Sports Bulletin

Defending champion Mohammad Hamza Khan placed second seed, Mohammad Zikria on topSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Defending champion, Pakistani lad Mohammad Hamza Khan has been placed second seed in the WSF World Junior Squash Championship, which will roll into action from July 12 in Houston, United States of America (USA). Mohamad Zakaria from Egypt on top seed, as the international squash show piece will conclude on July 23, 2024, as the draws and seedings have been announced on Tuesday.In the women's draw, defending champion Amina Orfi of Egypt has been declared top seed as the 17-year-old aims to equal national legend Nour El Sherbini's haul of three World Junior titles. The two-time champion, who has risen as high as World No.11 in the PSA World Rankings this season, will receive a bye in the first round and, should the tournament go to seedings, will contest an all-Egyptian final against Fayrouz Aboelkheir.In the men's draw, 2023 runner up Mohamad Zakaria has been made the early favourite, with the Egyptian targeting a first ever title after a painful defeat to Pakistan's Hamza Khan last year. Khan, who last year ended Pakistan's 37-year wait for the title, has been named No.2 seed, meaning that the Houston crowd could be in for a second showdown between the two in the final.Hosts USA meanwhile have three players seeded inside the top eight across both draws. In the women's draw, Caroline Fouts is seeded [3/4], with Riya Navani seeded [5/8]. In the men's draw, Rishi Srivastava is the sole American seeded, with the 18-year-old seeded [3/4]. Draws and seedings for the team events, which are being held concurrently for the first time in World Juniors history, will be announced following the commencement of the individual event.Women's Seeding (1-8):[1] Amina Orfi (EGY)[2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY)[3/4] Nadien Elhammamy (EGY)[3/4] Caroline Fouts (USA)[5/8] Janna Galal (EGY)[5/8] Nour Megahed (EGY)[5/8] Riya Navani (USA)[5/8] Anahat Singh (IND)Men's Seeding (1-8):[1] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY)[2] Hamza Khan (PAK)[3/4] Juan Torres (COL)[3/4] Rishi Srivastava (USA)[5/8] Marwan Abdelsalam (EGY)[5/8] Omar Azzam (EGY)[5/8] Jose Santamaria (COL)[5/8] Javier Romo (ECU).

Khan ousts Malaysian opponent Harith Danial 3-0 in final,  Sohail Adnan earns gold in U13Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Rising squash star of Pakistan, Mohammad Hamza Khan decorated another feather in his cap by winning the U19 title of the 31st Asian Individual Squash Championship 2024 at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Saturday. He overcame Harith Danial 3-0 with the score-line of 11-5, 12-10, and 11-9 after a nail-biting contest in the 2nd, and 3rd games of the match.Boys’ Under-19 started 1 hour and 10 minutes late, as it was to kick-off at 3:40 pm in the four-wall central glass court of the complex. However, local guy Mohammad Hamza started the first game with a bang by hitting powerful strokes and claimed an early lead 6-0, as he was also up at 10-1 and ended the game at 11-5.Malaysian player Harith Danial showed some resistance by exhibiting nice skills of squash. Despite going down 2-0 in the start, he settled his feet on the court and succeeded to level the game at 6-6, as he went up at 7-6. Mohammad Hamza was looking cool and did not go under any pressure. He leveled the game at 7-7, 8-8, and 9-9.Harith bounced back in the game scoring two vital consecutive points and rotated the game score to 10-8, at this stage was alarming for Khan, however, he encountered his opponent with courage and finished the game at 12-10 after squaring 10-10. Mohammad Hamza got an impressive lead in the match 2-0, and spectators supported him on each point.The third game was nerve-jangling, as the Malaysian player Harith Danial got the 4 points leading in the starting and remained behind at 0-4, 1-8, and 8-9. Teenager Mohammad Hamza once again came from behind and leveled the game at 9-9. He won the 3rd game at 11-9 after winning half a dozen points in a row to become the champion. He closed the final at 11-5, 12-10, and 11-9.Mohammad Hamza Khan said after the victory: “I am happy on this victory and it was a result of my toil and my coaches Fahim Gul and Zahid Gul also worked hard with me and trained for this international juniors squash fixture. Former world champion Qamar Zaman was here and this was encouraging for me. Other legends like squash icons Jhangir Khan and Jansher Khan should come and watch my matches to encourage me. I will work hard for upcoming