In a night that will be etched in squash history, Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini claimed her eighth World Championship title, equaling the legendary Nicol David’s all-time record and reaffirming her status as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
El Sherbini, 29, defeated fellow Egyptian and World No. 3 Hania El Hammamy in a high-quality final at the University Club of Chicago on Saturday. The 3-1 win — 11-5, 11-9, 4-11, 11-7 in 61 minutes — marked her tenth consecutive appearance in a world final and solidified her dominance in the modern era of women’s squash.
“Everyone kept talking about Nicol’s record,” El Sherbini said, visibly emotional after the victory. “I never thought I would make it this far. I’ve had a really tough season mentally and physically, and to win this one — it just means so much to me, to my corner, my team, and my parents.”
While the scoreboard shows a relatively decisive win, the match itself was a fierce battle between two of Egypt’s finest. El Hammamy, 23, showcased her speed, resilience, and attacking flair, notably taking the third game in commanding fashion. But El Sherbini’s superior tactical nous and trademark precision proved decisive in the fourth, as she powered to a historic triumph.
With this victory, El Sherbini matches the legendary Malaysian Nicol David, who won her eight world titles between 2005 and 2014 — a record many thought would stand untouched for decades. El Sherbini’s first title came in 2015 when she was just 20, and she has been a fixture at the top ever since.
Legacy in the Making
El Sherbini’s achievement places her in rarefied air — not just as an Egyptian icon, but as a global standard-bearer for women’s squash. Her smooth movement, deft shot-making, and big-match temperament have set a benchmark that few have matched in the sport’s professional era.
Her eight titles have come across three continents — a testament to her adaptability and longevity at the highest level.
“She’s not just a champion — she’s a generational talent,” said former World No. 1 Laura Massaro in a post-match commentary. “What she’s done for women’s squash, especially coming from Egypt, is extraordinary.”
Egypt’s Continued Supremacy
El Sherbini’s win also underscores Egypt’s continued dominance in world squash. The country has now produced every women’s world champion since 2014 and continues to develop elite talent at an unmatched pace.
