Sports Bulletin

Jonathan SmithMelbourne (Australia): The higher seeded teams made a comfortable start to the 2023 WSF Women's World Junior Team Championship, with the crowd in Melbourne Sports Centres witnessing a slew of dominant results on day one of the pools stage.With a number of seeding mismatches scheduled today, the action on all three courts in Melbourne was largely one-sided as teams played in a 2-3-1 string order.The day began ominously for the lower seeded teams, with whitewashes on all three courts in the afternoon session.On Court Nine, Malaysia’s first string Aira Azman bounced back from her defeat in the final of the individual event last night by sealing maximum points for her side against New Zealand with a 3-0 win over Ella Lash, following wins by the same scoreline for Sehveetrraa Kumar and Thanusaa Uthrian.On Court Six, India rapidly dismantled Ireland, with Tiana Parasrampuria, Yuvna Gupta and Anahat Singh needing just 46 minutes between them to dispatch the No.13 seeds.On the glass court, Hong Kong, China impressed as Sze Wing Wai, Ka Huen Leung and Toby Tse breezed past Singapore.In the evening session, defending champions and top seeds Egypt - who opted to rest their No.1 Amina Orfi following her victory in the final of the individual event last night - were rampant against No.10 seeds Scotland.The North African nation has won the last seven women’s team events in a run going all the way back to 2007, and on today’s evidence the top seeds look well set for another title challenge.Zeina Zein and Nour Megahed delivered the win for Egypt with 3-0 wins over Anna Halliday and Louisa Kaven, before Fayrouz Aboelkheir made sure of the result after overcoming stubborn resistance from 16-year-old Robyn McAlpine.Result (Pool A):[1] Egypt 3-0 [10] ScotlandFayrouz Aboelkheir beat Robyn McAlpine 3-1: 11-3, 11-1, 12-14, 11-4 (31m)Zeina Zein beat Anna Halliday 3-0: 11-6, 11-2, 11-2 (16m)Nour Megahed beat Louisa Kaven 3-0: 11-3, 11-4, 11-1 (15m)Results (Pool B):[2] Malaysia 3-0 [9] New ZealandAira Azman beat Ella Lash 3-0: 11-5, 11-5, 11-4 (18m)Sehveetrraa Kumar beat Sophie Hodges 3-0: 11-6, 11-9, 11-3 (20m)Thanusaa Uthrian beat Anne Leakey 3-0: 11-8, 11-4, 11-1 (17m)Results (Pool C):[3] USA 3-0 [11] South AfricaMadison Ho beat Savannah Ingledew 3-0: 11-7, 11-8, 11-9 (32m)Riya Navani beat Dené Van Zyl 3-0: 11-2, 11-4, 11-1 (14m)Emma Trauber beat Elske Garbers 3-0: 11-2, 11-4, 11-0 (14m)[5] England 3-0 [14] Chinese TaipeiAsia Harris beat Yu-Chen Cheng 11-1, 11-0, 11-2 (14m)Amelie Haworth beat Jen-Ju Shaw Pearl 3-0: 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 (16m)Meha Shah beat Mei Mei Chan 3-0: 11-3, 11-5, 11-3 (15m)Results (Pool D):[4] Hong Kong, China 3-0 [12] SingaporeToby Tse beat Paige Teresa Hill 3-0: 11-5, 11-2, 11-5 (20m)Sze Wing Wai beat Gracia Chua Rui Én 3-0: 11-4, 11-5, 11-7 (21m)Ka Huen Leung beat Wai Iynn Au Yeong 3-0: 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 (23m)[6] India 3-0 [13] IrelandAnahat Singh beat Sarah Sabry 3-0: 11-1, 11-4, 11-2 (18m)Tiana Parasrampuria beat Sophie Thomas 3-0: 11-2, 11-2, 11-3 (14m)Yuvna Gupta beat Maria Protsepova 3-0: 11-5, 11-3, 11-2 (14m)Schedule (July 25, 2023):Pool A14:00 [1] Egypt v [7] CanadaPool B17:00 [2] Malaysia v [8] AustraliaPool C14:00 [3] USA v [5] England, [11] South Africa v [14] Chinese TaipeiPool D17:00 [12] Singapore v [13] Ireland, [4] Hong Kong, China v [6] India