international competitions and I am hoping for more support from the Pakistan Squash Federation.”Duncan Chiu, Secretary General of the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) graced the ceremony as chief guest and awarded trophies and medals to the players. Air Marshal Kazim Hammad, Senior Vice President PSF along with Squash legend Qamar Zaman, VP PSF Adnan Asad, and number of players and officials also attended the ceremony.Results (finals):Boys’ U13: Sohail Adnan (Pak) beat Huzaifa Shahid (Pak) 12-10, 12-10, 5-11, 4-11, 11-8Boys’ U15: Shiven Agarwal (IND) beat Muhammad Raziq Puttra (MAS) 11-7, 8-11, 11-5, 13-11Boys’ U17: Nikhelswar (MAS) beat Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) 9-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-6Boys’ U19: Mohammad Hamza Khan (Pak) beat Harith Danial (MAS) 11-5, 12-10, 11-9Girls’ U13: Aadya Budhia (IND) beat Goushika (IND) 11-5, 11-5, 11-4Girls’ U15: Harleein Tan (MAS) beat Lo Pui Yin Chloe (HKG) 11-8, 11-4, 11-6Girls’ U17: Enna Kwong (HKG) beat Tang Helen (HKG) 6-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-1Girls’ U19: Thanussa Uthrian (MAS) beat Akari Midorikawa (JPN) 11-8, 11-7, 11-2

Sohail Adnan, Huzaifa Shahid, Abdullah Nawaz, and Hamza Khan secure berths in the finalsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Mohammad Hamza Khan quashed compatriot Mohammad Ammad in straight games 3-0 to reach Under-19 final of the ongoing 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024 after thrashing their respective challengers at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line was 11-6, 11-5, and 11-0. All the finals will be played on Saturday (June 29) at the same venue.In the first semifinal of the U19 category competitions, Mohammad Hamza Khan outclassed his opponent in a straight game without any resistance, as the spectators and squash officials were expecting a nerve-jangling contest between the two Pakistani squash lads. The vital match of the day ended in a single-sided affair, as Ammad proved a hot cake of piece for Hamza Khan.Mohammad Hamza started the game confidently and earned a key lead by scoring three back-to-back scores at 3-0. However, Ammad also did well and tried his best to overcome his opponent and at one stage his deficit was just a solitary point at 6-7. At this stage, Hamza played some powerful forehand strokes and did not allow Ammad to get more points, as he finished the median game at 11-6.Meanwhile, in the second game, Hamza kept the winning momentum by getting an early lead of 5 points at 8-3, as he showed the door for a water break to his rival at 11-5. In the third game, Mohammad Ammad was helpless and unable to vie against Mohammad Hamza on the court, as Hamza finished the last game without conceding a single point. The final score-line was 11-6, 11-5, and 11-0.Results (Semifinals):Boys’ U-13:Sohail Adnan (Pak) beat Mohammad Iffat Zulkifli (MAS) 11-8, 11-6, 11-2Huzaifa Shahid (Pak) beat Julius Tan (MAS) 11-2, 11-8, 11-5Boys’ U-15:Mohammad Raziq Puttra (MAS) beat Abdullah Zaman (Pak) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6Shiven Agarwal (IND) beat Nouman Khan (Pak) 5-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-0Boys’ U-17:Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Altamis Aqhar (MAS) 11-4, 14-12, 11-6Nikhelswar (MAS) beat Azaan Ali (Pak) by 11-6, 11-6, 11-8Boys’ U-19:Hamza Khan (Pak) beat Mohammad Ammad (Pak) 11-6, 11-5, 11-0Harith Danial (MAS) beat Jooyoung NA (KOR) 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10Girls’ U-13:Aadya Budhia (IND) beat Chiu Hau (HKG) 11-4, 11-7, 4-11, 12-10Goushika (IND) beat Maisarah Mohd (MAS) 11-6, 6-11, 5-11, 11-7, 11-6Girls’ U-15:Harleein Tan (MAS) beat Yek Rui Jean (MAS) 11-6, 11-5, 11-6Lo Pui Yin Chloe (HKG) beat Ooi Wen Min (MAS) 11-7, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7Girls’ U-17:Enna Wong (HKG) beat Doyce Lee (MAS) 11-9, 11-7, 11-5Tang Helen (HKG) beat Whitney Isabelle (MAS) 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 15-13Girls” U-19:Thanussa Uthrian (MAS) beat Leung Ka (HKG) 11-6, 11-4, 5-11, 11-6Akari Midorikawa (JPN) beat Goh Zhe (MAS) 7-11, 11-7, 11-6, 3-11, 11-8.Schedule (Finals):BU-13. Sohail Adnan (Pak) Vs Huzaifa Shahid (Pak)BU-15. Mohammad Raziq Puttra (MAS) Vs Shiven Agarwal (IND)BU-17. Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) Vs Nikhelswar (MAS) BU-19. Mohammad Hamza Khan (Pak) Vs Harith Danial (MAS) GU-13. Aadya Budhia (IND) Vs Goushika (IND)GU-15. Harleen Tan (MAS) Vs Lo Pui Yin Chloe (HKG)GU-17. Enna Wong (HKG) Vs Tang Helen (HKG)GU-19. Thanussa Uthrian (MAS) Vs Akari Midorikawa (JPN).

