WSF, 10 January 2012 –

El Shorbagy, aged 18 and from Alexandria, is the reigning world junior champion after winning the WSF Men’s World Junior Individual Championship crown in Belgium in July—since when he has made rapid progress in the PSA world rankings.

Title success in the Indian Junior Open in September helped India’s 17-year-old Mahesh Mangaonkar move up to second place—pushing Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar, runner-up to El Shorbagy in Belgium, down to No3.

Dutchman Tom de Mulder bursts into the rankings for the first time at No4 after a runner-up finish in October’s Nordic Junior Open in Sweden.

After winning the Canadian Junior Open, then finishing in third place later last month in the US Junior Open, Mexican Mario Yanez also makes his first appearance in the list at No5.

Emily Whitlock tops the chart!

Emily Whitlock, the 17-year-old British national junior champion, is rewarded for her focus and success on the world junior circuit by taking over the top spot—succeeding Egypt’s world junior champion Nour El Tayeb.

Whitlock, who became the European Junior champion for the first time last April, added the Belgian Junior Open title to her trophy collection in November.

And India’s Anaka Alankamony also moved up in the list to take over second place. The 17-year-old from Chennai followed her unexpected success in last year’s Asian Junior Championships by winning the Indian Junior Open in her home city September.

American Maria Elena Ubina, 16-year-old winner of the US Junior Open, leaps up to fifth place, below Egyptians Nour El Tayeb and Nour El Sherbini, at 3 and 4, respectively

The WSF World Junior Circuit Rankings—which are based on the under 19 age grouping and were launched last October—will be issued quarterly, based on results achieved in national junior opens, regional championships and WSF World Junior Individual Championships. In the coming months, as players compete in more events (there are sixteen already on the circuit in the first half of the year), players will have more results with which to find a level.

Men’s top 10:

Women’s top 10:

Full lists available at www.worldsquash.org (click on Junior Circuit)

Egypt

Top seeds Momen, the men’s world No20 from Cairo, and El Weleily, the women’s world No7 from Alexandria, led strong fields featuring players from Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.

The favourites were keen to retain the titles won by compatriots Amr Shabana and Engy Kheirallah in the 2007 Arab Games in Egypt.

After overcoming Kuwaiti Abdullah Al Muzayen – also a semi-finalist in 2007 – in four games, Momen lined up against fellow countryman Karim Abdel Gawad in the men’s final.

Alexandria-born Gawad, the 20-year-old second seed, took a 2/1 lead – but the more experienced 23-year-old Momen regained control to close out the match 11-6, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4 to claim the gold medal.

El Weleily also faced a second-seeded compatriot in the women’s final – and Omneya Abdel Kawy also established an early lead.

But it was to be a silver medal for the second time in a row for the former world No8 from Cairo as the in-form El Weleily marched on to gold medal success, winning 7-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-6.

“Current Egyptian domination of the Arab Games squash is a given,” commented World Squash Federation CEO Andrew Shelley. “But with the improvements from other competing nations – and the participation of Iraqi players, for example – the breadth and depth in the region is growing too.

“These Games, like all the other major multi-sport events in which squash takes part, are pinnacles for all players until we achieve a place in the one that transcends them all, the Olympic Games.”

The quadrennial Arab Games were first played in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1953.

RESULTS: Arab Games Squash Championships, Doha, Qatar

Men’s quarter-finals
[1] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Abdulla Mohd Al Tamimi (QAT) 13-11, 11-5, 11-6
[3/4] Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW) bt Rasool Hashim Abdullah (IRQ) 11-4, 11-8, 11-5
Ali Bader Al-Ramzi (KUW) bt [3/4] Ahmad Alzabidi (JOR) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6
[2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Ahmad Al-Saraj (JOR) 12-10, 11-5, 11-3

Semi-finals:
[1] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt [3/4] Abdullah Al Muzayen (KUW) 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, 11-2 (40m)
[2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Ali Bader Al-Ramzi (KUW) 11-8, 11-2, 11-7 (21m)

Final:
[1] Tarek Momen (EGY) bt [2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) 11-6, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-4

