After a five-year hiatus, the highly anticipated 2024 China Squash Open concluded successfully at the Moon Bay, Oriental Sports Center, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. Egypt's Mohamed ElShorbagy and Malaysia's Rachel Arnold emerged victorious, winning the men’s and women’s titles respectively after five days of intense competition. As a premier PSA World Tour event, this year’s tournament received high praise from both participants and spectators for its high-level matches, top-notch organization, and excellent services.

The 2024 China Squash Open attracted numerous elite players, including several top-10 ranked men’s and women’s athletes. The thrilling clashes between these top players brought spectators a series of exciting matches. Chinese young talent Zhou Penglin made his debut in the China Open main draw, facing Egypt's rising star Mohamed Zakaria in the first round. Although Zhou fought hard, the gap in experience and skill ultimately led to a 0-3 loss in the first round. In the subsequent matches, Egyptian and Malaysian players delivered outstanding performances. Ultimately, top-seeded Mohamed ElShorbagy and Mohamed Abouelghar advanced to the men’s final, while sixth-seeded Rachel Arnold faced Farida Mohamed for the women’s title.

The women's final kicked off first, with both players frequently using sidewall shots, resulting in 10 fast-paced rallies within three minutes, bringing the score to 7-3. Farida Mohamed seemed off rhythm and struggled to find her footing, allowing Rachel Arnold to secure the first game 11-4. 

In the second game, Farida attempted to exploit Rachel's weaknesses, closely trailing her in points, but ultimately, Rachel Arnold proved stronger and took the second game 11-8. 

In the third game, Farida Mohamed made some impressive returns and launched several high-speed shots, briefly leading at 8-7. However, Rachel Arnold’s composure and skill allowed her to win 3-0, securing the 2024 China Squash Open women’s championship.

Result: China Open Women’s Final

Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt. [3] Farida Mohamed (EGY) 3-0: 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 (28m)

The men’s final followed, with both Mohamed ElShorbagy and Mohamed Abouelghar each scoring a point early on. Mohamed Abouelghar played exceptionally well, keeping the score close, but ElShorbagy’s extensive experience, with 49 World Tour titles to his name, allowed him to create a 7-3 lead. Abouelghar fought hard, bringing the score to 9-6, but a backcourt error handed ElShorbagy the game point, which he clinched with a decisive finish to win the first game.

The pace accelerated in the second game, with ElShorbagy playing almost flawlessly and quickly taking a 4-0 lead. Abouelghar gradually caught up, eventually leveling the score at 12-12, then securing two consecutive points to win the game 14-12.

In the third game, the score remained close, with ElShorbagy maintaining a 2-point lead. At 8-6, he scored two more points, reaching 10-7, and Abouelghar’s mistake gave ElShorbagy the third game. In the fourth game, ElShorbagy’s energy waned, and Abouelghar took control, pushing him back and forth on the court to reach a 9-3 lead. In a stunning display of resilience, ElShorbagy reversed the momentum, winning 11-9 and reclaiming the China Squash Open title five years after his last win.

Result: China Open Men’s Final

[1] Mohamed Elshorbagy (ENG) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-1: 11-6, 12-14, 11-7, 11-9 (58m)