Shahin and Rodriguez Claim STARR Bermuda Open Titles
IslandStats.com
The 2026 STARR Bermuda Open concluded at the Bermuda Squash Club with a blend of athletic brilliance and heartbreaking drama as both second seeds rose to secure the championship crowns.
In the women’s final, the capacity crowd in Devonshire witnessed a cruel end to what had been a dominant tournament for Sabrina Sobhy. The world number 19 and top seed appeared to be cruising toward the title, holding a commanding two-set lead over Nadine Shahin.
However, with the score locked at 7-7 in the third game, Sobhy suffered a sudden injury and was forced to retire. The unfortunate turn of events handed the title to the world number 47 Shahin, who becomes the 2026 champion following a week of clinical progression through the draw.
The men’s final provided the marathon spectacle the tournament deserved, as the world number 24 Miguel Rodriguez produced a masterclass in resilience to upset the top seed Kareem El Torkey. In a see-saw encounter that tested the physical limits of both athletes, the momentum shifted repeatedly across five grueling sets.
Rodriguez took an early advantage by claiming the first set 11-5, but El Torkey utilized his world number 21 pedigree to strike back, taking the next two frames 11-7 and 11-9. Facing a 2-1 deficit, Rodriguez found a second wind, dominating the fourth set 11-5 to force a decider. In a tense final frame, the Colombian second seed maintained his composure and superior conditioning to seal a 11-7 win, finalizing a 3-2 victory that will be remembered as one of the finest matches in the event's history.
The double success for the second seeds brings a curtain down on a landmark week for Bermudian squash, showcasing world-class talent and high-stakes drama on the courts of the squash club.