Women’s quarter-finals:
[1] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) bt Ghufran Ayoob (IRQ) 11-5, 11-5, 11-3 (18m)
Aisha Al-Hamad (KUW) bt Rand Alsa’AD (JOR) 11-4, 11-8, 11-3 (16m)
Mariam Dashti (KUW) bt Rana Janabi (IRQ) 11-4, 11-8, 11-7 (17m)
[2] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) bt Shahd Najada (JOR) 11-2, 11-3, 11-7 (22m)

Semi-finals:
[1] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) bt Aisha Al-Hamad (KUW) 11-2, 11-2, 11-2 (17m)
[2] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) bt Mariam Dashti (KUW) 11-2, 11-0, 11-3 (16m)

Final:
[1] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) bt [2] Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY) 7-11, 11-5, 11-2, 11-6

Just weeks after winning a record sixth World Open title, Malaysia’s Nicol David – who has topped the women’s world rankings since 2006 – joined Scotland’s former world number one John White, now the Director of Squash at Drexel University in the USA, at the event hosted by the Latvian Squash Federation at the eight-court Zelta Bowling and Squash Center.

The players met and hosted coaching sessions for the Latvian national senior and junior men’s and women’s squads, and entertained enthusiasts to a series of exhibition matches.

The Ambassador Programme also featured a two-day coaching workshop hosted by Ronny Vlassaks, the Head Coach of the Dutch and Belgian national squash teams, and similarly a refereeing seminar led by Scotsman Ian Allanach, a former WSF top referee and now a worldwide refereeing assessor.

Nikola Deivida & Dzons Vaits; Inspirational Squash Ambassadors

“The WSF Ambassadors were a real inspiration to the Latvian squash community – the impact of Nicol and John’s visit to Riga will be remembered for years to come,” said Alex Pavulans, the Latvian Squash Federation chairman who is also the country’s top-ranked player.

“It’s been a rare opportunity for Latvians – especially our juniors – to see Squash at this level, as well to have the chance to share a court with two of the sport’s top international stars.

“The media interest the visit has attracted has been a fantastic boost for Squash in Latvia – and we hope that we will be able to build on this with our domestic championships in the future. We would like to be able to stage a Tour event here soon – perhaps a women’s WISPA event.

“Furthermore, we hope that the widespread interest this has generated will enable us to attract funding from our sports ministry.”

The visit also attracted enthusiasts from neighbouring Baltic countries Estonia and Lithuania, as well as from Russia. After reading about the initiative on the WSF website, Lithuanian No1 Mantas Kociunas drove 300 km from the capital Vilnius to attend the event. A member of the SEB Arena, one of only two clubs in Lithuania, Kociunas is one of 500 active players in the country, 100 of whom are in the ranking system.

“Playing Nicol was awesome,” said the top Lithuanian. “She was in total control of the match, didn’t make any mistakes. I want to improve, and already watch the best on SquashTV.”

The SEB Arena is a thriving squash venue in Vilnius. “All five courts are currently fully booked from 8am through to 11pm each day,” explained Lithuania Squash Federation President Edvinas Dovydaitis. “We want to use this momentum to build more courts, and are currently looking for a location to build a new club.”

One notable attendee at Zelta was Liene Rieba, the Latvian U17 No1 who lives in Madona, 165 kilometres from Riga. The small town boasts just one court – built over ten years ago by Voldemars Svilans in his own house. “My dad introduced me to squash and I love it. I couldn’t wait for the chance to play with Nicol and John – it is the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. I love winning – I am going to play in a European event in Prague in January and I definitely want to win it!”

White was impressed by the Madona teenager: “Liene is clearly very keen and went for everything when we played. She certainly has potential.”

One of Latvia’s most promising players is 19-year-old Ineta Mackevica, the former national junior champion who is recovering from a stress fracture injury. Now studying for a Civil Engineering degree in Riga, Mackevica is keen to move abroad to enhance both her squash and studies. “Playing a world champion like Nicol was a fantastic experience. I hope I will soon be back to full fitness.”

After interviewing Nicol at Latvia’s Radio 101 station, journalist Zane Peneze was delighted to be invited along to the Zelta centre to face the Malaysian again – on court! “I am keen to play more squash – I can’t believe my luck that I was able to have a game with a six-time world champion. I’m so pleased – I managed to get two points!”

