R1: Finally a win on the glass for Malak against Habiba

Malak Khafagy (EGY) 3-1 Habiba Hani (EGY) 7-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 (38m)

No nerves at all for the Egyptian Wild Card today on the glass. As the night was not too dark yet, Habiba, 20 like Malak, took the game to her opponent, better WR, 32 for 68. She was truly impressive in that first game, and Malak knew she had to raise her game.

And raise her game she did. Three strong win in the next games, 5, 6, 7, for Malak, who was not delighted with her performance, but then again, playing an Egyptian in Egypt? Never easy, now, is it…

World No.32 Malak Khafagy survived an early scare to defeat tournament Wildcard Habiba Hani in four games and advance to round two of the Palm Hills Squash Open 2025.

In the first match on the spectacular all-glass court at Golf Central Mall, Khafagy set up a second-round meeting against World No.1 Nouran Gohar following a 7-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 victory at the PSA Squash Tour Gold-level event.

20-year-old Hani burst out of the blocks in the first game, putting Khafagy under pressure with some quick-fire attacking squash and taking the first game by an 11-7 scoreline.

However, as the match continued, Khafagy began to work her way into the contest, finding her length and corners well and putting plenty of work into the legs of her Egyptian compatriot. Khafagy continued to move from strength to strength and wrapped up the win after 34 minutes of play.

Malak

“It feels great to finally win a match on the glass. Because the last few matches, every time I play on the glass I lose. Obviously I’m happy to get through this match. I know Habiba is a very physical player, so I was very pleased with that performance today.

“The first game I was trying to get used to the court. With the wind, I have never played on this type of court before. I had to try and make a new gameplan after the first game.”