PETALING JAYA: Egypt’s Raneem El Welily has proven herself worthy of the world No. 1 status after beating compatriot Nouran Gohar for the China Open squash title.
The 26-year-old Raneem, who replaced Malaysia’s Nicol David as the top ranked woman player in the world last Tuesday, notched a 13-11, 11-7, 11-7 win in Shanghai on Sunday.
It was the icing on the cake for the Alexandria native as she has been the on-form player so far this year, having won three titles – the Tournament of Champions, Windy City Open and Alexendria International Open – before this.
The 17-year-old Nouran simply ran out of steam.
The reigning world junior champion had beaten Nicol in the quarter-finals and ousted world No. 3 and British Open champion Camille Serme of France in the semi-finals.
There was no double joy for Egypt when Marwan El Shorbagy failed to get the better of France’s Gregory Gaultier in the men’s final.
World No. 3 Gaultier was in his element to grab an 11-6, 11-2, 11-4 win over world No. 13.
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