Hania wins battle of friends with Jana to land World Junior title

Future stars: Hania El Hammamy (left) and Mostafa Asal posing with their trophies at the World Junior Championships in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — S.S.KANESAN /The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Hania El Hammamy finally emerged as the world junior squash champion at the third time of asking.

The 18-year-old top seed clinched her first World Junior Championships title after beating fellow Egyptian Jana Shiha 11-9, 11-6, 11-8 in 35 minutes at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Hania, who was determined to go one better than her silver medals in the last two championships, was relieved to finally accomplish her goal before bowing out from the junior ranks.

“I’ve been watching the videos of the top players on the PSA (Professional Squash Association) Tour and most of them have won the world junior title. This is a good start, “ said Hania, who is already ranked 15th in the world rankings.

“It’s always hard when you play against your best friend. I tried to forget about the friendship and just focus on getting the job done. Finally, I am the world junior champion.

Meanwhile, Mostafa Asal retained his crown after beating fellow Egyptian Moustafa Elsirty 12-10, 11-3, 11-6 in the boys’ singles final.

Boys: Mostafa Asal (Egy) bt Moustafa Elsirty (Egy) 12-10, 11-3, 11-6.

Girls: Hania El Hammamy (Egy) bt Jana Shiha (Egy) 11-9, 11-6, 11-8.