Joel Makin Crowned 2024 Manchester Open Champion

Joel Makin was crowned the 2024 Manchester Open champion yesterday, after he overcame Greg Lobban in an entertaining men's final at the National #Squash Centre.

The 2024 final saw an all #Karakal affair between the Welsh and Scottish No.1’s, Joel and Greg, with the former coming out on top to lift the second Manchester Open title of his career.

Congratulations Joel and well done to Greg on another great week.

“I thought I played the big points well today,” Joel said after the match. “In the second game there were a few tight exchanges and I came out on top. Fair play to Greg – he’s playing at a good level now and looks like he’s loving his squash.

“It’s great to have some Welsh support here,” Joel added. “I do feel like I’m playing at home, to be honest. I’ve played for years here and this is my fifth Manchester Open. I’ve always had a good record here - I'm not sure why but I always enjoy it. It’s been good fun and thanks to everyone for coming down this week, it’s been busy crowds all week and they’ve been getting behind the players. I’ve had a great time.”

The women's title was captured by Georgina Kennedy of England.

Result - Men’s Final: Manchester Open 2024
[2] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [7] Greg Lobban (SCO) 3-0: 11-5, 13-11, 12-10 (56m)

Result - Women’s Final: Manchester Open 2024
[2] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [1] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) 3-1: 11-9, 5-11, 11-7, 11-1 (48m)