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Paul McNamara

Egyptian squash world No 2 Mostafa Asal says he feels a “different pressure” representing his country from the more selfish stress he experiences in individual competition.
Asal beat David Baillargeon 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5 on Wednesday, as hot favourites Egypt breezed past Canada 2-0 to reach Thursday’s World Squash Team Championships (WSTC) quarter-finals.
Egypt are aiming for their fourth straight men’s WSTC success. Keen for his team of Galacticos to avoid a dip like the one suffered lately by the footballers of Real Madrid, Asal was back on the practice court “fewer than 14 hours” after toppling compatriot and world No 1 Ali Farag in Sunday’s Hong Kong Squash Open final.
The 25-year-old, who said he had “completely changed my attitude” since serving a lengthy ban for multiple disciplinary breaches at the 2023 World Championships in Chicago, told the Post: “Playing for your country is a privilege and we want to fight to keep the title.
“It’s really different [from individual competitions] – all your emotions are for your country, not for yourself, so it’s a different pressure. People expect us to win, which is added pressure, but a special feeling.

“We know we’re a very strong team, but we can’t just say it, we need to prove it. Look at Real Madrid, they are full of stars, but things are not going their way at the moment.
“We could go on court thinking, ‘it’s not a problem if I lose, because the others will win’. But I feel I have to win – this is the mindset we need.”
Asal said teaming up with Farag, who was rested against the Canadians, so soon after the pair’s Hong Kong Open final was “the strangest thing”.
The pair, who led Egypt to the 2023 title, were initially set to share a room during the team competition, which is staged at the Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC). “We separated because we have different routines – when I am up playing [video game] Fifa, Ali can’t sleep,” Asal said.
“But we’re all connecting, the men’s and women’s teams. Last night, all eight of us were playing PlayStation. It’s a good vibe.”
Asal’s 12-week suspension last year followed a six-week punishment for dangerous play earlier in 2023, and a two-month ban the previous year for “on-court disciplinary matters”.
Nicknamed The Raging Bull, he has been tamed by “mentor” James Willstrop, the former British No 1.
“He has changed me completely,” said Asal, who spends long stretches of the year at Willstrop’s club in Pontefract, Yorkshire.
“We’re still working on lots of things … I struggled with the balance [between retaining competitive edge and calming down], but I made it, and it’s been a good season so far.”
After being denied the chance to bathe in his weekend triumph, Asal promised to properly celebrate if Egypt capture the WSTC title on Sunday.
“I love Hong Kong … and we couldn’t have asked for more from HKFC,” he said. “It’s a knowledgeable crowd and, hopefully, we can win the trophy to finish a really good two weeks.”
Germany, France and India also progressed in the men’s competition, while there were wins in the women’s draw for Malaysia and India.


Hong Kong Squash Open: Egypt stars Nour El Sherbini and Mostafa Asal crowned champions

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Hong Kong Squash Open: Mostafa Asal 2 wins from title but misses facing retired Farag

Hong Kong Squash Open

Mostafa Asal warns Egyptian world champion squash Galacticos to avoid Real Madrid-like dip

Mostafa Asal aims a shot during his Hong Kong Squash Open final victory over Ali Farag. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Asal (left) and Farag are united in Egypt’s bid to win a fourth straight global title. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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Ali Farag in action. Photo: Handout

Mohamed Salah has scored 10 goals in 14 games against Arsenal since joining them in 2017. Photo: Reuters

Ali Farag beat Tomotaka Endo in Egypt’s 3-0 win over Japan. Photo: World Squash Federation

Hong Kong boss Ashley Westwood says fun factor key to resurgence, but wants to see more

Dudu is among a new wave of players being introduced to the Hong Kong team. Photo: Sam Tsang

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Mahama Awal has come in from the cold for Hong Kong’s EAFF qualifying campaign. Photo: Sam Tsang

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Star-studded Egypt breeze into Thursday’s World Squash Team Championships quarter-finals, joined in last 8 by Germany, India and France


Star-studded Egypt breeze into Thursday’s World Squash Team Championships quarter-finals, joined in last 8 by Germany, India and France.


Mostafa Asal warns Egyptian world champion squash Galacticos to avoid Real Madrid-like dip

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Star-studded Egypt breeze into Thursday’s World Squash Team Championships quarter-finals, joined in last 8 by Germany, India and France

Star-studded Egypt breeze into Thursday’s World Squash Team Championships quarter-finals, joined in last 8 by Germany, India and France