Hamza Khan, and Mohammad Ammad qualify for U19 semifinals, Abdullah, and Nauman shine in U15Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Duo of Pakistani players, Hamza Khan, and Mohammad Ammad moved into the semifinals of Under-19 competition of the 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024 after thrashing their respective challengers at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Thursday. Rising squash lad, and grandson of former World Champion Qamar Zaman, Abdullah Zaman ousted Shiv Kaul in straight games 3-0 in U15 quarterfinal. All semifinals will be played on Friday at the same venue. Results (Quarterfinals):Boys’ U-13:Mohammad Iffat Zulkifli (MAS) beat Faizan Ali (Pak) 12-10, 13-11, 9-11, 11-6Sohail Adnan (Pak) beat Jackrish Kumar (SIN) 11-0, 11-7, 11-3Julius Tan (MAS) beat Mamoon Khan 11-9, 11-3, 5-11, 11-9Huzaifa Shahid (Pak) beat Mohammad Fawad Khan (Pak) 11-6, 11-3, 9-4 (Retd)   Boys’ U-15: Mohammad Raziq (MAS) beat Sim Yeak Wei (MAS) 11-6, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9Abdullah Zaman (Pak) beat Shiv Kaul (SIN) 11-8, 11-8, 11-8Nouman Khan (Pak) beat Simerver Singh (MAS) 11-1, 11-7, 11-8Shiven Agarwal (IND) beat Abdul Ahad Butt (Pak) 11-4, 11-7, 11-5Boys’ U-17:Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Yusha Nafees (IND) 11-1, 11-7, 11-2Altamis Aqhar (MAS) beat Shu Takahashi (JAP) 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, 11-9Nikhelswar (MAS) beat Aqil Mirza (MAS) 13-11, 1-11, 11-7, 7-11, 11-6Azaan Ali (Pak) beat Yahya Asad (Pak) 11-7, 11-7, 11-4Boys’ U-19:Hamza Khan (Pak) beat Anas Ali Shah (Pak) 11-8, 11-8, 11-4Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Tam Tsz Shing (HKG) 11-8, 11-2, 11-9Harith Danial (MAS) beat Azan Khalil (Pak) 11-3, 11-3, 11-5Jooyoung NA (KOR) beat Law Arthur Pak Ki (HKG) 11-3, 5-11, 13-11, 11-9Girls’ U-13:Aadya Budhia (IND) beat Mahnoor Ali (Pak) 11-4, 11-8, 6-11, 11-6Maisarah Mohd (MAS) beat Lee Ka Man (HKG) 11-9, 11-6, 4-11, 11-6Goushika (IND) beat Makaela Lin (HKG) 11-8, 11-9, 11-8Chiu Hau (HKG) beat Yu Hiu Ching (HKG) 11-8, 11-6, 5-11, 11-3Girls’ U-15:Harleein Tan (MAS) beat Anika Dubey (IND) 11-2, 11-5, 11-5Yek Rui Jean (MAS) beat Tang Lok Yin (HKG) 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-8Ooi Wen Min (MAS) beat Jayna Lim (SIN) 11-7, 11-8, 11-6Lo Pui Yin Chloe (HKG) beat Diva Shah (IND) 11-6, 11-6, 11-9Girls’ U-17:Enna Wong (HKG) beat Chung Yee Ling (HKG) 11-3, 11-2, 11-3Doyce Lee (MAS) beat Unnathi Tripathi (IND) 11-3, 11-1, 11-6Tang Helen (HKG) beat Najwa Zara (MAS) 11-4, 11-6, 11-7Whitney Isabelle (MAS) beat Cheeung Tsz (HKG) 10-12, 11-3, 11-8, 1-11, 11-9. Girls’ U-19:Thanussa Uthrian (MAS) beat Anrie Goh (MAS) 11-7, 9-11, 11-3, 11-3Leung Ka (HKG) beat Valerie Kaitlyn (HKG) 11-4, 11-6, 11-9Akari Midorikawa (JPN) beat Nirupama Dubey (IND) 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 9-11, 11-5Goh Zhe (MAS) beat Au Ling Yu (HKG) 11-7, 11-4, 11-0.

