‘Yes, Peru could!’: How world reacted to Diego Elias reaching squash World No.1

By Alan Thatcher
April 12, 2023 - 12:12pm
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When English No.1 Mohamed ElShorbagy was beaten in a five-game thriller at the British Open on Tuesday, the news was confirmed that Diego Elias would become squash’s new World No.1.

Elias will become the first South American to reach top spot and the second Pan-American professional to do so after his hero Jonathon Power, of Canada, in 1999.

With Mostafa Asal of Egypt currently suspended from tour until next month, it meant that the battle was between ElShorbagy and Elias at the ongoing British Open. 

His move to the top was celebrated far and wide, not least in his homeland. 

Nicolás Galindo, the Peruvian actor, and professional longboard surfer Piccolo Clemente Rothfuss were also quick to congratulate Elias once the news had filtered across the Atlantic and Peruvian news channels picked up the success.

“Dreams do come true when we are persistent,” congratulated Colombian Miguel Rodriguez wrote on Instagram.

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‘Yes, Peru could!’ rang out the headline in Peruvian publication Exitosa.

Meanwhile, El Comercio wrote: “A new sporting joy comes to the country and comes from the hand of Diego Elías the squash player. Yes, little is known about that sport in our country, but in which we have the best player in the world.’ 

 

The Professional Squash Association confirmed the rise of the South American moments after ElShorbagy’s defeat at Birmingham Rep.

News of the Lima native’s achievement soon hit his home country, with Elias’s rise announced on news networks.

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