Both White and David enjoyed their Riga experience. “It’s good to come to a new country and see the enthusiasm for squash that has been nurtured by a handful of enthusiasts,” said Australian-born John White, the 38-year-old winner of 13 Tour titles and runner-up in the 2002 World Open. “I hope they will be able to build on this experience.

“But also very significant here were the coaching and refereeing courses run by Ronny and Ian – and it was excellent to see so much support for those.”

Nicol David, a 28-year-old veteran of a number of similar sorties to new countries, ‘spreading the word’ about squash, was equally upbeat: “This visit has certainly been an eventful one for squash in Latvia. The coaching and refereeing workshops, alongside some clinics, games and exhibition games with John, has given Latvia and other neighbouring countries like Lithuania and Estonia a chance to grasp squash as a whole package much better through the period.

“It was very encouraging seeing the enthusiasm on the faces of the squash players as they watched and learned more about squash. Truly a successful time, with thanks to the Latvian Squash Federation who hosted us so well.

“I look forward to some upcoming stars from Latvia in the future.”

WSF CEO Andrew Shelley summed up the success of the first Ambassador Programme visit: “The sheer enthusiasm of the players, young and old, coupled with the workshop attendees was enough for us to know that the WSF visit to Latvia had been a roaring success – from the players who came from the cluster of countries and got on court with Nicol and John; to those who took part in the invigorating and enjoyable workshops given over two days by Ian Allanach and Ronny Vlassaks; from the media interest and coverage; and from the enthusiasm and all the feedback.

“We are indebted to the players and workshop managers who gave their time freely and free,” Shelley continued. “The WSF group had the opportunity to meet enthusiasts from all over the Baltic region – and to talk to the Latvian Olympic Committee visitors who knew of our short-listing for the 2020 Olympic Games and wanted to see the activities personally.

“But this was only the start of what we hope will be a long-term link as the sport flourishes under the efforts and initiatives of the Latvian Squash Federation. Great people and great hosts.”

F.D. Amr Bey – Egypt
Janet Shardlow – England
Hashim Khan – Pakistan
Jonah Barrington – Ireland
Heather McKay – Australia
Geoff  Hunt – Australia
Susan Devoy – New Zealand
Jahangir Khan – Pakistan
Michelle Martin – Australia
Jansher Khan – Pakistan
Sarah Fitz-Gerald – Australia  

The 28-year-old from Penang, was inducted by compatriot HRH Tunku Imran, the WSF Patron and IOC member, who himself is a former Malaysian national squash champion. David is enjoying an astonishing career in squash. In 2005, she began an unbroken reign at the top of the world rankings and already has 56 World Tour titles to her credit, and has now surpassed her mentor Sarah Fitz-Gerald‘s five world titles.

David has almost single-handedly put squash on the map in her home country and earlier this year won a record eighth Malaysian Sportswoman of the Year award. She won her first of three (quadrennial) Asian Games gold medals in 1998, aged just 15, and in April this year claimed her eighth successive (biennial) Asian Championship crown.

On hearing of her WSF Hall of Fame induction, David said “It is great to be recognised while I am still competing – and to have my achievements compared with the top players in history. It is truly fantastic and I am really honoured. But even though I have been playing the professional circuit for over ten years this honour doesn’t mean I plan to finish yet!” 

At the same World Squash Awards, three of 2011’s great success stories were recognised:

L-R: Raneem El Weleily, Laura Massaro, Heather Deayton (Services to Squash Award), Ramy Ashour (PSA Player of the Year), Nour El Tayeb, Nicolas Mueller (PSA Young Player of the Year)

WISPA Player of the Year – Laura Massaro
2011 has been an outstanding year for the 28-year-old from England. After steadily rising in the World Rankings, she has now reached the giddy heights of World #4 after outstanding victories in Cleveland, where she beat both Jenny Duncalf and Nicol David. She beat Nicol David once again to reach the Singapore Masters final and most recently won her first World Series event at the US Open. Massaro now has 9 WISPA titles to her name.

WISPA Young Player of the Year – Nour El Tayeb
Still only 18, the highly-promising young Egyptian is already ranked #12 in the world. In 2011 she won the World Junior title and the Irish Open, beating Jaclyn Hawkes in the longest women’s match in history under the current scoring system. Tayeb was a semi-finalist in the Qatar Classic. Nour also won this prestigious award in 2010.

