By Ryan McCracken on February 5, 2018.
Medicine Hat News Youssef Soliman simply could not be beat at the Ralph’s Texas Bar Open professional squash tournament this weekend at the Downtown YMCA. The 21-year-old Egyptian rallied to a 59-minute four-set victory over England’s George Parker, (6-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9), to complete an undefeated run through the main bracket for his first tournament victory since June. Soliman entered the tournament ranked 51st in the Professional Squash Association world rankings and made quick work of his opponents en route to the $10,000 championship. After defeating Pakistan’s Israr Ahmen in straight sets to open the tournament, Soliman downed France’s Baptiste Masotti in a five-set quarter-final then topped Victor Crouin, of France, 3-0 in the semifinals to reach the championship game. Parker reached the final after defeating Switzerland’s Reiko Peter three sets in the round of 16, sweeping Colombian Juan Camilo Vargas in the quarters and beating Calgarian Andrew Schnell 3-1 in the semifinal round. 7