What a triumph for Peru! Squash star Diego Elías caused a sensation at the 2026 Egyptian Open. In front of the famous Pyramids of Giza, the 29-year-old defeated world number one Mostafa Asal in a dramatic five-set final to claim the title.
A 79-minute battle for the title
On October 16, 2026, Giza became the setting for a major Peruvian sporting success. Diego Elías, number three in the world squash rankings, faced local Egyptian favorite Mostafa Asal in the final. The world number one got the better start, winning the first set 11-5. But Elías fought back, winning the next two games 11-5 and 11-6 to take a 2-1 lead.
Asal fought his way back, forcing a decider with an 11-7 win in the fourth set. However, the Peruvian kept his nerve in the fifth. With an 11-6 victory after a total of 79 minutes, Elías sealed the win and crowned himself champion of the 2026 Egyptian Open.
Revenge after a year
This victory had a special significance. Elías and Asal had already faced each other in the final of the same tournament in 2025. Back then, the Egyptian had won. Now, the Peruvian has achieved revenge—in front of his opponent's home crowd, no less.
Elías had already proven his class in the semifinals. He defeated New Zealand’s world number two Paul Coll 3-1 to secure his place in the final.
A historic success for Peru
With this title win, Elías secured his 23rd tournament victory on the professional PSA tour. At the same time, he won the Egyptian Open for the first time. It had been 24 years since a player from outside Egypt had won this tournament.
For the former world champion, the success is another exclamation point in an extraordinary career. In 2024, he became the first South American ever to win the squash world title, writing Peruvian sporting history in the process.
A look ahead to Lima 2027
Elías is part of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) "Lima 2027" development program, which supports his preparation for the upcoming Pan American Games. The triumph in Egypt underlines his standing among the best squash players in the world and shows that Peru produces international sports stars beyond the world of football.
First beating the world number two, then conquering the number one: Diego Elías has shown everyone who is in charge on the squash court in Egypt.
Image note: The hero image is an AI-generated illustration, not an original photo from the tournament.
.jpg?width=960)
