HOUSTON – Victor Crouin of France secured the biggest title of his career at the 2026 Texas Open, defeating World No.4 Diego Elias of Peru in four games at the Houston Squash Club on Saturday, February 17th. The victory marks a significant milestone for the world No.7, who overcame a recent losing streak against Elias to claim the PSA Squash Tour Gold event title. The PSA Tour Houston Open showcased a thrilling finals night, with Nour ElSherbini likewise taking the women’s title.
Crouin’s journey to the championship wasn’t without its challenges. He entered the final on a four-match losing run against the 2024 World Champion, Elias. However, the 26-year-old Frenchman displayed a masterful performance, characterized by precise and clinical squash, effectively neutralizing Elias’s strengths. Despite a momentary lapse in the first game, where he relinquished a 9-4 lead, Crouin quickly regained control, repeatedly exploiting the front corners of the court to disrupt Elias’s rhythm.
Crouin’s Path to Victory
The match, lasting 76 minutes, saw Crouin secure the second and third games against an increasingly frustrated Elias. He appeared on the verge of a decisive victory, building a commanding 10-5 lead in the fourth game. However, Elias mounted a late comeback, reeling off four consecutive points to narrow the gap to 10-9. In a tense finish, Crouin ultimately prevailed, awarded a stroke by the match referee to clinch his 21st career title.
“I’m so glad I got over the line ” Crouin said after the match. “I was thinking of the Grasshopper Cup match last year when I lost against Diego from 10-5 up, so I was relieved to win 11-9 in the end. Obviously, it’s my first Gold event win and I’ve been chasing wins over top-five players for a while.” Crouin also emphasized his growing confidence and consistency this season, stating he’s been feeling strong on court and is actively pursuing a place among the top five players in the world.
The Texas Open 2026 featured a strong field of competitors, including Karim Gawad, Marwan ElShorbagy, Victor Crouin, Mohamed ElShorbagy, Youssef Soliman, Aly Abou Eleinen, Eain Yow Ng, and others, according to the PSA Squash Tour website.
ElSherbini Claims Women’s Title
Alongside Crouin’s triumph, Egypt’s world No.2 Nour ElSherbini also secured a victory, claiming the women’s title after a thrilling comeback win against US No.1 Olivia Weaver. ElSherbini’s win marked her second title in as many weeks. Details of the women’s final, including the score and specific moments of the match, were not immediately available but are expected to be released by the PSA Squash Tour in the coming days.
The Houston Squash Club served as the venue for the event, hosting a series of intense matches that captivated squash enthusiasts. The tournament’s success underscores the growing popularity of squash in the United States and its increasing presence on the international stage. Squash Info reported on the event, highlighting the significance of the victories for both Crouin and ElSherbini.
A Turning Point for Crouin
Crouin’s victory at the Texas Open represents a significant turning point in his career. Having consistently demonstrated potential, he has now proven his ability to compete and win against the world’s elite players. This win is expected to boost his ranking and solidify his position as a rising star in the sport. The win also provides momentum as he continues to chase his goal of breaking into the top five.
The final was a testament to Crouin’s resilience and tactical acumen. His ability to adapt to Elias’s aggressive style and exploit his weaknesses proved crucial to his success. The match also highlighted the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level of professional squash, as Crouin successfully navigated a tense fourth game to secure the victory.
The PSA Squash Tour news report details the intensity of the match and Crouin’s emotional response to winning his first Gold event.
The next scheduled event on the PSA Squash Tour is yet to be announced, but fans can stay updated on the latest news and schedules on the official PSA Squash Tour website.
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