WISPA Most Improved Player of the Year – Raneem El Weleily
22-year-old Raneem’s impressive year has brought her victories in both the Hurghada International and Carol Weymuller Open, where she beat the world number’s 5, 7, 3 and 2 on her way to the title and a world ranking high of #7. She was twice WISPA Young Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

Irish star, Madeline Perry with WSF President N Ramachandran

World Squash Federation President N Ramachandran today stressed that innovation will be a core element of Squash’s campaign for inclusion into the 2020 Olympic Games. He also outlined the significant growth the sport has achieved in recent years and some of the major enhancements that have been introduced since Squash’s most recent campaign for Olympic inclusion for 2016.

At the launch of its Olympic 2020 campaign in London, the WSF also revealed the campaign slogan - Squash: Sport at its Best

President Ramachandran said: “We know we have to show the International Olympic Committee that Squash is a fantastic product, and that we are not scared to innovate. Over the past few years, since our last campaign for Olympic inclusion, the sport has progressed significantly with the introduction of SquashTV, “Video Review” technology, new and exciting showcourts with revolutionary lighting and an international ambassador programme. It is vital over this next campaign that we communicate these innovations to the IOC to show just how far the sport has come, and what the exciting plans are for the future of our sport.

“Squash is a growing, global sport played by 20 million men and women on more than 50,000 courts in 185 countries. We have thriving men’s and women’s professional tours – more than 500 players from 74 nations compete on the men’s tour and over 350 on the women’s. Prize money is growing, as are the number of events across the world, and our global calendar would be a fantastic promotional platform for Olympic Squash. It really is an exciting time for our sport.”

Supporting the WSF 2020 Olympic Campaign, Malaysia’s world No1 Nicol David said just minutes after winning a record sixth World Open title in Rotterdam yesterday: “There is no question that the Olympic Games would be the absolute pinnacle of my career and I would happily trade all my 6 World titles for Olympic Gold.”

Women’s world No3 Madeline Perry today added her weight to the Squash 2020 Olympic Campaign by signing a letter pledging her support to Squash 2020. “Squash is a huge sport and to have the chance to represent my country on the world’s greatest sporting stage would be amazing, not just for me, but for all players around the world,” said the 34-year-old from Belfast.

VIEW A COPY OF THE PLAYER’S LETTER OF SUPPORT HERE.

Using the most modern software and hardware, the game is a realistic representation of the sport with great tactical aspects—and all shots can be played, including drives, corkscrews, boasts and more. Players can also play online matches against each other, or play at iconic locations—and an offline tournament mode allows users the chance to organise virtual tournaments during real events.

It is easy to connect wireless controllers to the game and link to a big screen, so that squash clubs can host a virtual event. Details of this are available from the game’s dedicated website www.wsfsquash.com – where a trailer, screenshots, and more, can also be seen.

There are 12 real top squash players in the game. Users can choose between four different top tournaments at iconic locations—either selecting their favourite player or creating their own player, choosing equipment, skin colour, hair colour, posture, playing style, etc.

Following four years of development, WSF Squash will be launched at the beginning of November.

“For me, Squash is a much faster, aggressive, raw and also responsive game than, for example, tennis,” said Team6 Games CEO Ronnie Nelis. “For WSF Squash, gamers will not only need to have much faster reflexes than for any other sports game, but they will also even have to think about their strategy during the game. All this made a very good reason for us to make a game that nobody dared to make before.”

WSF President Mr N Ramachandran commented: “Our hope, of course, is that in endorsing this game we will see a significant number of newcomers to squash trying it—who may then feel that they would like to try the real thing on court, and boost grass-roots numbers as a result.”

The game can be pre-ordered with 35% discount as an introduction offer only till the 31st of October for 1st November distribution.

There are further plans to develop the game for Nintendo Wii and xBox.

