Egypt’s women have defended their WSF Women’s World Squash Team Championship title after defeating USA at Hong Kong Football Club.

Egypt went into today’s tie aiming for a fourth consecutive title, having won the 2016, 2018 and 2022 editions, and their second in a row at the expense of USA, who had qualified for consecutive finals this year and in 2022 having previously never made it beyond the quarter-finals.

With today’s string order 3-1-2, it was Egypt’s World No.7 Rowan Elaraby and USA’s World No.38 Marina Stefanoni who were up first, playing their first match against each other since the Richmond Open six years ago.

On that occasion, Elaraby triumphed 3-0 and the 24-year-old came out on top again today, settling in after Stefanoni took the opening points to give her side the lead with an 11-6 win.

Stefanoni competed hard in game two, saving a game ball at 10-9 to force a tie break, but could not force her way through, and Elaraby doubled her lead with a 12-10.

Stefanoni came roaring back in game three, halting Elaraby’s momentum with a well-deserved 11-6 win to set nerves jangling amongst the Egypt bench.

In an epic fourth game, it initially looked like Elaraby might run away with it, only for Stefanoni to come charging back, playing with no fear as she fought desperately for every inch of space.

Despite the onslaught, Elaraby was able to inch ahead and went two match balls up at 10-8. Stefanoni saved one fantastically, but made an error on at the crucial moment, giving away a stroke as Elaraby clinched it 11-9.

Afterwards, Elaraby said: “This is a very emotional one for me. It’s a big event and I’m representing Egypt and it’s huge. Having my teammates here and representing them is such a privilege and being a part of this team. I’m really happy I got the win today – I was actually really nervous about this one. It’s not like any other match so there were many different feelings and I’m glad I’m through.”

In the second match, World No.2 Nour El Sherbini and World No.4 Olivia Weaver played a rematch of their meeting at the final of the 2022 edition of this event, with El Sherbini recording a comfortable victory on that day to get Egypt the second win they needed to lift the title in front of their home fans.

Weaver has hit a purple patch of form since then, rising up the rankings after a hugely impressive year, but there were questions marks over her fitness this week, with the American playing just one match at this tournament before today’s final after suffering a back injury in the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open last week.

Those doubts were quickly dispelled, though, by a comprehensive performance from the US No.1, with the 29-year-old storming into the lead thanks to an 11-7 win.

El Sherbini didn’t panic, though, improving in game two to hit back 11-6.

After the see-saw nature of the first two games, the third was more even, with both players playing well to take what would be a crucial lead.

Weaver pushed hard, but fell to some excellent court craft from the World No.2, with El Sherbini pulling away after some clever shots down the centre to move within a game of the world championship title.

El Sherbini was at her very best in game four, wrong footing Weaver on several occasions as she ensured the title would remain in Egyptian hands after another 11-7 win.

“It’s very emotional and it’s always the best feeling playing for your country and playing for your team as well,” El Sherbini said.

“It’s always an honour playing the Teams event, especially with these amazing players so I’m really happy to win and to bring the title back to Egypt.

“It’s been two and a half weeks, I love Hong Kong and it’s been our lucky charm here and we’re really happy to win this title here.”

Result: WSF World Squash Team Championship Women’s Final

[1] Egypt 2-0 [2] USA
Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt Marina Stefanoni (USA) 3-1: 11-6, 12-10, 6-11, 11-9 (42m)
Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt Oliva Weaver (USA) 3-1: 7-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 (38m)
Hania El Hammamy w/d Amanda Sobhy

The men’s final, between Egypt and England, will begin shortly.

Watch the action live and free on WORLDSQUASH.TV and partner channels, including the Olympic Channel and HOY TV.

Click here to view results for the 2024 WSF World Squash Team Championships.