Habiba the youngest in the main draw of Worlds

Egypt's Habiba Mohamed earned a place in the main draw of the Women's World Championships after beating Holland's Milou van der Heijden in the qualifying finals. - filepic

GEORGE TOWN: Fourteen-year-old Habiba Mohamed will be the youngest player in the main draw of the Women’s World Squash Championship 2013.

The Egyptian fought back to beat Holland’s Milou van der Heijden 10-12, 13-11, 11-8, 11-6 in the third qualifying round at the Nicol David International Squash Centre in Penang on Monday to secure one of the eight spots available in today’s first round of 32. Three other Egyptians – Heba El Torky, Salma Hany Ibrahim and Nour El Tayeb – also secured main draw berths.

Habiba, who already has two WSA Tour titles under her belt, was overjoyed to get into the tournament proper.

“I am happy and excited to have achieved my dream to play in my first World Championship. Now my next target is to enjoy the experience of playing with the world’s best and try to progress as far as possible,” said Habiba, the reigning British Junior Open Under-17 champion.

Habiba will have little rest as she will take on eighth seed Camille Serme of France on Tuesday.