1st qualifying rounds – Pool A:
[1] EGYPT bt [9] NEW ZEALAND 3/0
Kanzy Emad El-Defrawy bt Abbie Palmer 11-2, 11-4, 11-2 (12m)
Nour El Tayeb bt Megan Craig 11-2, 11-8, 11-6 (16m)
Nouran El Torky bt Rebecca Barnett 11-7, 11-6, 11-5 (19m)

[8] CANADA bt [13/16] SOUTH AFRICA 2/1
Abbey Foster bt Lume Landman 11-9, 11-4, 11-9 (23m)
Danielle Letourneau lost to Alexandra Fuller 13-15, 4-11, 11-8, 11-13 (37m)
Michelle Gemmell bt Elani Landman 11-5, 11-8, 11-1 (21m)

Pool B:
[2] USA bt [13/16] GUYANA 3/0
Haley Mendez bt Mary Fung-A-Fat 11-3, 11-7, 11-3 (16m)
Olivia Blatchford bt Keisha Jeffrey 11-4, 11-3, 11-3 (17m)
Sabrina Sobhy bt Kayla Jeffrey 11-3, 11-5, 11-6 (35m)

[10] WALES bt [7] AUSTRALIA 3/0
Fiona Murphy bt Jennifer Brown 11-8, 11-3, 6-11, 11-8 (38m)
Tesni Evans bt Tamika Saxby 11-9, 11-5, 11-4 (23m)
Hannah Davies bt Bethany Brazier 11-7, 11-1, 12-10 (18m)

Pool C:
[3] INDIA bt [11] FRANCE 3/0
Aparajitha Balamurukan bt Marie Stephan 9-11, 10-12, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (40m)
Anaka Alankamony bt Melissa Alves 12-10, 12-10, 11-6 (29m)
Saumya Karki bt Julia Lecoq 7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 9-11, 11-7 (33m)

[6] HONG KONG CHINA bt [13/16] ECUADOR 3/0
Choi Uen Shan bt Mikaela Albuja Sanchez 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 (16m)
Ho Ka Po bt Mireya Lucia Espinosa Proano 11-0, 7-11, 11-4, 11-3 (22m)
Ho Tze-Lok bt Nicole Gordillo Bravo 11-9, 11-4, 11-2 (15m)

[3] INDIA bt [6] HONG KONG CHINA 2/1
Aparajitha Balamurukan lost to Ho Tze-Lok 3-11, 8-11, 11-8, 15-17
Anaka Alankamony bt Ho Ka Po 11-0, 11-5, 11-3 (23m)
Saumya Karki bt Ka-Yi Lee 12-10, 11-8, 11-6 (26m)

[11] FRANCE bt [13/16] ECUADOR 3/0
Elvira Bedjai bt Mikaela Albuja Sanchez 11-3, 11-7, 11-5 (19m)
Melissa Alves bt Mireya Lucia Espinosa Proano 11-2, 11-6, 11-6 (18m)
Julia Lecoq bt Nicole Gordillo Bravo 11-1, 11-3, 11-6 (15m)

Pool D:
[4] ENGLAND bt [13/16] NETHERLANDS 3/0
Victoria Temple-Murray bt Laura Lagerweij 12-10, 11-6, 11-3
Emily Whitlock bt Tessa ter Sluis 11-4, 11-7, 11-5 (21m)
Sophie Lemom bt Nikki van der Heijden 11-9, 9-11, 11-4, 11-4 (35m)

[5] MALAYSIA bt [12] GERMANY 3/0
Vanessa Raj bt Laura Kutsch 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 (20m)
Tan Yan Xin bt Caroline Sayegh 11-3, 11-9, 11-4 (20m)
Sue Ann Yong bt Annika Wiese 11-4, 11-3, 12-10 (23m)

[4] ENGLAND bt [12] GERMANY 2/1
Victoria Temple-Murray bt Steffi Rosner 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 (18m)
Emily Whitlock bt Caroline Sayegh 11-4, 11-4, 11-4 (20m)
Katie Smith lost to Annika Wiese 7-11, 9-11, 3-11 (20m)

[5] MALAYSIA bt [13/16] NETHERLANDS 2/1
Celine Yeap bt Laura Lagerweij 11-7, 11-2, 11-4 (17m)
Tan Yan Xin lost to Tessa ter Sluis 8-11, 14-16, 7-11 (27m)
Vanessa Raj bt Nikki van der Heijden 11-5, 11-3, 11-0 (18m)

In the biggest upset on the opening day of qualifying action in the WSF Women’s World Junior Team Squash Championship in Boston, USA, underdogs Wales crushed three-time former champions Australia 3/0 in the World Squash Federation event at the Murr Center at Harvard University.