Mohammad Ammad, Abdullah Nawaz, Faizan Ali, Fawad, Mamoon, Khan claim victoriesAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistani squash players, Mohammad Ammad, Abdullah Nawaz, Faizan Ali, Fawad, Mamoon Khan, and Huzaifa Shahid registered victories in the 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship, 2024 after beating their respective rivals in different age categories here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Wednesday.Results (Day-2):Boys’ U-13: Faizan Ali (Pak) beat Wong Ho Kiu (HKG) 15-13, 2-11, 11-9, 8-11, 12-10: Fawad Khan (Pak) beat Vidhurran Ruthiran (MAS) 11-9, 5-11, 9-11, 13-11, 11-8: Mohammad Iffat Zulkifli (MAS) beat Minki Kim (KOR) 11-6, 13-11, 11-4: Mamoon Khan (Pak) beat Wayne Issac (MAS) 11-4, 11-4, 11-4. Huzaifa Shahid beat Dhruv Bopana 11-9, 11-9, 11-4.Boys’ U-15: Mohammad Raziq (MAS) beat Rehan Alamgir (Pak) 11-5, 11-3, 11-7: Shiven Agarwal (IND) beat Rayyan Bahadur (Pak) 11-9, 11-1, 11-5: Sim Yeak Wei (MAS) beat Ahmed Rayyan Khalil (Pak) 7-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7: Shiv Kaul (SPR) beat Weung Tsung (HKG) 11-7, 4-11, 8-11, 11-4, 11-9.Boys’ U-17: Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Young Wook Lee (KOR) 11-5, 11-6, 11-2: Nikhelswar (MAS) beat Lee Ka Hoe (MAC) 11-2, 11-2, 11-4: Yahya Asad (Pak) beat Cheng Ting (HKG) 8-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-7: Azaan Ali (Pak) beat Renshi Makino (JAP) 6-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-7.  Boys’ U-19: Yusha Nafees (IND) beat Mohammad Saleh Akhani (IRI) 11-7, 11-5, 11-6: Jooyoung NA (KOR) beat Abdullah Nadeem (Pak) 11-3, 11-1, 11-2: Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Low Wa Sern (MAS) 11-5, 8-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-6, Harith Danial (MAS) beat Usman Butt (Pak) 11-2, 11-4, 11-4.Girls’ U-13: Aadya Budhia (IND) beat Sadia Zhoor (Pak) 11-2, 11-6, 11-1, Lee Ka Man (HKG) beat Chanumi Nimthara (SRI) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6, Maisarah Mohd (MAS) beat Jacintha (SPR) 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8, Goushika (IND) beat Maliha Shah (Pak) 11-3, 11-3, 11-3.Girls’ U-15: Harleein Tan (MAS) beat Disenundri (SRI) 11-1, 11-3, 11-0, Lo Pui Yin (HKG) beat Ifra Shasmin (SRI) 11-0, 11-4, 11-7, Anika Dubey (IND) beat Wong Suit (HKG) 11-5, 11-1, 11-4, Yek Rue (MAS) beat Sithumi Rohansa (SRI) 11-2, 11-7, 11-9.Girls’ U-17: Enna Wong (HKG) beat Dinuli Dimandi (SRI) 11-2, 11-2, 11-2, Cheung Zhe (HKG) beat Adhita Charani (SRI) 11-3, 11-1, 11-2.  Girls’ U-19: Goh Zhe (MAS) beat Sana Bahadur (Pak) 11-6, 11-2, 11-6: Leung Ka (HKG) beat Sahar Noor (Pak) 11-1, 11-1, 11-1.

