Zein and Khalil Take Top Honors in CSA Individual Finals

Zein and Khalil Take Top Honors in CSA Individual Finals

The 2025 CSA Individual Championships concluded in spectacular fashion on the ToC Glass Court at Grand Central Terminal, where two incredible champions were crowned. The finals showcased high-level squash, competitive spirit, and passionate fan support in the heart of New York City.

Final Results:

  • Ramsay Cup Championship:
    Zeina Zein (Princeton) defeated Riya Navani (Stanford) 16-14, 11-4, 11-8 in 36 minutes
  • Pool Trophy Championship:
    Salman Khalil (UPENN) defeated Omar Hafez (UPENN) 11-4, 13-11, 11-2 in 34 minutes

 

Zeina Zein Claims Ramsay Cup Title for Princeton

Zeina Zein delivered an impressive performance to secure the Ramsay Cup Championship, defeating Stanford’s Riya Navani in straight games. The win brought Princeton its 12th College Squash Association national championship and its first since 2001.

The opening game provided plenty of drama as both players exchanged leads and fought off multiple game points. Trailing 10-6, Zein won five consecutive points to stay alive. Navani showed her resilience, saving three game points before Zein finally edged out the first game 16-14.

From there, Zein established her dominance. She took control early in the second game, building a 5-1 lead and ultimately winning the second game 11-4. In the third game, Navani started strong with a 6-4 lead, but Zein responded with a decisive four-point run to close out the match 11-8.

Salman Khalil Defeats Teammate Omar Hafez in Pool Trophy Final

In a match steeped in history, Salman Khalil defeated teammate Omar Hafez to claim the Pool Trophy, marking the first all-Penn final since 1979, when Ned Edwards defeated Jonathan Foster. Both Edwards and Foster were in attendance for this year’s final, adding a powerful sense of continuity and legacy to the occasion. Khalil’s straight-games victory ended a 46-year drought for Penn, making him only the fifth Quaker to win the title.

Hafez started the match strongly, building an early lead in the first game with sharp, aggressive play. Khalil quickly adjusted, applying pressure to force errors and gaining momentum as the game progressed. Khalil took control and secured the first game 11-4.

In the second game, Hafez fought hard, keeping pace with Khalil and pushing the game to extra points. The two exchanged points in a closely contested battle, but Khalil’s composure under pressure allowed him to edge out the game 13-11.

Khalil carried his momentum into the third game, quickly establishing a lead and dictating the pace. With precision and control, he secured an 11-2 victory to seal the match.

The all-Penn final highlighted the strength of the program and showcased both players’ exceptional talent and sportsmanship. Khalil’s victory not only secured the Pool Trophy but also reinforced Penn’s place in collegiate squash history.

 

 

 

 

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