“We don’t beat Australia at many sports,” said a jubilant Wales coach Andrew Evans after his team’s stunning win over the seventh seeds who have reached the finals in seven of their 13 appearances since the inaugural event in 1985.

“When I saw the draw I knew it could be a good one for us, but I still expected it to be a really close match and go down to the wire,” Evans explained to the official website www.worldsquash.org/worldjuniors2011

Squad number three Fiona Murphy began the rout with an 11-8, 11-3, 6-11, 11-8 victory over Jennifer Brown before Cardiff-born top string Tesni Evans sealed victory after a 23-minute 11-9, 11-5, 11-4 win against Tamika Saxby.

Second string Hannah Davies made it a clean sweep after beating Bethany Brazier 11-7, 11-1, 12-10.

“Fiona played very well,” added Evans. “Then Tesni finished it off against Tamika. She didn’t start too well but played very well and Tamika, who we know has injury problems, got tired in the second, otherwise that could have been close too.

“Hannah found some form after what was, in her own words, a disappointing individual competition and finished it off really well.

“It’s a fantastic win, I’m really proud of them, and everyone back in Wales will be too.”

Firm favourites Egypt, led by the new world individual champion Nour El Tayeb, cruised to a 3/0 win over ninth seeds New Zealand in just 47 minutes of playing time.

Hosts USA, seeded to reach the final in what would be their best ever finish after competing in all the championships since 1985, also made a positive start in Pool B, beating event debutants Guyana 3/0.

After morning wins for India (over France) and Hong Kong China (against championship newcomers Ecuador), the scene was set for what was essentially the decisive match in Pool C.

It was the day’s most dramatic encounter in which third seeds India battled back from losing the opening match to beat sixth seeds Hong Kong 2/1.

“I want chocolate,” demanded Indian number one Anaka Alankamony of coach Cyrus Poncha as she came off court after beating Ho Ka Po to level the tie. “I worked so hard,” said the 17-year-old Asian junior champion from Chennai.

Saumya Karki completed the comeback, beating Hong Kong’s Ka-Yi Lee 12-10, 11-8, 11-6, much to the relief of the Indian bench.

“Cyrus just told me to go on and play my game, not to consider any pressure and to be confident in myself,” said 16-year-old Karki after the decider. “In the first two games we were going point for point, but I managed to make some good plays at the end of the games to take them.

“The third was the hardest game of all, but I was determined to close it out, I know how good she is and I really didn’t want to play another two games!”

Quarter-finals:
[1] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt [9/16] Salma Hany (EGY) 11-8, 11-0, 11-4 (30m)
[5/8] Emily Whitlock (ENG) bt [3/4] Olivia Blatchford (USA) 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (33m)
[3/4] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [5/8] Nouran El Torky (EGY) 11-8, 11-3, 11-4 (25m)
[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt Mariam Ibrahim Metwally (EGY) 11-6, 11-3, 11-5 (24m)

Emily Whitlock, a 17-year-old from England in her maiden appearance in the WSF Women’s World Junior Individual Squash Championship, stormed into the semi-finals of the World Squash Federation championship in Boston, USA, after upsetting home hope Olivia Blatchford at Harvard University.

After surviving a tough four-game last 16 round match against New Zealander Megan Craig, 5/8 seed Whitlock defeated 3/4 seed Blatchford, an 18-year-old from New York in her fourth appearance in the championship, 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 in 33 minutes.

“It didn’t feel like a quarter,” Whitlock told the official website  www.worldsquash.org/worldjuniors2011 afterwards. “All I wanted to do was reach my seeded position, and after yesterday my confidence was really down.

“But I played well there. I haven’t even won but I’m so happy,” added the recently-crowned European Junior champion from Colwyn Bay in Wales.

Whitlock will now face Egypt’s Nour El Tayeb, the 18-year-old from Cairo who is seeded to reach the final for the third year in a row – but expected to win the title for the first time.

El Tayeb, ranked 18 in the world, saw off compatriot Salma Hany, an 18-year-old 9/16 seed from Giza, 11-8, 11-0, 11-4.

