Tauranga cheering on nations at Junior Squash World Champs

Sherriff Hassaan, an "Egyptian-Kiwi" belted on a traditional Egyptian drum and called out between games in an effort to remind his compatriots of home at the Junior Squash World Champs.

A quiet murmuring and the repeated thwack of a ball were punctuated by the thrum of a drum, applause and increasing excitement at the semifinals of the Junior World Squash Championships.

The finest players from France and Jordan competed against each other in an intense game at the Queen Elizabeth Centre yesterday.

But Sherriff Hassaan was most looking forward to the match between Eygpt and Japan. Mr Hassaan travelled from Auckland with his family on Friday to enjoy the champs.

"I love this game, squash. It's high-performance fitness. It's very dynamic, and it's elegant," he said.

Sitting front and centre of a strong crowd, the "Egyptian-Kiwi" belted on a traditional Egyptian drum and called out between games in an effort to remind his compatriots of home.

"This is from our culture. It's like a regular drum but a bit more oriental. I don't want to upset any people from different cultures, I hope they don't get annoyed with us, but I really want to support Egypt."

Mr Hassaan was proud of his native nation, which was dominating the championship with several players making it to the semifinals. As he spoke, Egyptian Hania El Hammamy was preparing for her match against Japan's Satomi Watanabe.

"She can trust she has friends here to remind her of her country," Mr Hassaan said.

Junior World Squash Championships official Char Niles said the crowd atmosphere leading up to the finals had been incredible.

"There's been music going, drums beating, people singing and just doing whatever they can to support the players," she said.

"People bring flags and wave their flags around. Everyone, in general, has been in a really good spirit."

Ms Niles said there had been good local support too, because many people had never seen a glass court like the one that's been set up in the event centre.

Today's events
- Women's final at 5.30pm
- Men's final at 6.30pm