Hamza thrashes Mohamed Zakariah 3-1 to win crown after 37 years for PakistanSports Bulletin ReportMelbourne (Australia): Rising star Mohamed Zakariah from Egypt 3-1 in the World Juniors Individual Squash Championship 2023 here at Melbourne Sports Centre, Australia on Sunday. The final score-line was 10-12, 14-12, 11-3, and 11-6.In the men’s final, both finalists Mohamed Zakariah and Hamza Khan played excellent squash and were not ready to succumb, as the first two games ended on a tie-break. Hamza went down after the first game at 10-12, however, he showed his confidence in the next game and locked horns with the Egyptian lad. Hamza snatched the second game at 14-12 to level the championship final.After squaring the contest, Pakistani players Mohammad Hamza did not see back and continued his aggressive game, which was a blend of powerful drives and classic nicks. He won the third and fourth games by conceding just 3 and 6 points. Finally, Hamza Khan lifted the title of the World Juniors Squash Championship for Pakistan after 37 years. Jansher Khan earned the same honour for Pakistan in 1986.Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar, President PSF, Air vice Marshal Kazim Hammad, and Senior Vice President PSF congratulated Hamza Khan on his remarkable and historical feat.In women’s final, Egyptian 16-year-old Amina Orfi defended her WSF World Junior Championship title with a convincing win over Malaysia’s Aira Azman in Melbourne Sports Centres.Top seed Orfi, who stunned last year in France to win the title aged just 15, looked in top form throughout, with her tight hitting causing the [3/4] seed no end of problems.The opening stages of the match were initially even, with Azman edging into an 8-7 lead in game one, only for Orfi to come firing back with four straight points.After taking the first game 11-8, Orfi began to dominate and rapidly wrapped up the title in just 31 minutes with comprehensive 11-5, 11-1 wins in games two and three.

Pakistani lad overcomes French man Melvil Scianimanico 3-2 in the nerve-jingling semifinalSports Bulletin ReportMelbourne (Australia): Pakistan’s rising squash lad Hamza Khan reached the final of the World Junior Squash Championship 2023, which is going on in Melbourne Australia after beating French man Melvil Scianimanico 3-2 in the nerve-jingling fight in the first semifinal. The final score-line was 11-8, 11-4, 10-12, 9-11, and 13-11. The match lasted 81 minutes.Hamza won the first couple of games comfortably and earned a 2-0 lead in a crucial contest, however, his opponent bounced back by winning the next two games and squared the match 2-2. In the 5th game, both players exhibited quality squash and amused the sizeable spectators, as the Hamza finished the game at a tie-break with the score of 13-11 to secure the berth in the final.It is pertinent to mention here that after a period of 15 years, a Pakistani player qualified for the final of the World Juniors’ Squash Championship. The last time, Aamir Atlas Khan played the final of the World Junior Squash Championship in 2008.Results (Quarterfinals):Women’s Event:Amina Orfi (Egypt) beat Zeina Kareem El-Din (Egypt) 3-0 (11-5, 11-5, 12-10)Malak Khagafy (Egypt) beat Anahat Singh (India) 3-1 (10-12, 11-8, 11-7, 11-2)Aira Azman (Malaysia) beat Lauren Baltayan (France) 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 11-6)Fayrouz Aboelkheir (Egypt) beat Caroline Fouts (USA) 3-0 (11-5, 14-12, 11-5)Men’s Event:Salman Khalil (Egypt) beat Jonah Bryant (England) 3-0 (15-13, 11-4, 11-8)Mohamed Zakariah (Egypt) beat Juan Jose Lara (Colombia) 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-7)Hamza Khan (Pakistan) beat Joachim Chuah (Malaysia) 3-1 (11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10)Melvil Scianimanico (France) beat Hollis Robertson (USA) 3-2 (11-9, 6-11, 11-2, 9-11, 11-8).   

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistani teenage squash player, Huzaifa Shahid won the gold medal while Mahnoor Ali lifted the bronze medal in the 7th Borneo Junior Open 2023 that concluded Kuching Malaysia.According to an official, 401 players all over the world participated in Boys’ Under-13 and Girls’ Under-15 fixtures. Boy’s U13 final, Huzaifa Shahid outclassed his opponent Lokkhesh Wigneswaran from Malaysia in straight games 3-0. The final score-line was 11-3, 11-7, and 11-4, as the match lasted only 12 minutes. Mahnoor Ali thrashed Amber Chieng Shiao in Girls’ U13 match 3-0 at 11-3, 11-4, and 11-5 after 18 minutes game.

