Mostafa Asal: The Journey to World No.1 👑

We take a look at Mostafa Asal's meteoric rise to the top of the PSA World Rankings 📈
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[@cookesam6]

No doubt he's insanely talented, I'm trying so damn hard to like him... I just can't do it

[@inqurious]

Incredibly good player. But if we have to deal with his behavior for the next ten years I’m going to tune out professional squash.

[@777greglee]

I already have. I’ve just stopped watching because I’m not interested in seeing him win or seeing the PSA ignore his behaviour. His fans excuse his antics by his talent but one does not make up for the other.

[@inqurious]

​ @Greg Lee same. even directly contacted the PSA about this. not that they'll read it, but oh well Especially given his dangerous behavior against Patrick Rooney just now in the TOC. Professional athletes are not about winning. We watch because they embody the spirit of playing games well, and we take that into our lives. It's why we are compelled by the greats (Shabana, Ashour, Nicol) and disgusted by the bad examples (early Power, Asal). It's because their behavior is watched and imitated. In fact that's the *point* of professional athletes.

[@matthewying701]

​@@inqurious whats wrong with his behavior besides celebrating? He's just happy that he's 21 YEARS old and beating these 30 year old trained pros. His celebrating may be a bit big, but it doesn't affect you at all.

[@jeffyoung321]

He needs to learn some respect for his fellow professionals. Laughing whilst his opponent (Marwan) is on the floor in pain is a disgrace.

[@restogoose1822]

Whilst I would usually agree, in this case it was clear Marwan had fabricated his injury to try and claim the match. Why else would the ref award the match to Asal when Marwan wanted to continue

[@jeffyoung321]

@@restogoose1822 It looked to me that Marwan retired due to his injury. Although I wouldn't put it past Marwan, its still not on, laughing at someone injured, regardless of how severe.

[@phixy21]

do you know where can i find this match? Asal v. Marwan?

[@jeffyoung321]

@@phixy21 it’s on Squash Tv but there’s a subscription fee. I think you can pay for a month.

[@seanholgate7609]

@@restogoose1822 Idiot

[@MsSly66]

He is really one of the most talented players, but with this unsportsmanlike behavior that he constantly exhibits, unfortunately he only does the squash sport a disservice

[@fern6114]

Everything correct, it’s a shamefor our game and the sportsmanship… talent is not all

[@mattayres9748]

Number 1 on paper... respect requires a bit more effort.

[@Swatta637]

I watched Asal for the first time a few weeks ago in the Hong Kong open with Diego. Never knew who he was or had heard of him before. I was shocked at how disrespectful and insulting he was to a respectable and honest opponent like Diego. Had never seen it to that extent in squash before. Then I scrolled down to read the comments and found out I wasn't the only one.

[@peterhammer6915]

I feel sorry for you. I would never want to watch him playing live. That would be a torture.

[@Zurganak]

Most disliked player in the history of squash. He will absolutely not care that people dislike him, but having a player as young as him ascend to the #1 spot should be celebrated. Instead, you have as many people stating their dislike of his character and the spirit he plays the game in. Not good for the sport.

[@swingeasyguy]

Good for the sport. When you have 10,000 comments in a tennis you tube match and 100 in a squash video, you see clearly we need to grow the sport. Bad publicity is better than none, imho

[@Zurganak]

@@swingeasyguy I hear you, more publicity can help the sport grow, and Asal could become the player people love to hate, the villain or antagonistic figure that does draw people to matches, in the hope that he loses, or that they then start following his rivals. But there is a cost, too. Asal is not the first dirty player, and there are certainly coaches and junior players who have tried to win at all costs, displaying terrible sportsmanship, throughout the history of squash. But no one has had the same exposure that Asal (his Instagram followers) has and with his success more young players are going to try and imitate him, and behave in the way that he does, and see a win at all cost mentality as being perfectly fine to pursue. It will be especially bad if people take clues from how Asal is not taking responsibility for his dirty play, and is instead trying to portray his reputation and antics as fabrications by other players and referees. I also think if more people play like Asal, imitate his movement/blocking and his antics with referees, matches are going to become harder to watch, which will also put people off the game. Not many people are going to enjoy watching matches like the Marwan/Asal one. So bad publicity can help the sport, but it can also teach the wrong lessons to people aspiring to be champions and condition them to play the game in the wrong spirit.

