- 19-year-old Egyptian star seals historic milestone after Qatar Classic triumph, strengthening Egypt’s dominance of the sport
CAIRO: Egypt’s Amina Orfi is set to become the youngest-ever women’s world No. 1 in squash when the latest rankings are released on Monday, marking another landmark achievement in the remarkable rise of the 19-year-old Egyptian star.
Orfi, aged just 19 years and two months, will surpass a record that has stood since 1984, when New Zealand squash legend Susan Devoy reached the top of the women’s world rankings at 20 years and two months.Orfi secured the historic ranking milestone by winning the Qatar Classic in Doha on Friday, defeating compatriot and then-world No. 1 Hania El Hammamy in a dramatic 107-minute final.
The victory ended El Hammamy’s 11-month reign at the summit and propelled Orfi to the pinnacle of the women’s game.
The achievement caps an extraordinary year for the Egyptian, who earlier became the youngest women’s world champion in squash, further highlighting Egypt’s remarkable strength in the sport.
A New Generation of Egyptian Squash
“It’s amazing. To be able to become world champion and world number one in the same year, it’s amazing,” Orfi said following her victory in Doha.
“It’s been a dream since I was young. I’m really happy right now.”
Her rapid ascent has established her as one of the leading figures in international squash and provides another showcase for Egypt’s outstanding talent in the sport. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Orfi has already set her sights on the next major challenges.
Speaking to Olympics.com earlier this month, she said her ambitions extend beyond reaching world No. 1, including defending her world title and qualifying for Los Angeles 2028.
At just 19, Orfi now stands at the forefront of a new generation of Egyptian squash stars, with the country once again producing a player capable of competing for the highest honours on the international stage.
BY: The Times Union