U19 Pakistani lad Mohammad Ammad outplays Kosei Toki from Japan in straight games 3-0Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistani Under-19 squash lad Mohammad Ammad outclassed his opponent Kosei Toki from Japan in straight games 3-0 in the Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship, 2024 that commenced here at Mushaf Squash Complex in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex on Tuesday. The final score-line was 11-7, 11-2, and 11-5.Besides hosts Pakistan, boys and girls form 12 nations including Hong Kong-China, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Macau-China, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore and Sri Lanka are participating in the regional squash showpiece. Squash legend Mr Qamar Zaman graced the opening ceremony as a chief guest.Results (Day-1):Boys’ Under-13: Faizan Ali (Pak) beat Harshitha Taruka (SRI) 11-4, 11-3, 11-1: Danish Sikandar (Pak) beat Leung Nok (HKG) 11-5, 11-9, 11-5: Jackrish Kumar (SPR) beat Li Tsz Ho (HKG) 11-2, 11-2, 11-6: Km Akayne (SRI) beat Saleh Khalifa (QAT) 11-8, 7-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5: Mohammad Fawad Khan (Pak) beat Hamad Al Khalaf (QAT) 11-4, 11-3, 11-2: Mamoon Khan (Pak) beat Fong Seng (MAC) 11-2, 11-4, 11-5.Boys’ Under-15: Rehan Alamgir (Pak) beat Chin Ka (MAC) 11-4, 11-5, 11-5: Yeung Tsung Chit (HKG) beat Ranuka Senal Bandara (SRI) 11-6, 11-7, 11-4: Shiv Kaul (SPR) beat Abdulaziz Al-Banihussain (QAT) 11-1, 11-4, 11-2: Abdullah Zaman (Pak) beat Manuth Sandira (SRI) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6: Rayyan Bahadur (Pak) beat Talal Al-Badr (QAT) 11-4, 11-3, 11-4.Boys’ Under-17: Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Mohammad Al-Khalaf (QAT) 11-2, 11-2, 11-6: Altamis Aghar Salam (MAS) beat Ibrahim Zeb (Pak) 11-7, 11-6, 17-15: Renshi Maki (JAP) beat Umair Arif (Pak) 11-8, 5-11, 12-10, 14-12: Nikhlleswar (MAS) beat Seoyoul Jun (KOR) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1: Wong Wook Lee (KOR) beat Wong Sze Yu (HKG) 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 11-7: Khalid Al-Hammadi (QAT) beat Sandanu Induwara (SRI) 11-6, 11-8, 11-2.Boys’ Under-19: Lee Tin Hang (HKG) beat Am Aritha Minsandu (SRI) 11-2, 11-3, 11-0: Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Kosei Toki (JPN) 11-7, 11-2, 11-5: Wong Wing Kuen (HKG) beat Minaga Devanmith (SRI) 11-2, 11-3, 11-6.Girls’ Under-13: Sehrish Ali (Pak) beat Janani Sarovanan (MAS) 11-8, 11-13, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8: Mahnoor Ali (Pak) beat Hm Methuki (SRI) 11-1, 11-2, 11-2: Sadia Zahoor (Pak) beat Huang lok Iong (MAC) 13-11, 3-11, 3-11, 11-9, 11-9: Maliha Shah (Pak) beat Navya Caell (SRI) 11-3, 11-4, 11-5 and Wong Chi (MAC) beat Zyna Zubair (Pak) 11-1, 11-0, 11-1Girls’ Under-15: DI Senudi (SRI) beat Bushra Shahbaz (Pak) 11-1, 11-3, 11-3: Ifra Shasmin (SRI) beat Ayesha Shahbaz (Pak) 11-3, 11-5, 11-3.Girls’ Under-17: Baran Mohammadpour (IRI) beat Sameera Shahid (Pak) 11-4, 11-4, 11-5.Girls’ Under-19: Parmin Nekopayantak (IRI) beat Hafsa Yousaf (Pak) 11-2, 11-6, 11-4: Valerie Kaitlyn (HKG) beat Naheed Faiz (Pak) 11-1, 11-4, 11-2.

