The 2026 STARR Bermuda Open reached a fever pitch on quarter-finals day, as world number 90 Nicholas Spizzirri produced a miraculous comeback to stun fourth seed Timothy Brownell at the Bermuda Squash Club.
The day began with shockwaves through the men’s draw. Facing an uphill battle against the world number 29, Spizzirri looked headed for a swift exit after dropping the opening two sets. However, the underdog found a second wind, utilizing relentless energy and tactical adjustments to claw back and force a decider. In a tense final frame, the American sealed a historic 7-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8 victory.
Top seed Kareem El Torkey survived his own significant scare, forced to go the distance by world number 86 Rui Soares. In a grueling five-set marathon that ebbed and flowed, the Egyptian eventually held his nerve to claim an 11-5, 7-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-2 victory.
In the women’s division, the path was far more clinical for the heavy hitters. World number 47 Nadine Shahin dismantled Noa Romero 11-5, 11-9, 11-4, while top seed Sabrina Sobhy was in a ruthless mood. The American favorite conceded just eight points in a dominant 11-2, 11-2, 11-4 victory over Menna Hamed.
With the semi-final line-ups now taking shape, the remaining seeds will be wary of the giant-killing form shown by Spizzirri, while the women’s draw remains wide open following Shahin’s authoritative progression.
