Gawad wins world squash title as hobbling Ashour quits

Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad was crowned world champion for the first time on Friday when compatriot and three-time winner Ramy Ashour was forced to quit in the fourth game of the final through injury.

Gawad, the 25-year-old world number three, battled from dropping the opener to nudge ahead 5-11, 11-6, 11-7.

Ashour was trailing 2-1 in the fourth game when he was forced to retire after suffering a recurrence of the hamstring injury which has plagued him in recent years.

“It has been a very long week, I didn’t have a good start, but I think I had good performances this week,” said Gawad, the third Egyptian to clinch the world championship after Ashour and four-time winner Amr Shabana.

“I feel very sorry for Ramy. He’s a great ambassador for our sport and we are all happy to have him around at the tournaments. 

“He’s great for many generations and all the generations learn a lot from him, even me. I wish him a speedy recovery.” 

Ashour said: “I’ve been through a lot, and every time I fall down I learn. As long as I’m still breathing, I’ll just keep trying.”