In its 11th iteration, the 2024 SmartCentres Canada Cup was another resounding success, as the Club hosted the very best squash players on the planet right here on centre court.
There was added excitement as we hosted the first ever Women’s event, with World No.1 and 7-time World Champion Nour Sherbini being joined by Nele Gilis (WR #4), Gina Kennedy (WR#6), & Tinne Gilis (WR#8). The Men’s event wasn’t to be overshadowed, with defending Champion & former No.1 Diego Elias (WR#2), being joined by Paul Coll (WR#3), former World Champion & No.1 Karim Gawad (WR#6), & Baptiste Masotti (WR#13).
The results went according to seeding, other than Tinne Gilis scoring a fabulous victory over her sister Nele Gilis in a brutal 5 set contest. Nour El Sherbini was taken the distance in every match, though her class, style, & competitive guile shone through in the crucial moments to clinch the Women’s event without losing a match.
Diego Elias defended his title against a battling, though obviously ailing, Paul Coll, Paul having come straight from the final of the Windy City Open without a day off. Again undefeated, Diego walks away with a hattrick of titles and yet another lifetime membership. Nour El Sherbini was awarded by CEO & proprietor of Cambridge Group of Clubs, Clive Caldwell, the first ever female lifetime membership to the Cambridge Club. The suggestion was to make it a social membership, though details have yet to be resolved…
Thank you to all of our sponsors, including from Club Members Andy Sipes (RBC Wealth Management), Andrew Wray (Law Chambers), Nigel Lucas (Superior Lodging Corp), Dave Morris (Morris Group), Justin Reid (Troilus), & Ted Macklin (Ted Macklin). As usual, you only ever notice when things go wrong, and it takes a great team to make this kind of event happen. Huge thanks goes to the entire staff & team in hosting a premier event like the SmartCentres Canada Cup. Also thank you to all Members that supported the event.
SmartCentres Canada Cup 2024 Finals results:
Nour ElSherbini 3-2 Nele Gillis 11/6, 11/4, 9/11, 9/11, 11/8 (44m)
Diego Elias 3-1 Paul Coll 11/3, 11/7, 5/11, 11/8 (43m)
Back after a few years’ break, the Canada Cup returns to Toronto, featuring eight of the world’s top male and female players.
Day THREE : Sherbini and Elias finish top
The day started with a Greg Gaultier Canada Cup clinic that was much appreciated by the ticket holders who came from all over Toronto to learn from the General ! The clinic was topped off by a Nour El Sherbini’s appearance to demo her favorite shots and give a few tips to the players!
After the clinic the players were treated to a flawless performance by Gina Kennedy whom managed to take down Tinne Gilis in three straight . The squash was sharp and on point from both players. Gilis made a push in the end of third and it looked like she was going to force a fourth but Kennedy managed to close it down .
One Health was proud to host some of the best male squash players for a wonderful crowd. Friday’s match between Diego Elias and Baptiste Masotti provided fans a look at world #2 v world #13. A great match that ended with Elias taking 3 games to 1 in an affair with no shortage of highlight reel shot making.
Fast forward to Saturday where fans at One Health were fortunate enough to watch another great battle between Baptiste Masotti (world #13) and his counterpart Karim Abdel Gawad (world #5). The match showcased an impressive display of skill and entertainment for all who viewed. This match finished to a final score of 3-1 for Gawad.
Nour El Sherbini 3-2 Nele Gilis 11-4, 11-6, 7-11, 8-11, 11-4 (47m)
Gina Kennedy 3-0 Tinne Gilis 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 (35m)Diego Elias 3-1 Paul Coll 11-7, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7 (61m)
Karim Abdel Gawad 3- 1 Baptiste Masotti 11-9, 9-11, 13-11, 11-9 (46m)
Day Two :
Nour El Sherbini 3-2 Gina Kennedy 11-5, 7-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3 (37m)
Tinne Gilis 3-1 Nele Gilis 10-12, 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 (45m)Diego Elias 3- 1 Baptiste Masotti 11-4, 11-4, 6-11, 12-10 (34m)
Paul Coll 3-2 Karim Abdel Gawad 11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-5 (51m)
Day ONE :
As always the Cambridge club kicked off the Canada cup in style featuring WR# 1 Nour Sherbini and WR#2 Diego Elias .
The two round one matches were well contested and well attended. The traditional Canada cup sponsor hit was a hit!! The excitement is building up for a great weekend of squash.
In a thrilling showdown at One Health Clubs, squash enthusiasts were treated to an exhilarating match between Nele Gilis and Gina Kennedy. The atmosphere was electric as spectators gathered to witness two top-tier athletes battle it out on the court.
Gillis displayed incredible agility and finesse, while Kennedy countered with her own brand of athleticism and tactical prowess. Despite Gilis’ valiant efforts, it was Kennedy who emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory.
Diego Elias 3-1 Karim Abdel Gawad 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 11-8 (47m)
Paul Coll 3-2 Baptiste Masotti 11-7,4-11, 11-6, 11-13, 14-12 (73m)Nour El Sherbini 3-2 Tinne Gilis 12-10,4-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9 (51m)
Gina Kennedy 3-1 Nele Gilis 11-9, 5-11, 13-11, 11-8 (42m)