[@swingeasyguy]

@@Zurganak Some good points you make; however I think the vast majority of us (juniors included) would not behave like him, would not use blocking techniques; most of us are gentlemen win or lose! I also referee some tournaments and as refs we lean more towards good behaviour, not putting up with crap or arguments from players, and more willing to give misconduct strokes...so juniors...beware!

[@moocha7572]

@swingeasyguy as much as I hate to say it squash will never get close to the popularity of tennis. Don't get me wrong I am a squash player and fan but it's becoming harder to watch, I find the players aren't as interesting as in the Ashour days and watching it via TV/screen is average at the best of times so it won't become mainstream cause it won't make companies as much money for advertising. As for a Asal he's a clown very talented but needs to play a game of rugby and then see how hard he is in a contact sport.

[@kegkong]

why cant we see the highlights of the last game with Marwan? this is a champion that embareces the sport

[@squashtv]

You can watch highlights of that match here 👉 www.squash.tv/highlights/ma-elshorbagy-v-asal-houston-open-2023-sf-highlights/

[@trinerd]

do you really want to se that? It was awful

[@kennyg1358]

Winning is only one part of sporting greatness.

[@peterhammer6915]

I second that 100%.

[@ROOSON1]

the others are blocking, tripping, smacking people in the head and bursting eardrums. this kid's got the full package

[@hadedanewspaper2256]

a very remarkable player.....Im not surprised at all

[@BeakFoundry]

Remember when he cried and said he was quitting squash in the post match interview?

[@josefruzek4462]

Putting aside his mannerisms, when he plays clean it truly is a sight to behold. His game is up there with the sport´s greatest and he can hit the ball so hard, his forehand especially hits like a truck

[@lazylama6]

How do you know? He never plays clean.

[@aboveandbeyond9844]

He's barely scratching the surface of his professional career... Let's see what things are like in a few years... In time, players always learn to breakdown their opponents.

[@fern6114]

What could we say, it’s a shame for our game and the sportsmanship… talent is not all

[@marklister4127]

PSA this is shameful. No words.

[@albertyao7343]

Everyone in the comments trying not to clown on Asal challenge (impossible)

[@mango_style4030]

Unrespected world no.1

[@ShamonnnYouKnowIt]

Excellent video, PSA! Love Shorbagy's words at the end.

[@peterbranson6562]

Truly great players have humility and respect for their fellow professionals as well as ability. His arrogance and disdain for others lessens him and will ensure he is never a truly great player. I have given up watching him embarrass himself and others. There are so many players in the men's and women's game who are inspiring role models. He will never be one of them.

[@davidnemeth2095]

He is the Neymar of squash.

[@peterhammer6915]

Neymar? He might be an actor on the football field but he always respects his opponents. Neymar is also no danger to his opponents like this clown.

[@MrYounis74]

Ashley ahlawey fans proud to you keeping going Good lucky

[@rnv2529]

Asal is the worst thing for the sport ever but the PSA trying to champion him. Big difference between Kyrgios and Asal, but the PSA too dimwitted to realise

[@BenjaminYew0488]

A talent that has no shame...most unprofessional player that I have seen in squash

[@cwh1944]

this kid needs an attitude adjustment, or he's going to kill the game

[@ROOSON1]

it's already happening, i didn't bother to watch the houston tournament and if this becomes the norm i'll have to stop watching for good

[@lazylama6]

@@ROOSON1 Same here. I stopped following the tour. Just can't stand a cheat. He should be suspended, not celebrated by the PSA. He is killing the sport.

[@GG-gk7jn]

Such a great player. 6 weeks suspension and fine And for sure all fanboys will shout that’s a conspiracy ! 😆

[@stevehughes1510]

He's got to overcome his fractious temperament if he hopes at any stage to be a people's champion.

[@wesleymckay8570]

Sad day for professional squash to see this player at the top

[@some_phd7655]

Disgrace, what a shame.. this guy needs a reality check

[@duboisstewart8265]

HK open tho the ref missed a huge call in that third game that isn't talked about enough and Asal knew it and still went off court. Could be telling a different story rn

[@jackclothier7985]

if an injured player by the other wins automatically after 15 minutes of stoppage, what's their incentive to even continue playing?

[@adriantaylor365]

Needs to be determined by a physio I believe

[@bigkahoonas4210]

Take a look at the old days of squash. Chris Ditmar and Jansher Khan. At the end of their brutal matches, they shake hands firmly. No antics, just respect between 2 incredible athletes. Mostafa, you are incredibly talented, no doubt. But have some respect for your fellow players. Then maybe you will be remembered like the Khan's, Darwish, Shabana, Matthew, Ashour and all the other well respected legends of the game.

