeb has been crowned the CIB Zed Squash Open 2022 champion after defeating Salma Hany in Cairo.

El Tayeb defeated the top seed and her fellow compatriot Hany 3-1 to scoop the in augural CIB Zed Squash title – her first crown since becoming a parent.

The 29-year-old took the first game 11-7, only for Hany to bring it level in the second. El Tayeb regained control by clinching the third game, where there was a brief stop in play due to an injury picked up by Hany.

El Tayeb was two points away in the fourth when a power cut halted proceedings for a short period, however the game was soon wrapped up on resumption by the Egyptian to win the title.

“I feel great. It’s one of the happiest titles I’ve won,” El Tayeb said.

“It means a lot after a long time, and I’m in the top eight which means a lot to me as well. It was a good start to the season for me and I hope I can keep going like this.

“I obviously wanted to win this time around. I took a year break, so I wanted to do well coming back after having a baby. This week, with how my preparation was in pre-season and how I was mentally and physically, to play such a tough match, physically, emotionally and psychologically so I’m very happy with how I played.

“When the power cut happened when I was two points away, I’m glad it didn’t happen when we were closer in the match! It’s a first experience for me for this to happen and I was just trying to take everything in as it’s a big final. I’ve only played one big final in Egypt before, but it was a new experience for me and I was trying to take it all in, accept it and I’m glad I managed to control it.”

Soliman takes his biggest title yet

Youssef Soliman has won the CIB Zed Squash Open Men’s final after overcoming Victor Crouin in straight sets in Cairo.

It’s the biggest PSA title the Egyptian has scooped, and the number one seed bagged it in style with a scintillating performance to close out the tournament.

The World No.17 played some sublime shots throughout, winning 11-8, 11-5, 11-6, to become the first winner of the men’s CIB Zed Open.

“To win my biggest title in Egypt, in front of a home crowd, my friends and family, it means a lot!” Soliman said.

“I need to thank some people behind this tournament for having us this week. Like I’ve said before, this is the best bronze event to happen to the PSA and I’m looking forward for this tournament to keep going.”