After winning the 2015 and 2016 editions of this competition, El Welily put in the best performance of her year so far with a 3-1 victory over her compatriot and world number one Nour El Sherbini at the University Club of Chicago.

In a repeat of last year's final, El Welily lost a tight opening game 10-12, but responded well and looked comfortable in the rest of the match as she claimed a 10-12, 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 victory.

“I’m very, very happy, it’s fantastic to win here again for the third time,” said El Welily.

“I’m glad with how I performed after a tough match yesterday and I didn’t really expect to play that well.

"Chicago feels like my lucky city - I'm always happy to be here.”

France's world number three Gregory Gaultier picked up the 36th title of his PSA World Tour career by defeating Marwan Elshorbagy of Egypt 3-1 to win the men's competition.

Gaultier, competing in a 75th career final, has been in exquisite form so far this year.

After finishing as runner-up at January's Tournament of Champions and winning the Swedish Open in February, he was too good for Elshorbagy, who was making his debut appearance in a PSA World Series tournament final.

The Frenchman started slowly and the Egyptian took the opening game in composed fashion.

But Gaultier's experience was evident as he came from behind to secure the title 5-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-4.

"I am really happy, it's amazing to win these kind of major titles so it will be nice to see my name on this beautiful trophy once again," said Gaultier, who also won in Chicago in 2014.

"It is a lovely place to play and I have been coming here for a long time.

"I have a lot of friends here and have always enjoyed coming back.

"He proved this week that he is a top player, he came through five tough matches to reach this stage which, was a tougher week than me.

"I had to find a solution and to put more pace into it and get in control because when I was playing at his rhythm he was just a better player than me."

During the trophy presentation it was announced the the 2018 Windy City Open will become the most lucrative PSA World Tournament ever.

The competition is set to boast a $500,000 (£407,000/€475,000) prize fund that will be split equally between men and women.