26 Feb 2024
Aspire Academy student-athlete Omar Farag emerged victorious in the boys’ under-13 category at the German Junior Squash Open, which ended on Sunday 25 February.
His victory in Hamburg came thanks to a 3-0 win over England’s Kylen Calder in the final after he had overcome Poland’s top seed Kacper Stachowiak 3-1 in the semi-finals.
It completed a successful few weeks in Europe for Omar Farag who a week earlier had finished as the runner-up at the French Junior Open, which had followed his second place in Slovenia at the start of February.
Omar Farag’s results have seen him rise to number three in the European Squash Federation’s rankings for under-13 boys.
Aspire squash coach Francesco Busi praised Omar Farag’s performance in Germany.
“Omar played a great tournament especially as the German Junior Open is considered as the third strongest tournament in Europe and so winning it is a great achievement,” the coach explained.
“In the final Omar played a perfect match tactically and technically and his English opponent didn’t manage to get into the game.”
“Omar showed that in the toughest moments that he can react positively to the challenges he faces and he can control his nerves.”
Francesco Busi also pointed out that the other Aspire Academy student-athletes who took part in the French and German events gained valuable experience and exposure to international competition.
“I am really happy about the group because they tried their best in every match,” he said.
“They gave their all even when the matches were difficult or challenging and they gave their all and tried to win until the last ball was played.
“All of the student-athletes are acting more and more professionally and this will help their future performances.”
The student-athletes are now back home and have eight weeks to train and prepare for the Qatar Junior Open in Doha which is set for the end of April.