The GillenMarkets British Open gets underway next week from Birmingham, providing another opportunity for players to get their hands on the most prestigious title in professional squash.
Top seeds and World No.1s Mostafa Asal and Nouran Gohar will be looking to continue their top form and pull further ahead at the summit of the world rankings. Former champions Ali Farag and Nour ElSherbini will be hopeful of strong performances to put some pressure on the leading pair and are always in with a shout of claiming major silverware.
With all the top players in the world competing, we’ve identified some potential matches that you should keep your eye on throughout the event.
Youssef Ibrahim v Tarek Momen – RD2
Two of the most attacking players on the PSA Squash Tour are guaranteed to go head to head in an exciting second round fixture as former World Champion Tarek Momen will take on Youssef Ibrahim. The pair have faced each other four times previously, with Momen yet to taste defeat to his talented compatriot.
Amina Orfi v Nour ElSherbini – QF
A rematch of the recent El Gouna International quarter final in which Orfi scored her first victory over current World Champion Nour ElSherbini. The Egyptian teenager’s fearless attitude was in full flow that day as she claimed a five-set win on route to reaching her first major event final.
ElSherbini showed why she is regarded as one of the best of all time since in Chicago and will be determined to put that result right in the quarter finals in Birmingham if the pair both progress.
Mohamed Elshorbagy v Karim Gawad – RD3
Two former World No.1s and World Champions could meet in the third round at this year’s British Open as Mohamed Elshorbagy and Karim Gawad have been drawn in the same section of a high quality draw.
The head to head record currently sits at 17-10 in Elshorbagy’s favour but Gawad has won the last five meetings on the PSA Squash Tour between the two. With both players heading into the latter stages of their careers, the fast paced, heavy metal squash might not be what to expect from this clash, but a high quality, tactical exchange is almost guaranteed.
Sivasangari Subramaniam v Rowan Elaraby – RD3
The World No.8 versus the World No.11 is expected to take place in round three of the women’s event as Sivasangari Subramaniam and Rowan Elaraby are seeded to meet. Elaraby has won six of the nine meetings between the two but has recently slipped outside the world’s top 10 for the first time since January 2024. The dip in form for the Egyptian has coincided with an upturn in form for Subramaniam, who will be looking to build on recent performances and end the season well.
Joel Makin v Diego Elias – QF
Joel Makin scored a huge win at last year’s British Open as he downed the World Champion at the time Diego Elias to reach his first British Open semi-final.
The event holds special importance for Makin, who lives and trains in Birmingham, and he was determined to leave everything out there on the Rep Theatre court to try and reach the final four. After a spellbinding performance of grit and determination, his dream was realised.
The pair are set to face each other in the same round this year and with both recently suffering injury problems, this potential match could come down to who is in the best condition on the day.
The qualification event gets underway on Tuesday 27th May whilst main draw action commences on Saturday 31st. All action will be streamed live on SQUASHTV.
For more updates on the GillenMarkets British Open 2025, visit the event website or follow the PSA on X, Facebook,Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Threads, WhatsApp or LinkedIn.