[@ManBearPiggy]

Swear Asal hasn't been winning that much recently to make the number 1 spot, surprised to see him at number 1. Mohamed seems the most in form player at the moment, on a great run of results. Always knew Asal would get to no.1 eventually, just a real shame. So bad for the sport

[@ahmedmansy5802]

The best not come yet

[@littlelin3126]

Young Goat he will learn and become more humble later on Congrats on number 1

[@Orbituation]

How can someone become more humble after becoming W#1? Mo Elshorbagy leveled up tactically and technically, but became more unlikeable imo after becoming number 1 because he was trying to hold onto the number 1 spot. It was only after he lost it that I started enjoying watching him play again. If anything, Asal's head is gonna grow bigger and just assume everyone (officials, players, referees) are trying to take his spot away from him. Time will tell, but I predict he will become even more unwatchable than he is today.

[@Hallucinatingfreak]

THE PSA likes it that people don't like him cause he is increasing the views and the comments and engagement, if you wanna quit watching the sport to send a message, now is the time to do it. I haven't watched a full tournment since Ramy and the golden generation retired. I simply watch a final or a highlight of a final every here or there, the game itself has become boring without talents like Shabana, Ashour, Matthew etc. I can support someone like Mazen Hesham, Desouky, Ali Farrag is the most inconsistent world number 1 I have ever seen tho he is an amazing player and a beast, anyone in the top 10 has beaten him at his prime. I think it is itime to support others, new generations etc for me I am out since a while ago. Do it guys, send a message lol

[@duboisstewart8265]

He wins when it counts, 4x world champ

[@ebtesam-sh2mx]

Asal, a player, has an audience who loves his style It doesn't matter with him that you hate him 😂

[@hannibalking85]

the win against Elias was the worst took away a clear trophy for him

[@petercipriano5659]

Kid could end up being the best ever if he stays healthy. He has everything. He will continue to mature and learn how to win without the BS that everyone gets so upset about. Well done and keep it up 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@peterhammer6915]

Best ever? That will not happen for sure. His playing style is so much more wearing than of Jansher or Jahangir. He misses the class of those 2 totally and also players like Ramy, Matthew and Gaultier will always be ahead of him. So far he has zero world titles.

[@petercipriano5659]

@@peterhammer6915 give him a few chances to win the world title mate, he’s only 21 years old! Time will tell whether he can continue his dominance and adapt his playing style as he ages.

[@seankenny1275]

No wonder this sport will never be in the Olympics… 😢

[@brunoisb]

He has good technique. But he has inappropriate behavior and disrespects his opponents. No one admires these attitudes. I wouldn't buy a racket if it had his name on it.

[@peterhammer6915]

I wouldn't take the racket for free

[@martelbaek6660]

He has done everything within the confines of PSA regulations to reach the number one position. A handful of times he was penalized for his tactics but that did not stop his progress towards the top of the sport. Honestly, I would have done the same if I were him. The governing body of PSA is responsible for the unsportmanship built in his game.

[@andrewcreeggan5251]

talented player and stinker. I have no joy for his success, and no respect for him as a squash ambassador. Some weak folks let that bad attitude through.

[@yaboiicj94]

This could've been a glorious story. Honestly. But being world number 1 and having so drama and contraversy in every single single you play. Showing such disrespect to all other professional players. Goodbye PSA

[@neilshunmugan151]

Hate him or love him..cant deny that he is currently the best squash player in the world..love him as player..just hope he can be more disciplined and respectful to the game

[@joakimholmqvist7198]

feels awful. have a hard time watching his matches.. :(

[@roland2879]

For such a size, Asal is a phenomenon in terms of athleticism and agility. His behavior is perfectly to blame, but I dare to hope that it will change with time. Who remembers Federer breaking his racquets and screaming his frustration?... Moreover, and like Tennis, Squash would do well to revise certain rules in order to sanction all verbal, physical or religious behavioral deviations, otherwise this sport will be similar to Circus games.

[@gergelytodor771]

Everyone has a right to change. He will grow up, he will calm down, and fit into his role in Squash! I hope..

[@peterhammer6915]

we have waited for that 2 years but its only getting worse. Wouldn't keep my breath waiting....

[@guillermogoertz3018]

Bad knews, one of the worst behaviours I've seen in professional squash. I dont know what kind of People he has around, but not the Best role model for the upcoming players.

[@snogger6]

It'd be a shame if it got injured and couldn't play squash anymore

[@pakistandiary2542]

The new beast is in the town to rule the next decade.

