Cameron Pilley’s stunning run ended by Elshorbagy as Nicol David extends remarkable Hong Kong domination

Nicol David, who won the Hong Kong Open title for an 11th straight year. Picture: PSA.

Egypt’s Mohamed Elshorbagy successfully defended his crown by downing Pilley 11-8, 11-6, 11-8.

The 24-year-old world No 2, who suffered a third round exit at last month’s PSA World Championship, provided the perfect response by using his big-match experience to negate the hard-hitting Australian, who defeated Sheffield’s Matthew in Saturday’s semi-finals, having already beaten world No 7 Simon Rösner, and recently-crowned world No 1 and new world champion, Gregory Gaultier

In the women’s draw, Malaysia’s Nicol David lifted the trophy for a remarkable 11th consecutive year, ending the 14-match unbeaten streak of England’s Laura Massaro to win 15-13, 11-5, 11-3 in 39 minutes.

“Cameron has had a great week, beating Greg and Nick especially,” said Elshorbagy.

“But I am pleased with how I was able to put it all together this week and especially tonight.

“I feel like I’ve dealt well with the tournament mentally all week and I’m very happy to win and end the year on a high.”

For world No 2 David, as well as an 11th straight win at the event, her victory over Massaro sealed an 80th world Tour title in a staggering career.

“I love playing here and it’s a very special place for me,” she said.

“I really wanted to win this title and end the year strongly so winning tonight was extra special. I enjoyed every minute on court.

“I felt good and I think that was one of my best performances in quite a while. I know she’s a fighter who comes back strong but I wanted it so badly today that I think that was the difference.

“I wanted to attack from the start and just give it everything I had to get my hands on the trophy.”

Mohamed Elshorbagy defeated Cameron Pilley in the final of the Hong Kong Open.

On Saturday, Pilley had seen off the challenge of No 2 seed Matthew in straight games.

Afterwards on Twitter, Matthew revealed he had suffered a hip injury during the game, although he refused to let this be used as a reason for his defeat.

“Didn’t take my injury break as knew it would seize up,” tweeted Matthew, before adding: “Hip didn’t affect the result though. Wasn’t quite at my best today & Cameron fully deserved it.”