Boys and Girls from 12 countries including India to compete in the different age categoriesAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: As many as 301 boys and girls from 12 countries will participate in the different age categories of the 31st Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024, which will be kicked off on Tuesday (June 25) at Mushaf Squash Complex, said Secretary, Pakistan Squash Federation (PDF) Aamir Nawaz in a press conference at a local hotel, as he was flanked by Vice President PSF, Qamar Zaman, and Director Academies Irfan Asgher.He further divulged on this occasion that championship would feature 12 countries, including hosts Pakistan, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, with a total of 107 men players, 84 women players, 36 officials, and 44 parents participating. “Pakistan has entered 24 men and 19 women players in various age groups, who have undergone rigorous training to excel in the championship,”he replied a question.“The Technical Delegate appointed by Asian Squash Federation (ASF) is Ardvy Ally, while WSF International Referee Tahir Khanzada will lead a panel of 23 referees to conduct matches at both venues. The championship includes Boys and Girls U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19 age categories, “he futher said.Responding to a question, he said, “Pakistan has a remarkable history in the Asian Junior Individual Championship, with numerous Gold and Silver Medal wins. The country's squash legends, including Jansher Khan, Abdul Rasheed, Amjad Khan, and others, have made significant contributions to the sport. The Pakistan Squash Federation has made elaborate arrangements for the championship, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants, “Aamir Nawaz concluded. 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Chinese Taipei in their opening match of the 22nd Asian Men’s Squash Team Championship, which will be rolling into action on June 12, 2024, in Dalian, China.According to an official of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), 14 teams from all over Asia will participate in the Men’s event. Pakistan team has been placed in Pool “C” along with Korea, Chinese Taipei, and China.Pakistan’s four-member team Mohammad Asim Khan, Noor Zaman, Nasir Iqbal, and Farhan Mehboob, has left for China, on Sunday. Three officials, Fahim Gul (Coach), Waseem Umar (Physical Trainer), and Air Cdre (Retd) Amir Nawaz (Manager) are traveling with the national players.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The prestigious British Open returns to Birmingham for the second successive year. The event will run from 2-9 June with action taking place from the Edgbaston Priory Club and The Rep Theatre.A total of 96 players will compete across the week including all of the world's leading players. We've taken a look at the top contenders in each draw and broken down their seasons so far and chances of taking home the titles next week in Birmingham.Ali Farag: Men's top seed Ali Farag is the leading player in the men's draw again this year. The defending champion took the 2023 title in impressive fashion to win the event for the first time, whilst also fasting to observe Ramadan. Since that win last April, the World No.1 has won 10 World Tour events and reached the final in all but one of the tournaments that he has played in, terrific consistency from the Egyptian.With the disappointment of losing out in the semi-finals of the recent World Championships, Farag could return to action with fire in his eyes to prove why he is the best player in the world. Multiple British Open titles will certainly be on Farag's wish list.Paul Coll: 2x British Open champion Paul Coll is the No.2 seed for the event and will relish a glass court back indoors. The New Zealander has won four events this season, three of which have seen the latter stages played on indoor glass courts as opposed to the outdoor ones that are predominantly seen in Egypt. Coll undoubtedly prefers these conditions and after having a break whilst the Manchester Open and QSF 3 were happening, the Kiwi will be returning to action with a fresh mind and body, which spells danger for the rest of the field.Diego Elias: The new World Champion Diego Elias will be back in action for the first time after his momentous win at the British Open as he looks to claim his first Platinum event win of the season. The Peruvian has no doubt enjoyed his win but will make sure that he is fit and firing for the last Platinum tournament of the campaign. Elias looked to be lacking confidence at times this season but that will not be the case now after his last event in Cairo.Elias finds himself in a tricky portion of the draw, which includes five top 16 players: Victor Crouin, Youssef Soliman, Tarek Momen, Joel Makin and Youssef Ibrahim. If Elias progresses through those tough matches to the semi-finals, a potential rematch with Ali Farag is on the cards. The