Victories for Camille Serme and Karim Abdel Gawad in New York

The pair, both competing in the PSA World Series tournament title decider for the first time, prevailed in thrilling encounters in New York with Gregory Gaultier and Laura Massaro, respectively, to take the spoils and add their names to an illustrious list of past winners.

Gawad came from behind against World No.3 Gaultier to win 6-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-6, extending his unbeaten streak to 16 matches to win a third consecutive major title – adding to the Qatar Classic and World Championship titles he won last November. 

“Winning the Tournament of Champions, here in this venue, is an amazing feeling and I feel absolutely fantastic right now,” said Gawad.

“Matches with Greg are always tough and they can change at any moment. He has beaten me so many times before that I know even at match ball up he isn’t beaten. I’ve learnt a lot from him and I thought it was a great match tonight.

“It’s been an amazing week. I’m over the moon. To win three big titles like the World Championship and Qatar Classic is a great feeling and I have to thank my coaches for the support and hard work that has been put in for the past few years.

“I’m really enjoying my squash at the moment so hopefully I can keep that going in the next tournament.”

Gaultier said: “I had a great week here and I gave it all that I could. I gave beyond 100 per cent.”

Serme meanwhile proved that she truly is the player to beat at present on the Women’s Tour by downing No.2 Nouran Gohar, No.1 Nour El Sherbini and No.5 Massaro to add the ToC title to the U.S. Open crown she won last October.

The 27-year-old French World No.4 started strong against Massaro, taking a tie-break opening game 13-11, but faded fast as the Englishwoman’s will and determination came to the fore. But at 2-2 Serme responded impressively, stepping up the court to get the better of Massaro and run out an 13-11, 8-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-7 winner.

“I can’t believe it,” said Serme. “Winning this title and winning two World Series titles in a row, beating the World No.1 and No.2 and coming from 2-1 down today to beat Laura, it is absolutely amazing.

“I can’t believe I managed to come back today. It was such a big match for both of us. I had to fight myself, because I felt tired and flat, but I could see she was as well. We didn’t play our best – we were both tired and nervous.”

Results – Men’s Final: 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions
[2] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [3] Gregory Gaultier (FRA) 3-1: 6-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-6 (64m)

Results – Women’s Final: 2017 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions
[5] Camille Serme (FRA) bt [4] Laura Massaro (ENG) 3-2: 13-11, 8-11, 4-11, 11-3, 11-7 (73m)