El Rihany and Palomino Crowned SACC CR Open 2025 Champions

The final day of the SACC Costa Rica Open 2025 brought the week to a close with two memorable title matches and a full crowd at Santa Ana Country Club.

The women’s championship featured Alina Bushma (UKR) [4] and Amina El Rihany (EGY) [3], both of whom were determined to leave a mark after falling in last year’s quarter-finals. Their previous results suggested a close contest, and the match delivered exactly that. El Rihany struck first, edging the opening game 11–9, but the Ukrainian responded with a noticeable lift in tempo and accuracy to take the next two games 11–8 and 11–7. Momentum shifted again in the fourth, as the Egyptian steadied her length and forced the match into a decider. The final game continued at the same furious pace, with El Rihany controlling the back corners and finishing opportunities at the front. After 62 minutes of fast, physical squash, she completed a 3–2 victory to claim the women’s title.

The men’s final brought together Mohamed Sharaf (EGY) [4] and defending champion from Colombia Ronald Palomino [2], a matchup shaped by contrasting paths through the draw. Sharaf arrived after two long five-game battles earlier in the week, while Palomino’s advance was much smoother, having only dropped one game in the Quarters to Alejandro Enriquez (GUA). Sharaf began the final with intent, stepping forward early and holding the initiative in the opening rallies. Palomino, encouraged by strong crowd support, absorbed the pressure and used his experience to turn the first game around, winning 11–9. That momentum carried into a tense second game, which the Colombian edged 14–12. By the third, Palomino had full control of the pace and built a decisive lead. He closed out the match 3–0 (11–9, 14–12, 11–4) in 43 minutes to lift the trophy for the second year in a row.

The tournament concluded with two deserving champions and a week of standout performances from returning names and new challengers alike. The 2025 edition reaffirmed Santa Ana Country Club as a key destination on the regional squash calendar, and anticipation is already building for next year’s event, which will mark the tournament’s five-year anniversary.