Joel Makin Makes History with 2024/25 SmartCentres PSA Tour Finals Triumph

Karakal-sponsored athlete Joel Makin has etched his name into the squash history books, becoming the first Welsh player ever to capture the prestigious SmartCentres PSA Squash Tour Finals title.

The World No.4 produced a determined and composed performance in Toronto’s Revival Film Studios, where he faced Egypt’s World No.1 Mostafa Asal in the men’s final. After taking the opening game and building a 9–6 lead in the second, Joel was in full control before Mostafa unfortunately sustained an ankle injury.

Despite Mostafa receiving treatment and returning briefly to court, he was unable to continue after the early stages of the third game. The match concluded with Joel lifting the trophy, his 10th career title, and ending a nine-match losing streak against his Egyptian rival.

Reflecting on the victory, Joel said:

“I’ve just been chipping away, and it’s not been a short process, that’s for sure. It was a really high-quality one, the same as last night [against Diego Elias]. We had two really good games, and it was frustrating in the third that we didn’t get to keep going. It’s upsetting that he wasn’t right. I’m happy to win, but I want that challenge—I want to see how I am against him when he’s playing well.”

Throughout the week, Joel showed the resilience, focus, and commitment to improvement that define his career. After a challenging group stage, he continued to raise his level, demonstrating why he is among the world’s elite and a fantastic ambassador for Karakal.

Congratulations to Joel on this landmark achievement, making history for Wales and adding another major trophy to his name!

In the women’s final, World No.1 Nouran Gohar of Egypt captured the title with a victory over Olivia Weaver of the USA.

Result - Men’s Final:
[4] Joel Makin (WAL) bt [1] Mostafa Asal (EGY) 3-0: 11-10, 11-7, 1-0 ret. (61m)
Result - Women’s Final:
[1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) bt [2] Olivia Weaver (USA) 3-1: 11-10, 9-11, 11-8, 11-3 (61m)