Egyptian will certainly be after revenge following his dethroning.Mostafa Asal: 'The Raging Bull' Mostafa Asal earned a place in his first World Championships final in his previous event, falling in the final to rival Elias in three games. The week looked to have took its toll on the young Egyptian in the title decider but the World No.4 will be desperate to return to action in Birmingham.Asal has endured an up and down season but after a disappointing start has found his form in the second half of the season with wins in Florida and Black Ball as well as three runner-up finishes. A slight knee injury forced his late withdrawal from the Manchester Open but hopefully the entertaining 22-year-old has overcome that and will be ready to take on his rivals again in Birmingham.If the seedings go to plan, Asal will need to defeat both the Elshorbagy brothers in consecutive rounds to move into the semi-finals, where Paul Coll may be waiting.Nour ElSherbini: World No.1 Nour ElSherbini will return to defend her British Open title next week in Birmingham and is once again seeded to scoop the top prize. The Egyptian has been a force to be reckoned with again this season, winning six titles and firmly establishing herself as the World No.1. Despite the wins, ElSherbini may not count this as one of her best seasons due to tasting defeat in a World Championships for the first time since 2017 as she lost out to Nouran Gohar in the final a few weeks ago in Cairo. The loss certainly would have stung the 7x World Champion who will be gunning for revenge next week.Nouran Gohar: Having lost the last three World Championship finals, some thought that Nouran Gohar would never lift the coveted trophy, but 'the Terminator' proved them wrong as she deservedly defeated thorn in her side ElSherbini in four games to claim the title a few weeks ago in Cairo.A terrific accomplishment for Gohar who has been in great form since her return from injury. The confidence that the World No.2 will be feeling now is probably the highest it's ever been and having not won the British Open since 2019, Gohar will be sure that she can take home the title and claim the Worlds and British double.Hania El Hammamy: 2022 champion Hania El Hammamy knows what it takes to win this prestigious event and she will need to draw on every bit of that experience from 2 years ago to lift the title next week.El Hammamy claimed two Platinum titles in the first half of the season but since the turn of the year is trophy-less in five attempts. Two losses to ElSherbini and Gohar as well as a loss in London to Sivasangari Subramaniam have left the 23-year-old searching for answers in her game. She has recently started working with former World Champion Laura Massaro and although this may turn out to be a good partnership, changes in swing and mentality take time to be fully embedded into a players game.The feisty, clinical nature of El Hammamy makes her a danger at any event and with coach Massaro on hand next week, another British Open would certainly be a welcome end to the season for the World No.3.

Mohammad Zakaria from Egypt overcomes local player Nasir Iqbal 3-1 in the finalSports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Mohammad Zakaria from Egypt overcame local squash player Nasir Iqbal 3-1 in the final of the 16th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) International Squash Championship 2024 that concluded at the Pakistan Navy (PN) Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Karachi on Sunday. The final score-line was 11-13, 11-4, 11-5, and 11-7, as the match lasted 51 minutes.In the final, which was played between Mohamad Zakaria from Egypt and Nasir Iqbal from Pakistan. After a tough and thrilling contest, Mohamad Zakaria won the match 3-1 and became the title holder of the 16th edition of the CNS International Squash Championship 2024.Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as chief guest to disburse the awards among the players. Mohammad Zakaria recived US$ 3068.5 along with a gillitering trophy while Nasir Iqbal pocketes US$ 1938. He also got runner-up trophy.While addressing the ceremony, CNS Admiral Naveed Ashraf said: “Pakistan Navy is organizing CNS Open Squash since year 2000 on regular basis. This is indicative of Pakistan Navy's commitment to promote the game of squash in the country. Pakistan Navy has been providing the necessary facilities and organizing sports events of National and International standing to bring our talented youth forward and inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship in them.”Results (Finals):Women’s: Mehwish Ali beat Rushna Mehboob 13-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8 (35 min)Boys’ U15: Abdul Ahad (Navy) beat Kamran Khan (PB) 11-5 11-7, 11-9 (27 min)Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (N) beat Fawad Khan (BOK) 11-2, 11-1, 11-4 (17 min)Girls’ U15: Mahnoor Ali (KP) beat Damia Khan (Sindh) 11-7, 11-2, 11-3 (19 min).