KARACHI (MNN); World junior champions Amina Orfi and Mohamad Zakaria underlined their rising stature in international squash by clinching the women’s and men’s titles at the Karachi Open on Sunday, thrilling a packed crowd that cheered the Egyptian teenagers throughout their victories.
World number three Amina Orfi produced a dominant performance in the women’s final, defeating Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam 3-0 with scores of 11-8, 11-2, 11-7. The 18-year-old wrapped up the match in 38 minutes to claim her fourth title of the season.
Speaking after the final, Orfi said finals were never easy, adding that she and Sivasangari had faced each other several times this season. She acknowledged her opponent’s threat and stressed the importance of thorough preparation. Orfi also thanked the Karachi crowd for creating a lively atmosphere and supporting both players.
In the men’s final, compatriots Mohamad Zakaria and Aly Abou Eleinen delivered a gripping contest that lasted over 100 minutes and kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Eleinen edged the opening game 11-9 after long, exhausting rallies. Zakaria bounced back in the second game, recovering from a 7-3 deficit to win 11-9, despite a brief stoppage to treat a cut on his knee.
The third game turned dramatic as Zakaria initially believed he had won and left the court, only for Eleinen to call for a player review. The game stretched to 27 minutes before Eleinen prevailed 14-12. Zakaria then leveled the match by winning the fourth game 11-7.
In the deciding fifth game, Eleinen struggled with cramps while Zakaria pulled ahead. Despite late drama and another player review, the referee upheld the decision in Zakaria’s favour, sealing an 11-7 win and the biggest title of his career so far.
An emotional Zakaria said he was most impressed with his physical fitness, which he had worked hard to improve. He described winning his first gold-level event at the age of 18 as a special moment and expressed pride in sharing the final with Eleinen, whom he said he had grown up playing with in Alexandria.
Eleinen, speaking after the match, praised Zakaria, whom he described as a younger brother. He said it was a proud moment for both of them to contest a major final together and hoped it would be the first of many memorable battles.