China people keen to promote squash in the country: Says Shahid ZamanAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Top International Squash coach and former Pakistan player, Shahid Zaman Khan visited Shanghai from June 22 to 28, 2023 to coach the budding squash players at Lantau Squash Courts, Hongiao Sports Park Shanghai at the request of the Shanghai Squash Association (SSA).Shahid Zaman told this reporter that Deputy Secretary General SSA Jin Zhen, who is also General Manager of LongYu Sports, had contacted him about this assignment and finally, he visited China and trained the players during the 7-day camp. “I was busy at Harvard Business School Boson and at the request of SSA I joined the camp for seven days, “he added.“China people are keen to promote squash in their country and they are toiling hard to achieve their goal. They are doing tremendous work for squash and providing international standard facilities to their male and female players. I came from Boston, United States of America (USA) and I found the players hungry to learn the skills and techniques of squash, “he further said.Replying to a question he said that it was an honour for me to guide the budding squash players of China. “We have an exemplary friendship with our neighboring country and I enjoyed it here. Chinese love Pakistan and Pakistani people. They are well disciplined and well equipped in squash and are trying their best to gain a position in the world of squash, “he maintained.Zaman further said that officials of the China Squash were working hard to move ahead at the international level. “It was amazing for me that they collect the information of players and clubs. They motivate their players to squash and facilitate them in good manners. They are constructing squash courts according to international demands. They want to promote squash in days, “he asserted.   He further said Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) should hire the services of qualified Pakistani coaches, who could train the teenagers. “I am not asking for any job for myself because I have a job in a reputable organization Harvard Business School Boson in the USA. But, many other Pakistani coaches are working abroad and the federation should utilize their services to regain the lost glory of Pakistan squash. We are at our lowest ebb at this stage, “he lamented.Shahid Zaman said, “There is no respect for coaches in Pakistan, and the squash federation does not want to hire the services of the best coaches. We played squash for Pakistan and we got all honours and respect due to our country. We want to see our squash again on top. This is our dream and being a Pakistan we pray for Pakistan squash each day, “former Pakistan squash player Shahid Zaman Khan concluded.    

Rising lad, Noor Zaman got the "Hassan Musa Award" for his outstanding performanceSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD:-Asian Squash Federation (ASF) has been awarded the “Asian Squash Federation Development Award" to Pakistan Junior Squash Team for "Most Improved Team" of the year 2022.According to an official of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), the secretary federation Zafaryaab Iqbal received the award on Saturday at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Asian Squash Federation, which took place in Hong Kong. President World Squash Federation and the president Asian Squash Federation were also present at the meeting.Also, Noor Zaman of Pakistan has also been awarded "Hassan Musa Award" for his outstanding performance in Junior’s category.