[@3dotch]

Sorry not interested with the new world number one .

[@yaboiicj94]

No grace, no sportsmanship, no compassion...

[@mahdrauf7714]

GOAT👑

[@logant6490]

Controversy in virtually every game he plays. Horrible to watch. Terrible for the sport.

[@yelow989898]

You yet he still gets comments from you😅

[@U2B2024]

Prays to his god on the squash floor then immediately acts like an arrogant clown. Maybe he’ll move on to tennis or something.

[@ritudas2586]

king Mustafa asal 👑

[@eduardorubira5612]

The Best

[@ashrafelmenoufi6872]

The star

[@lavenderWDD]

Congratulations! He’s such a talent 🌼

[@jj9749]

Should be banned from the sport. I always switch off his matches.

[@yelow989898]

Asal is the greatest player who has ever lived. Everyone hates the winners that show off, but he isint hurting anyone so why should that matter? We should be happy for him. He is vital to keep the sport alive and fun to watch!

[@jameskierans4245]

I mean, the win that got him promoted to number one literally came off a contributed injury to Marwan Elshorbagy, who had to drop out of the match. The main complaint against Asal is not the unsportsmanlike behaviour, it’s the excessive physical play and “accidentally on purpose” contact with his opponents

[@cookesam6]

No one cares about the embarrassing celebrations, it's the physical blocks during the game that people hate him for

[@ahmedmoosa2001]

@@jameskierans4245 the referees saw it differently....they saw through Marwans fake injury and screams...thats why match was awarded to Asal...you such a fool

[@crisgarrett4768]

Not even close as yet

[@Seeyan86]

A shame that such talent is wasted on such bad sporting character. Every time PSA advertise his profile, squash loses standing as a sport.

[@eoincoleman4537]

Really really really hope he cleans up his act. I stopped watching PSA a couple of years ago due to Marwan making it deep into tournaments and then Asal started doing the same. I turn it on every few months to see if they've cleaned up their behaviour but they never have. So unpleasant to watch.

[@jugi16]

He’s the worst for the game. Talented yes. Mind of a 2 year old.

[@mingweichoy3111]

I really don’t like the way he play . maybe he can consider to join MMA Match

[@chrismatthews4216]

Nothing number 1 about this guy. He’d block his own grandmother for a win. PSA stop looking at high viewing numbers for this guy and take a long term view, the moral compass of the game is more important.

[@user-xm7wx3ze9s]

testomonkey

[@machumway]

Terrible for the sport. Can’t have juniors looking up to someone that has the type of conduct and plays the way he does.

[@rygar74nl]

[@Shaantitus1]

Journey to world number 1 through cheating

[@ahmedmoosa2001]

Asal...class unmatched...entertainer...speed..power and control...the full package...no 1 like him ever...respect to Asals greatness

[@alexdallaway8525]

Amazing player, awful person. The German tree-chopper would have cut him down to size. Not in the same class as Ashour still. I rate Gaultier and Shabana higher too. Prime Matthew would have probably beaten him as would Willstrop. Not getting carried away with his accolades just yet

[@petercipriano5659]

Don’t let your dislike for the player cloud your judgement. This kid has absolutely everything and at an incredibly young age. The sky is the limit. He is definitively the best player in the world right now and could end up being the best ever.

[@peterhammer6915]

All the playes you mentioned are still far above this clown. To my knowledge he still has zero world titles. Shabana has 4, Matthew and Ashour both 3. Lets see in 10 years if he is still around.

[@three4urbrain681]

Second

[@carolinefoulkes9599]

Asal , he thinks he is a god.... haha ha....

[@carolinefoulkes9599]

DONT PLAY SQUASH ANYMORE, YOU ARE A BAD SPORTSMAN ¡¡¡!!!!

[@mdemergentcare-urgentcarec1371]

currently no body on tour matches his skills shots stamina so swallow bitter pill outraging opponents

[@jhwheuer]

This is a sport, not war.

[@lukeyjamieson9930]

First

[@dontwatchdotorg]

😂 Lmao at everyone thinking he's "killing the sport". As if a single player you don't like is going to make you stop playing your favorite sport, and as if a single controversial player (which every sport has) is the reason the money-controlled IOC hasn't let squash into the Olympics for decades.

[@wimoreira3852]

This boy is not good for Squash. He Will be Ban

[@kubasniak]

He's got amazing skills but is a total disgrace to Squash game. No one before I think was so narcissistic, unsportsmanlike and immature as him. Very unlikable dude.