New Zealand’s Paul Coll and Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy celebrate with their trophies.
Doha, Qatar: New Zealand’s Paul Coll and Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy captured the titles at the 2025 QTerminals Qatar Classic, marking an end to a week of world-class squash action at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex yesterday.
Coll made history by becoming the first New Zealand player to win the prestigious men’s title in Doha, when he ended a six-match losing streak against World No.1 Mostafa Asal with a thrilling 3-1 victory in the final (11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5).
The victory, achieved in 68 minutes, also marked Coll’s maiden title win in Qatar after three previous runner-up finishes. Coll had previously lost to Ali Farag of Egypt in 2020 and Diego Elias of Peru next year at the Qatar Classic, and PSA World Championships in 2019 where he went down to Egypt’s Tarek Momen in the title showdowns at the same venue.
“I was on top of the world in London and then probably one of the darkest I’ve ever been after [the loss to Hawal],” said Coll, who was stunned by World No. 252 Adam Hawal at the CIB Egyptian Open last month.
“I went back home and punished myself. I went back to my roots and did court sprints, a lot of work went into this and I’m absolutely stoked,” Coll, who sealed his first major PSA title since the Hong Kong Open in December 2023, said.
Meanwhile, World No.2 El Hammamy continued her strong start to the season by claiming the title with a brilliant win over the defending champion Nour ElSherbini in straight games (11-6, 15-13, 11-8) to claim her second Qatar Classic crown following the heroics in 2023.
“It’s the first time I’ve won two titles back-to-back, it’s a dream start,” El Hammamy told PSA website.
“I never have a very good start to the season, so it’s been memorable. I’ve never been in this position before, I’m pretty pleased and I’m enjoying myself on court. I haven’t made a lot of changes [in the off-season], but I’m on the right track and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.
“I’m hoping [to reach World No. 1 this season], but I don’t want to put expectations on myself. If I keep on improving at every tournament, then hopefully I can end as the World No.1,” the 25-year-old added.
The victories followed up by a glittering presentation ceremony, attended by Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation President Nasser bin Ghanim Al-Khelaifi, and General Secretary Tareq Zainal, along with other top officials.
FINALS
MEN
[2] Paul Coll (NZL) bt [1] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-1: 11-9, 6-11, 11-8, 11-5 (68m)
WOMEN
[2] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 15-13, 11-8 (41m)
