Egyptian winners were guaranteed at the dramatic setting with all four finalists coming from the country - currently the dominant power in world squash.

However, nobody from the country had won the men's or women's events before at the iconic location.

The Giza-born Gawad won his home tournament by downing compatriot Ali Farag in straight games, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5.

The number three seed wrapped up his victory after 40 minutes of play after beating World Championship runner-up Omar Mosaad in the last four.

"It's a great pleasure for anyone to play at this amazing venue which is one of the most amazing locations of all time," he said.

"But as a squash player, who is from this area, it is a dream just to be here but to win it is incredibly, incredibly special."

Former world number one El Welily got the better of current number one Nour El Sherbini, the world champion, in a five game classic.

After the winning the first two games El Welily watched as her opponent came back into it, but she was able to clinch the decider to win 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 11-7.

"Nour is the best player out there at the moment in women's squash and I think we both have it everything we had - which is fitting for this final," said El Welily.

"It was a fantastic event and I have to thank the Pyramids for being kind of me."