The prestigious British Open is into its second day today with players looking to book places in round three of the final Platinum event in the 2023/24 season. Action will be taking place from both the Rep Theatre and Edgbaston Priory with all matches available to watch live on SQUASHTV.
For the final time this season, we’ve consulted our panel of experts to get their opinions on who they think will take the titles home and who they think will overachieve in the oldest professional squash event.
Daryl Selby
Men’s Winner: Paul Coll
Women’s Winner: Nouran Gohar
Men’s One to Watch: Mohamed Abouelghar
Women’s One to Watch: Tesni Murphy
The British Open comes at the end of a long season and I suspect Paul’s strength and fitness may see him to the title. He always plays well in the U.K. as well. Mohamed Abouelghar is gradually getting back to fitness and a previous top 10 player, I love watching him play, keep an eye on him as an unseeded player
After winning the World Championships I feel like momentum and belief are with Nouran Gohar. She has a tough draw but I think that will stand her in good stead. Tesni Murphy is my one to watch. I’m sure she’ll feel at home playing in Birmingham and with it being the British Open as well I think she will go well.
Cameron Pilley
Men’s Winner: Ali Farag
Women’s Winner: Nour El Sherbini
Men’s One to Watch: Joel Makin
Women’s One to Watch: Torrie Malik
I think Farag will have a bounce back tournament here. He has been the heavy favourite in every event he has entered this season and he will be looking to finish the season on a high. It’s the British Open. In his own backyard. In form. Joel Makin could go deep if he can put it all together this event.
I like what I’ve seen from Torrie this season and given she’s the Wildcard for the British Open, playing on home turf, I think she will produce some solid squash.
Aisling Blake
Men’s Winner: Ali Farag
Women’s Winner: Nouran Gohar
Men’s One to Watch: Karim Abdel Gawad
Women’s One to Watch: Nour El Tayeb
Borja Golan
Men’s Winner: Paul Coll
Women’s Winner: Nouran Gohar
Men’s One to Watch: Aly Abou Eleinen
Women’s One to Watch: Tesni Murphy
Jenny Duncalf
Mens winner: Ali Farag
Women’s winner: Nour ElSherbini
Men’s One to Watch: Joel Makin
Women’s One to Watch: Torrie Malik
Jonny Williams
Men’s winner: Ali Farag
Women’s winner: Nouran Gohar
Men’s One to Watch: Mohamed Abouelghar
Women’s One to Watch: Fayrouz Aboelkheir
I’m going to say a Farag vs Coll final (for 3rd time) and it’ll be third time lucky for Farag. For the women, Gohar finally has the weight of the world title free from her shoulders so i’m backing her to claim her second British title.
Joey Barrington
Men’s winner: Ali Farag
Women’s winner: Nour El Sherbini
Men’s One to Watch: Joel Makin
Women’s One to Watch: Tinne Gilis
Vanessa Atkinson
Men’s winner: Ali Farag
Women’s winner: Nouran Gohar
Men’s One to Watch: Curtis Malik
Women’s One to Watch: Fayrouz Aboelkheir