El Tayeb Claims Maiden Cleveland Classic Title in Fourth Appearance

Nour El Tayeb (l) and Tesni Evans (image: Andrea Dawson)

Egypt’s world No. 4 Nour El Tayeb earned her first Cleveland Classic title in her fourth tournament appearance, defeating Wales’ Tesni Evans in a four-game final Monday, February 4, in Ohio.

The Egyptian, who was looking to bounce back after dropping down to world No. 4 at the start of the month, won the match in four to beat the Welshwoman.

Tayeb, who also secured victory on U.S. soil at the Carol Weymuller Open in October, was in control throughout the match, winning the first two games.

The world No. 11 looked to fight back in the third, though, and brought the match to within one after winning it 11-9.

However, it would be the Egyptian that took the crown, winning the fourth game 11-9 to take a 3-1 victory in Cleveland.

“Tesni is smarter than me,” El Tayeb said. “She slowed the pace and talked to the official between almost every point. I love her dearly.”

The $51,250 Cleveland Classic marks El Tayeb’s eighth career PSA Tour title.

Both players will next compete in the U.S. at the 2018-2019 PSA World Championships presented by the Walter Family in Chicago at the end of the month.

2019 marked the ninth staging of the Cleveland Classic.

Result: Final
[1] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt [2] Tesni Evans (WAL) 3-1: 11-5, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9 (55m)