Dubai: Egypt’s World No 1 squash sensation Mohammad Al Shorbagy will head a star-studded line up at this month’s season-ending PSA Dubai World Series Finals at Burj Park Dubai Downtown from May 24-28.

Only the season’s top eight male and female players qualify to compete in the year-ender, and the entry lists were confirmed with the conclusion of the seventh and final men’s qualifying event last week in Al Gouna, Egypt.

Al Shorbagy took his sixth straight title of the season at that event, capping an extraordinary campaign in which a semi-final defeat in the opening qualifier in America was his only setback.

Along with Al Shorbagy, world champion Gregory Gaultier of France, former world No 1 and world champion Nick Matthew of England and Egypt’s Omar Mosaad, had already confirmed their places in Dubai.

The last four remaining places were in the balance heading into Egypt, but were clinched by World No 6 Mathieu Castagnet of France, World No 5 Miguel Angel Rodriguez of Colombia, World No 11 Simon Rosner of Germany and World No 13 Cameron Pilley of Australia.

Three-time world champion Ramy Ashour was just a semi-final finish away from qualifying, but was denied the chance due to a hamstring injury.

The women’s line-up was finalised in March and will feature new world champion and World No 1 Nour Al Sherbini of Egypt, World No 2 Laura Massaro of England, eight time World Champion Nicol David of Malaysia, World No 3 Egyptian Raneem Al Welily, as well as Camille Serme of France, Omneya Abdul Kawy of Egypt, Amanda Sobhy of the United States and Egypt’s Nouran Gohar.

“Congratulations to all the athletes who have worked so incredibly hard to qualify for this tournament — the biggest moment in the squash calendar,” said Saeed Hareb, secretary-general of the Dubai Sports Council.

“The PSA Dubai World Series Finals points to the emirate’s growing reputation as the place to stage thrilling end-of-season tournaments and we look forward to hosting the world’s very best as they compete for this coveted title.

“The atmosphere generated at the innovative tournament venue in Burj Park Downtown Dubai will not only provide excellent entertainment for spectators but will hopefully spur interest in the sport across the board.”

Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmasteruae.ae/etkinlik-grup/699890/ALL/en. For further information visit: www.psaworldtour.com.