The 2018 edition of the Lagos International Squash Classics which played host to about 32 players from 13 different countries came to an end on Saturday with the Egyptians emerging the biggest winners on the day.
During the 6-day long tournament which commenced on Monday, the players served up exciting squash action at the Molade Okoya-Thomas, indoor hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere – Lagos. It was however the Egyptian players who stood head and shoulders above others going into the final day of action.
With two female representatives and three male representatives in the semi-finals, it came as no surprise when four of the five Egyptians made it into the last two in the male and female categories. Salma Youssef then went on to defeat her compatriot, Menna Nasser (2-1) to emerge female winner of the 2018 Lagos International Squash Classics.
The finals of the male category then followed immediately, ending on an emotional note for the spectators and both players involved. Karim El Hammamy led Ahmed Hosny 2-0 after two games, but the Egyptian pulled up due to a knee injury in the third game while leading 10-7. It looked like it was the end of the road for Karim who was carried out of the court in serious pains, only to return few minutes after being attended to by the medics.
His compatriot and opponent, Ahmed Hosny was however now going to let him further endanger his troubled knee so I’m the spirit of sportsmanship he opted to quit the game (despite Karim’s plea not to) thereby surrendering to his country man, Karim El Hammamy who was subsequently announced winner. This kind gesture by Ahmed was applauded by the audience who were impressed with the Egyptian as the tournament ended on a friendly note.
