Women's World No.3 Raneem El Welily triumphed in her respective title-decider at the 2016 Windy City Open presented by Guggenheim Partners and Equitrust Life Insurance Company to lift the silverware at the fifth PSA World Series tournament of the 2015/16 season.
With equal prize money on offer it was double-delight for Egypt as El Welily overcame compatriot Nour El Sherbini to win her first PSA World Tour title since September 2015.
After reaching the World No.1 spot last Autumn El Welily suffered from a huge drop in form, failing to reach the final on her last five outings. But she put in a performance of note to defeat the in-form 20-year-old, who came into the match following back-to-back 3-0 wins over Nicol David and Laura Massaro, in the sort of victory that could propel the enigmatic shot-maker back to the summit.
“I’m lost for words right now,” said an emotional El Welily after the match. “I’m very, very happy to have won today. It’s the first title in a long time.
“I never thought I’d be No.1 after winning here last year so I’m just going to take it one step at a time. It’s all about baby steps and taking it one match an done point at a time.
“I need to work hard to make sure I have that same attitude and huger on court for the rest of the season. There’s still a few tournaments to play but I’m really grateful that I won today and hopefully I can keep it up.”
Result - Final: 2016 Women's Windy City Open
[2] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt [5] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) 3-1: 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 (35m)
