World No. 1 Nour El Sherbini is the poster girl for women’s squash and continues to capture the imagination of the millions of fans who follow the sport worldwide.
With another season set to draw to a close in Dubai this week, can the Egyptian continue her tremendous rise or will her dominance be curtailed in the UAE?
Here, we profile the eight players taking part in the TCO PSA World Series Finals which gets underway at Emirates Golf Club on June 5.
NOUR EL SHERBINI (Egypt)
The 22-year-old has looked unstoppable over the past two years, holding the top ranking for 26 consecutive months. Her notable achievements this season include wins at the Hong Kong Open, Saudi PSA Women’s Masters, Tournament of Champions and British Open. Beaten in last season’s decider in Dubai, the Warrior Princess will be bidding to finish her season on a high.
RANEEM EL WELILY (Egypt)
The reigning world champion has been an effervescent presence among the game’s elite and, alongside El Sherbini, is considered one of the most popular figures on the tour. At 29, the world number two is one of the key favourites and will be aiming for a first win in Dubai after losing the 2016 final to Massaro. Has reached four finals this season as well as winning in El Gouna.
NOUR EL TAYEB (Egypt)
The Windy City Open and US Open champion has enjoyed a stunning season, which also includes reaching the Tournament of Champions final as well as semi-final places in El Gouna and Riyadh. The world number three has the skills and game to topple one of her in-form compatriots.
JOELLE KING (New Zealand)
After claiming gold medals in both the singles and doubles at the Commonwealth Games last month, the world number four will be hoping to continue her career best form this week. The composed Kiwi has the armoury to topple the big guns.
CAMILLE SERME (France)
The Frenchwomen returned to the top five for the first time since February after reaching the semi-final at the British Open last month. A former world No2, Serme has the world-class ability to better her semi-final display in 2017.
NOURAN GOHAR (Egypt)
Egyptian prodigy Gohar is one of the most talented players on the circuit and currently holds the world number six spot. A win earlier this year in Maccau will bolster her confidence as he she attempts to reach the semi-finals for a second successive time in the UAE.
LAURA MASSARO (England)
One of the sport’s key figures, world number seven Massaro has won the last two titles in Dubai and shows no signs of slowing down yet. The 33-year-old has buckets of consistency and class, reaching six semi-finals in her last eight tournaments.
SARAH-JANE PERRY (England)
The Birmingham native reached four quarter-finals and one semi-finals during a consistent campaign to date. In her second appearance in Dubai, the 28-year-old will need to be at her immaculate best if she is to overcome El Welily, Massaro or Serme.
