Egypt reasserts world dominance

Some 16 years of experience in the heat of battle came in handy for Egypt's Ahmed El Mahdy's as he made a final flourish in the Bay of Plenty to clinch the World Golf Croquet Singles Championship.

In Sunday's final, in front of a strong crowd, the world number three from Cairo had to come from behind to beat fellow Egyptian Hamy Erian, also from Cairo, in the best-of-five final.


Ahmed El Mahdy on his way to winning the World Golf Croquet Singles Championship. Photos: Supplied.

The 40-year-old civil court judge drew on all of his experience to beat Erian, having ousted defending world champion Reg Bamford in the quarterfinals.

Erian jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but El Mahdy lifted his game and produced some amazing shots to dominate the next three games.

When the ball went through what proved to be the final hoop, El Mahdy threw his arms in the air, then knelt down and kissed the grass.

El Mahdy and Erian were both beaten semi-finalists in the last world championships held in Egypt in 2013.

At 23-years-old, Erian is the youngest player in Egypt, which boasts 1000 croquet players in Cairo and Alexandria.

To get to the final El Mahdy beat Stephen Mulliner of England and Erian put out Chris Clarke of Christchurch.

The Shield, for those eliminated in the quarter finals of the world championship, went to seven-times New Zealand champion Duncan Dixon of Mount Maunganui, who beat Hemi McLaren of Morrinsville.

The Bowl, for those eliminated in the round of 16, was won by Jared Keeman of Christchurch who beat Mohamed Nasr of Egypt.


Hamy Erian competing against Ahmed El Mahdy in the singles final.

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