Ramy Ashour (EGY) and Nicol David (MAL) are the 2008 World Open Champions. The scores, both four games, were tight but comfortable.

Well done.

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PSAlive have advised the Mens final is scheduled for 4pm.

Mike I hope you took a few pics or short video clip for the forum.?

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The Ramy / Amr match was amazing, the movement, especially from Amr in the fifth game as he trailed and was losing his grip on the spot in the finals was spectacular. Seeing such tight shots being played and returned with quality responses by both players was breathtaking.

Watching this sort of squash live makes it so much easier to comprehend the differences from club-level play. I picked a good time to come over

The Botright-Duncalf match was a bit of a non-event, with Jenny hurting her leg early in the first game. She played on, for a while, but retired in the third. Most dissapointing for her.

I'm looking forward to the finals in a few hours, wish I had come earlier and watched more matches. 3.5 won't be enough.

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Shabana misses out on breaking a record.  This was his chance to capture his fourth World Open Title in Manchester. 

Ramy Ashour (EGY) had a big semi match against Amr Shabana and he is hot favourite to win the final against Karim Darwish (EGY), providing he can back-up.

The Womens final, Nicol David (MAL) v Vicky Botwright (ENG) where both should be relatively fresh after their semis.  Vicky has announced her retirement so whatever happens she will be going out on a high note.

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PSAlive have some great matches leading up to the final of the 2008 World Open Manchester.

Karim Darwish (EGY) defeats a tired David Palmer (AU) in the semis.  Ramy Ashour (EGY) defeats his countryman Amr Shabana making an all Egyptian  final between Darwish and Ashour.

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The World Open is now into the quarter finals and PSA have advised of their match broadcasts.

David Palmer (AU) makes the semis.

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On the 6th Day in Manchester there are some serious matches.  Daryl Selby (ENG)  pushes David Palmer (AU.  In fact every player looks pushed in these reports and pics.

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There is a lot of pressure at the 2008 World Open in  Manchester and the UK players are loving having their home crowd in the audience.  There have been some shock defeats.  El Shorbagy, a very young Egyptian player and current World Junior Champ, defeated Lincou (FRA) a former World Champion.  Vicky Botwright (UK) was elated to beat Rachael Grinham (AU).  It is interesting that Rachael mentioned the PAR Scoring system not allowing her time to settle down. Vanessa Atkinson (NED) fell to Jaclyn Hawkes (NZ).

I like to read the player's comments and view the on-court pics. This is what keeps the players on their toes, knowing there is only a small margin for error, in all departments, skillfully, physically, and mentally.

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The Finals are a sell-out in Manchester, and the semis are fast filling up so get in now to get a ticket.

Amr Shabana (EGY) and Nicol David (MAL) are the hot favourites. 

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