England Squash has announced that World #6 Marwan ElShorbagy has committed to represent England with immediate effect.
Bristol-based Marwan, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, will now compete under the England flag at all PSA an WSF sanctioned tournaments. Marwan has claimed 13 PSA titles throughout his career, scoring major event wins at the PSA World Tour Finals, Black Ball Open and El Gouna International in recent years.
Moving to England aged 14, Marwan joined his older brother Mohamed at Millfield School in Somerset, training under the legendary Jonah Barrington, a six-time British Open champion.
Like Mohamed – who started representing England in June last year – Marwan moved on to university in Bristol and is now a British citizen.
I can’t explain how excited I am to be representing the English flag next season.
I feel I want to start a new chapter of my career by representing England and give something back to the country that’s given me everything.
England has been my home for the past 16 years. I’ve worked with a lot of British coaches during my career so far, I have had my education in this country and the people have treated me always with appreciation and respect, and that’s why I want to give something back in return.
Marwan and Mohamed notably contested the final of the 2017 PSA World Championships in Manchester, marking the first time that two brothers had battled it out for the most prestigious title in squash, with Mohamed ultimately claiming the title following a captivating five-game battle.
The following year, Marwan achieved his highest ranking to date of World No.3 and has enjoyed 46 consecutive months inside the top 10 since October 2019.
My aim is still to get to the top of the rankings, win a world championship and try and win as many majors as I can. I’m only 30, I’m young, and I still have a lot of years left if I take care of my body
I think David Campion can add a lot to my game and with his support, and within the system that I have seen my brother thrive in during the past year, I feel confident that I can achieve those things.
But I also feel I can give a lot back in return within the England set-up – both on the court and around the team environment with junior players. That’s something that I have always wanted to do and it’s something I’m very excited about.
National Coach David Campion said:
“We are thrilled to announce Marwan’s desire to become an England player today. We very much look forward to supporting Marwan’s future aspirations, and I know that many of our younger players will learn so much from him.”
England Squash CEO Mark Williams said:
“We’re very pleased to welcome Marwan to England Squash and look forward to helping him continue to perform at the highest level of the game.”Having a player of Marwan’s experience and quality gives us the opportunity to extend England’s legacy as one of the most successful nations in squash, through his own performances and by him supporting and inspiring the young players we have coming through.”
Marwan will make his first appearance under the England flag at the Paris Squash Alpine at the end os August .He will also be in contention for the England squad which will compete at December’s WSF Men’s World Teams in New Zealand.
