Joel Makin etched his name into Welsh squash history today, becoming the first Welsh player ever to claim the SmartCentres PSA Squash Tour Finals trophy. In the women’s final, Nouran Gohar further solidified her legendary status, securing her record-extending fourth Tour Finals title. The prestigious event, held at Toronto’s Revival Film Studios, brought a thrilling conclusion to the 2024-25 PSA Squash Tour season.
Makin’s Historic Breakthrough Marred by Asal Injury
Men’s World No.4 Joel Makin emerged victorious over Egypt’s Mostafa Asal in a final that, unfortunately, ended prematurely due to an ankle injury sustained by Asal. Makin, 30, was making his debut in a major PSA final and showcased exceptional form from the outset.
The Welshman went a game up, winning a tight first game 11-10. He continued to dictate play in the second, building a commanding 9-6 lead before Asal pulled up injured. After a 15-minute medical timeout, Asal returned to court to bravely finish the second game, which Makin won 11-7. However, after just a single point in the third game, Asal was forced to retire, handing Makin his maiden Tour Finals title and ending a nine-match winless streak against the Egyptian. This triumph marks Makin’s 10th career title.
“I’ve just been chipping away, and It’s not been a short process, that’s for sure,” said Makin after his victory. “It was a really high quality one, the same as last night [against Diego Elias]. We had two really good games, it was frustrating in the third that we didn’t get to keep going.” Despite the anticlimactic finish, Makin expressed his desire for a full challenge: “I’m happy to win, but I want that challenge, I want to win. I want to see how I am against him when he’s playing well.”
Gohar Fights Back for Record Fourth Title
In the women’s final, World No.1 Nouran Gohar overcame a spirited challenge from USA No.1 Olivia Weaver to clinch her fourth SmartCentres PSA Squash Tour Finals title. Despite holding a perfect 13-0 record against Weaver coming into the match, Gohar was pushed to her limits in a thrilling encounter.
After splitting the first two games (Gohar winning the first 11-10, Weaver taking the second 9-11), Weaver seized momentum in the third, establishing a dominant 8-3 lead. However, Gohar, known for her mental fortitude, mounted an incredible comeback, winning eight consecutive points to snatch the game 11-8. With newfound momentum, Gohar stormed through the fourth game, dropping only three points to seal the match 11-3 and claim her 33rd PSA title. Gohar’s previous Tour Finals wins came in 2021, 2023, and 2024, making her the only woman to achieve this feat four times.
“Olivia is a great competitor and she has improved big time,” Gohar acknowledged. “I really wanted to play her today, I like to play challenging matches and see where I am. I think what got me through today was the mental side and the crowd. When I was 8-3 down I just let it go and played my best.” She credited her coach, Haitham Effat, for her mindset shift. “I had to find something deep in me. The squash came out after, but I had the belief that even when I was down I had the ability to win.”
Both Makin and Gohar will each take home $85,500 for their remarkable victories. The SmartCentres PSA Squash Tour Finals brings the curtain down on an exhilarating 2024-25 PSA Squash Tour campaign, with the new season set to commence in August.
