SATURDAY, 30 MAY 2026
GROENEWALD, GOHARY RULE IN ASSORE TOUR #4 FINALS
- Boost for South African squash players as they earn PSA pro ranking points
Johannesburg, Gauteng: South Africa’s Damian Groenewald and Egypt’s Lojayn Gohary capped two highly successful weeks of competition by claiming the men’s and women’s titles respectively in the Assore Tour #4 tournament, part of the global PSA tour, at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Their victories completed a remarkable double after both players also lifted the trophies in the Assore Tour #3 event the previous week, defeating the same opponents in the finals.
Groenewald produced another commanding display to overcome Northerns teammate Ruan Olivier 3-0 (11-9 11-3 11-4) in just 24 minutes, while 20-year-old Gohary showcased the confidence and sharpness gained over two weeks of elite competition to dispatch Northerns No 1 Helena Hudson 3-0 (11-8 11-8 11-5).
Gohary said she was pleased with the improvement she showed from the previous week’s final, which she won 3-1.
“Going into the final was a bit tricky because we had played each other last week, but I managed to raise my level and play some of my best squash,” she said.
“After spending two weeks in South Africa, I just wanted to focus on producing my best squash and not put myself under too much pressure. Coming back from injuries, winning these two tournaments means a lot because it gives me confidence and helps get my career back on track.
“I would like to thank Assore for making these events possible and giving players the opportunity to improve their rankings. I’m also grateful to my coaches, family and everyone who has supported me.”
Groenewald was equally appreciative of the opportunities provided by the Assore Tour series.
“My match against Ruan was very tough because we had also played in last week’s final,” he said.
“We have very similar games and usually whoever can disrupt the other player’s rhythm gains the advantage. I felt I managed to stay composed, win the important rallies and build momentum at the right times.
“The Assore Tour events have been fantastic for local players. Having back-to-back PSA tournaments, along with the Satellite events in between, gives us invaluable opportunities to gain ranking points and test ourselves against international opposition.”
Although disappointed with the result, Olivier acknowledged the quality of his opponent’s performance.
“I tried a different tactic from last week, but Damian was simply too strong,” he said.
“The body was a bit tired after two demanding weeks of squash, which makes things difficult against a player of Damian’s calibre. Naturally, my goal was to win the tournament, but reaching another final was still a positive result.
“The Assore Tour has been hugely important for my career. It’s the first time I’ve been able to play more than 10 PSA tournaments in a season and, without Assore’s support, that would not have been possible.”
Hudson said the series had provided a significant boost for South African squash.
“These four $3,000 tournaments have been an incredible learning experience,” she said.
“There are definitely a lot of sore bodies after two weeks of intense competition, but we are all grateful to Assore for bringing in strong international players and creating such a competitive environment.
“We have learnt new shots, new strategies and gained valuable experience against quality opposition. The standard of play has been elevated across the board and we are excited about taking those lessons into future tournaments.
“Thank you to Assore for this amazing sponsorship and good luck to all the players as the season continues.”
Ends.
FREE TO USE PICTURES WITH CAPTIONS
Women’s Finalists: Egypt’s Lojayn Gohary, left, won the women’s title in the Assore Tour #4 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday 30 May 2026, beating South Africa’s Helena Hudson (Northerns’), right, 3-1 in the final.
Women’s Winner: Egypt’s Lojayn Gohary, won the women’s title in the Assore Tour #4 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday 30 May 2026, beating South Africa’s Helena Hudson (Northerns’), 3-1 in the final.
Men’s Finalists: Northerns’ Damian Groenewald, left, won all South African men’s title in the Assore Tour #4 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday 30 May 2026, beating Northerns teammate Ruan Olivier, right, 3-0 in the final.
Men’s Winner: South Africa’s Damian Groenewald (Northerns) won all South African men’s title in the Assore Tour #4 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday 30 May 2026, beating Northerns teammate Ruan Olivier, 3-0 in the final.
Photo credits: Palesa Lehloka
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