“I know Salma’s game, so I was less nervous before the start of this match,” said the favourite. “It was never an easy match though, even in the second there were still tough rallies, but I was pleased with how I played and I’m happy to be in the semi-finals.

“I was surprised that Emily beat Olivia – but she’s a good player and I know I’ll have to play well again to counter what she throws at me. I’m looking forward to it.”

The other semi-final will pitch 2010 champion Amanda Sobhy against the 2009 winner Nour El Sherbini. Sobhy, the 18-year-old from New York who last year became the first US squash player in history to win a world singles title, defeated unseeded 14-year-old Egyptian Mariam Ibrahim Metwally 11-6, 11-3, 11-5.

“I’m feeling pretty good, trying to keep the pace high and volleying everything I can, and I’m seeing the ball well on here too – which is usually a problem for me on glass courts,” explained second seed Sobhy.

“The home crowd gives you a boost too, it makes you want to give your best and picks you up if anything goes wrong. All the Egyptians are good – but she’s very young and I knew that if I got on top early and started to dominate I could break her mentally.

“I’m glad it’s my last year though – I wouldn’t want to face her in two years’ time!”

El Sherbini stunned the squash world two years ago when she won the title in India aged just 13 – becoming youngest world champion ever.

The 3/4 seed beat fellow Egyptian Nouran El Torky, a 5/8 seed, 11-8, 11-3, 11-4.

“We know each other’s games well and it’s usually close, so I knew I had to concentrate to do well in this match,” said the 15-year-old from Alexandria. “Winning the first was very important and after I’d done that it gave me confidence to go for more shots in the second and third.

“I thought I played well and I’m happy with my performance today. I’m looking forward to the semi-final and hope I can play well again.”

Semi-final line-up:
[1] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) v [5/8] Emily Whitlock (ENG)
[2] Amanda Sobhy (USA) v [3/4] Nour El Sherbini (EGY)

Official website: www.worldsquash.org/worldjuniors2011

The World Squash Federation has added a new dimension to its world squash championships’ roster with the launch of the WSF Under-21 World Cup.

The inaugural U21 World Cup – an entirely new biennial event introducing a new age-group category in the sport–will take place in Chennai, India, from 1-5 February 2012.

The new championship will be for mixed teams of two men and one woman, following the highly successful format of the biennial WSF World Cup.

The U21 World Cup will be held in the alternate years of the WSF World Cup–and will be staged in 2012 at the same Express Avenue Mall venue which hosted the 2011 World Cup.

“The new championship will provide a great showcase not only for the cream of juniors but those who are transitioning as seniors, as well as those Under 21s who are already established,” said WSF CEO Andrew Shelley.

“We believe this adds a significant new world championship opportunity to our portfolio of events – one which will benefit both players and regional federations,” Shelley continued.

Srivatsan Subramaniam, Secretary General of the Squash Rackets Federation of India, added: “We are very pleased that the WSF has allotted us the inaugural WSF U21 World Cup. This new event follows a series of events supported by the Sports Development of Tamil Nadu who are supporting sports and especially squash in the southern city of Chennai.”

“We welcome all U21 players from around the world to come and have an unforgettable experience.”

The Under-19 age groups of countries’ National Junior Opens, along with the regional championships that take place on the continents of the world – with the World Junior Championship titles at the pinnacle – will form the WSF World Junior Circuit.

Results from these events will be used to compute quarterly WSF World Junior Rankings for young men and women at Under-19 age level.

Announcing the initiative, WSF President N Ramachandran pointed out: “Our member nations and regions go to great lengths to foster the development of young talent and we can now recognise their efforts at world level by linking together the calendar and providing world rankings.

“We already know that this principle has been well received within the sport and we look forward to seeing our talented youngsters from across the world benefitting from it.”

WSF Chief Executive Andrew Shelley added: “Details on how the circuit and rankings work have been sent to the nations. Events, including July’s World Junior Individual Championships, will come on stream from June onwards, in advance of the first WSF Junior Ranking Lists appearing in October.

The WSF will not be setting regulations for the events, but once the rankings are up and running they will certainly provide a strong guide for seedings, and for the world rankings that players can use to measure their progress.”

Full details of the circuit and rankings system can be found at www.worldsquash.org