Gawad Captures Edmonton Open Title
by Sean Reuthe

November 30, 2015 - Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad secured the biggest title of his career after coming from behind to secure victory over compatriot Mohamed Abouelghar in the final of the Reidbuilt Homes Edmonton Open, PSA M35 event.

The World No.10 came into the final off the back of a straight games victory over Cesar Salazar while Abouelghar stunned number two seed Chris Simpson before defeating Nicolas Mueller in the quarter-final and semi-final, respectively to seal his spot in the showpiece event.

Both players caught the eye at the recent PSA Men’s World Championship with some fine displays there and, despite both players bowing out at the hands of fellow Egyptian Ramy Ashour, they continued their penchant for attacking, attractive squash into the event in Canada.

Abouelghar took the opener after a number of punishing drives allowed him to move Gawad out of position and he won it narrowly on the tie-break before a consistent Gawad levelled things up in the second.

The pair traded points back and forth in the following two games with Gawad proving to be the slightly more accurate of the two, completing a 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 victory in 87 minutes to lift a fourth PSA World Tour title of 2015.

“I’m delighted to win my 12th PSA World Tour title and also the biggest title of my career so far,” said Gawad.

“It’s very nice to finish the year with a win.”

Result - Final: Reidbuilt Homes Edmonton Open 2015

[1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [6] Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-1: 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (87 mins)