The victories sees Ashour and Gohar open up an early lead on the PSA Road To Dubai standings as the race to qualify for the season-ending World Series Finals gets underway.

The duo collected 100 points each to top the standings after the first World Series tournament of the season, and take the first step towards securing a place at the lucrative event that will take place in the Dubai Opera in June.

In the men's final, 28-year-old Ashour appeared to have put his recent injury problems aside as he came through a highly competitive and entertaining five-game match with compatriot and world number eight Karim Abdel Gawad, who was competing in his first ever PSA World Series final.

Ashour, who was champion in 2010 and 2012, has suffered an injury-plagued two years, with hamstring difficulties restricting him to competing in only a dozen events.

However, he looked to be back to his best during a 11-9, 8-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6 win.

"It feels great to win here and winning the title means so much to me," said Ashour.

"I played a very tough opponent today. 

"Karim's very smart and fluid on court so it is not easy to beat him and he's actually one of my favourite players on tour.

"It's been a tough journey for me to get here but I've always wanted it so much.

"I feel empty without squash. 

"I appreciate being able to play and to lunge without pain is such a blessing - I'll do whatever it takes to keep being the best I can be.

"I have so many people to thank - my parents, coaches, physio, promoters, sponsors, doctors, lawyers and fans - they've all helped me get to where I am now."

In the women's final, 18-year-old Gohar, who beat England's world number two Laura Massaro before ending Malaysian Nicol David's ten years of dominance at the event to reach the final, saw off American Amanda Sobhy.

She got off to a slow start but began to dominate the court, securing the title courtesy of a 6-11, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8 win.

"I can't believe it," said Gohar.

"I was 1-0 down and 10-7 down in the second game and I was just trying to stay on court and not be beaten 3-0 in the final.

"I tried to fight for every point and it paid off in the end. 

"I managed to change it up and push myself - I told myself it is a final and you have to give everything to win - it's an amazing feeling to win a World Series tournament."