Laila Sedky Wins First Ever
PSA Women’s Outdoor
Challenger Event

The Maspeth Welding Steel Court Championship, held from June 25-29, 2025, as part of the 2025 Summer of Squash series, showcased a world class level of women’s professional squash.

The tournament drew a diverse international field, with players from the USA, Scotland, Nigeria, India, Guyana, Malaysia, Belgium, China, Hungary, Pakistan, Canada, and Wales competing on the steel court.

Among them was Hungary’s Gabriella Csokasi (world ranking 393), whose spirited performance drove her the semifinals, navigating challenging conditions like 35°C heat and a faster-bouncing ball under the New York sun. Her resilience and engaging playstyle earned her cheers from her Hungarian supporters following her journey online and local Queens spectators chanting her name. “Playing at Maspeth is unlike anywhere else,” Csokasi shared. “The energy from the fans, both here and back home, pushes me to give everything.” Her performance underscored the tournament’s ability to unite squash communities worldwide.

Leading the draw was USA’s Laila Sedky (world ranking 103), who dominated as the No. 1 seed, claiming her second title of the season on Sunday, with a 3-0 victory over Malaysia’s Wen Li Lai (world ranking 290) in the final. Sedky’s flawless run, without dropping a game or facing a tiebreak, with relentless pace and pinpoint accuracy. Other standout players included Scotland’s Ellie Jones (world ranking 177), Nigeria’s Busayo Olatunji (world ranking 193), and India’s Janet Vidhi (world ranking 215), each bringing unique flair to the court. The international diversity, with competitors like Belgium’s Chloe Crabbe (world ranking 302), China’s Minghui Lu (world ranking 353), and Pakistan’s Mehwish Ali (world ranking 241), showcased squash’s growing global footprint and Maspeth’s role as a hub for cross-cultural competition.

The Maspeth Welding Steel Court Championship was a celebration of squash’s evolution, offering high-energy rallies and dramatic moments that kept spectators—both local and international—on the edge of their seats. The outdoor court’s design, praised as a “piece of art” by Maspeth Squash, enhanced the viewing experience, with fans from as far as Hungary, Nigeria, and Malaysia joining local New Yorkers in cheering for their favorites. Sponsors like Maspeth Welding, Intsel Steel, NY Squash, and the PSA Foundation have been instrumental in sustaining this platform, providing over $200,000 in funding over five years to ensure exceptional experiences for players and fans alike.

The tournament also served as a catalyst for squash’s growing global appeal, especially as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut at LA28. The New York Squash Association’s commitment to free admission and community engagement has made Maspeth a hub for introducing new players and fans to the sport. “Maspeth Squash is doing something revolutionary,” said a representative from the PSA Foundation. “The outdoor court, the international talent, and the community vibe make it a model for how squash can grow.”