SUNDAY, 24 MAY 2026
GOHARY HOLDS OFF SOUTH AFRICA’S HELENA HUDSON IN ASSORE TOUR SHOWDOWN
- Groenewald secures men’s title at Parkview Squash Centre
Johannesburg, Gauteng: Top-seeded Egyptian Lojayn Gohary held off a spirited challenge from Northerns No 1 Helena Hudson to capture the women’s title with a 3-1 victory in the International Assore Tour #3 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre on Sunday.
After both players dominated the early rounds without dropping a game en route to the final, the title decider provided a fitting climax to the women’s event.
The 20-year-old Gohary, ranked 136 in the world, shared the spotlight with South African men’s winner and second seed Damian Groenewald, who defeated fellow Northerns player Ruan Olivier in straight games, 11-7 11-4 11-3.
Groenewald was delighted with his display against an opponent he has faced regularly during their professional careers.
“I felt I was a bit passive in the beginning, but I managed to calm myself down and started hitting good lengths, getting into the sort of flow which doesn’t always happen in squash,” he said.
“I’ve been working hard physically at my game and it’s amazing to have this Assore series in our backyard. It’s such a bonus to be able to earn PSA points without always having to travel abroad, so I’m looking forward to the next tournament.”
Earlier, Gohary had to withstand a determined fightback from second seed Hudson, who looked set to force the women’s final into a deciding fifth game.
Trailing 2-1, Hudson surged into an 8-2 lead in the fourth game and appeared to have the momentum firmly on her side.
However, Gohary showed exactly why she is regarded as one of the game’s rising prospects.
Displaying an impressive range of shots and fighting for every point, the Egyptian gradually clawed her way back into contention.
Even then the outcome hung in the balance as Hudson earned two game points at 10-8.
But she was unable to close the game out as Gohary produced two superb winners to level matters at 10-10.
Having escaped from a difficult position, the Egyptian ensured her comeback was not in vain as she claimed the next two points to seal the title. The final score was 11-2 11-13 11-3 12-10.
Making her third visit to South Africa, Gohary said she was thrilled with the victory, especially after battling injuries in recent months.
“It’s nice to be back and to get a win because it was a good match and Helena played really well,” she said.
“I really enjoy coming to South Africa – the hospitality is amazing and everyone is so friendly.
“These Assore tournaments are a big help for players, even from Egypt, because it’s just one flight to South Africa and we get this chance to earn ranking points. So, I’m very happy with the way things went.”
Ends.
FREE TO USE PICTURES WITH CAPTIONS
Helena and Lojayn: Egypt’s Lojayn Gohary, right, won the women’s title in the Assore Tour #3 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Sunday, beating South Africa’s Helena Hudson (Northerns’), left, 3-1 in the final.
All four: At the prize-giving after the Assore Tour #3 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Sunday were, from left, Helena Hudson (women’s runner-up, RSA), Lojayn Gohary (women’s champion, Egypt), Damian Groenewald (men’s champion, RSA), Ruan Olivier (men’s runner-up, RSA).
Damian and Ruan: Northerns’ Damian Groenewald, left, won all South African men’s title in the Assore Tour #3 PSA tournament at Parkview Squash Centre in Johannesburg on Sunday, beating Northerns teammate Ruan Olivier, right, 3-0 in the final.
Photo credits: BLD Communications
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