Mohammad Hamza, Moeen Ud Din, Mohammad Huzaifa to visit Australia, Federation sponsors only HamzaAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:-Trio Pakistani squash lads Mohammad Hamza Khan, Moeen Ud Din, and Mohammad Huzaifa will represent their country in the individual discipline of the WSF World Junior Squash Championship 2023, which will feature from July 18 to 29 at in in Melbourne Sports Centres (MSAC), Australia. Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) will sponsor solitary Hamza Khan for the trip. Egyptian girl Amina Orfi and Netherlander guy Rowan Damming will defend their titles. Damming, 18, made history last year in France as the 5/8 seed upset English 3/4 seed Finnlay Withington to become Netherlands' first ever world junior champion and has since impressed on the PSA World Tour, qualifying for this year's PSA World Championship in Chicago.Orfi, 15, showed incredible tenacity as she fought back from two games down in both the semifinal and final to lift the title and has since enjoyed a breakout year on the professional circuit, reaching the final of the Squash On Fire Open and the last 16 of the PSA World Championship.World Squash Federation (WSF) released the list of participating players in all three categories including Men’s Individual, Women’s Individuals, and Women’s Team Event.Players List (Individual Men’s Event):Australia (6): Harvey Allan, Dylan Classen, Oscar Curtis, Connor Hayes, Kenneth Lamb, Thomas ScottCanada (6): Daniel Deverill, Michael Knapp, Jacob Lin, Wasey Maqsood, Youssef Sarhan, Faazil KhanChinese Taipei (4): YoYo Chan, Hsin-Lun Tsai, Hong-Rui Pan, Yi-An PanColombia (3): Juan Irisarri, Juan Jose Torres Lara, Jose SantamariaEcuador (1): Javier Emilio Romo LopezEgypt (6): Yehia Abouraya, Kareem El Torkey, Salman Khalil, Yassien Shohdy, Omar Said Sobhy, Mohamed ZakariaEngland (4): Caleb Boy, Alexander Broadbridge, Jonah Bryant, Yusuf SheikhFrance (3): Titouan Isambard, Antonin Romieu, Melvil ScianimanicoGermany (2): Youssef Elgammal, Fabian IngelbrinkHong Kong, China (4): Arthur Pak Ki Law, Chun Yu Kelvin Lo, Tsz Shing Tam, Jat Tse        India (6): Aryan Pratap Singh, Shaurya Bawa, Sharan Punjabi, Paarth Ambani, Krishna Mishra, Yuvraj WadhwanIreland (4): Elliot Kelly, Jack O Flynn, Tristan Snodgrass, Dylan MoranJapan (4): Yujin Ikeda, Kanta Ito, Ren Makino, Kousei Toki           Kuwait (6): Khaled Walead Al Fouzain, Fahad Khaled Al Ghais, Jassim Adel Al Ghareeb, Abdul Rahman Al Hashem, Abdul Rahman Mohamad Al Maghrabi, Abdulla AliLithuania (1): Lukas KazemekaitisMacau, China (4): Ian Miguel De Sousa, Chin Ka Nam, Keng In Leong, Ka Hei LiMalaysia (5): Joachim Chuah, Hashvind Kugan, Nickhileswar Moganasundhara Wei Yan Tho, Lo Wa SernNetherlands (3): Rowan Damming, Samuel Gerrits, Hjalmer Mols, Elske GarbersNew Zealand (6): Shane Buckle, Oliver Dunbar, Apa Fatialofa, Christopher Hebberd, Freddie Jameson, Connor HillPakistan (3): Moeen Ud Din, Hamza Khan, Mohammad HuzaifaPapua New Guinea (1): Josh Porter        Qatar (1): Salem Al-MalkiSaudi Arabia (2): Yasser Al Abbas, Mohammed AlnasfanScotland (3): Finlay Halton, Oliver Hunter, Rory Richmond         South Africa (6): Joshua Deutschmann, Luhann Groenewald, Luke James Jacoby, Diodivine Mkhzie, Devon Osborne, Connor Earl        Sri Lanka: Nevindu LakmanSwitzerland: David Bernet, Nero Harms, Leandro Mannhart, Fabian Seitz, Lasse Widmer               United States: Arhan Chandra, Varun Chitturi, Zane Patel, Hollis Robertson, Thomas Soltanian, Rishi Srivastava  Zimbabwe: Ryan Gwidzma, Brayden Stanley Arthur RaynarsPlayers List (Individual Women’s Event):Australia (6): Erin Classen, Shona Coxsedge, Amelie Guziak, Madison Lyon, Courtney Scholtz, Hannah SlythCanada (6): Hermione Cao, Ocean Ma, Spring Ma, Maria Min, Iman Shaheen, Gabriella WaiteChinese Taipei (4): Mei Mei Chan, Yu-Chen Cheng, Jen-Ju Shaw, Yen-Chi ChenEgypt (6): Fayrouz Aboelkheir, Nadien Elhammamy, Zeina Zein, Malak Khafagy, Nour Megahed, Amina OrfiEngland (5): Asia Harris, Amelie Haworth, Isabel McCullough, Meha Shah, Layla JohnsonFrance (1) Lauren BaltayanGermany (2): Lea-Iris Murrizi, Maya WeisharHong Kong, China (4): Ena Kwong, Ka Huen Leung, Sze Wing Wai, Tse Yee Lam TobyIndia (6): Tiana Parasrampuria, Advita Sharma, Shameena Riaz, Yuvna Gupta, Pooja Arthi Raghu, Anahat SinghIreland (4): Lydia McQuillan, Maria Protsepova, Sarah Sabry, Sophie ThomasJapan (1): Akari MidorikawaKorea (1): Ain JunMacau, China (1): Wai Leng YeungMalaysia (6): Aira Azman, Anrie Goh Chu Yu, Sehveetrraa Kumar, Doyce Ye San Lee, Thanusaa Uthrian, Whitney WilsonMalta (1): LijanaNew Zealand (6): Maiden-Lee Coe, Anne Leakey, Ella Hill, Sophie Hodges, Ella Lash, Anabel Romero GemmellScotland (5): Anna Halliday, Louisa Kaven, Natalie Main,               Robyn McAlpine, Rowan NivenSingapore (4): Wei Yan Tho, Gracia Chua Rui En, Paige Teresa Hill, Zhe Sim OngSouth Africa (4): Elske Garbers, Savannah Margot Ingledew, Jordin Phillips, Dené Van ZylSpain (1): Ona BlascoUnited States (6): Caroline Eielson, Caroline Fouts, Madison Ho, Riya Navani, Sonya Sasson, Emma Trauber Players’ lists (Team Championship):Australia: Erin Classen, Amelie Guziak, Madison Lyon, Hannah SlythCanada: Ocean Ma, Spring Ma, Iman Shaheen, Maria MinChinese Taipei: Mei Mei Chan, Yu-Chen Cheng, Jen-Ju Shaw, Yen-Chi ChenEgypt: Amina Orfi, Fayrouz Abouelkheir, Zeina Zein, Nour MegahedEngland: Asia Harris, Amelie Haworth, Isabel McCullough, Meha ShahHong Kong: Ena Kwong, Ka Huen Leung, Sze Wing Wai, Tse Yee Lam TobyIndia: Yuvna Gupta, Pooja Arthi Raghu, Anahat Singh, Tiana ParasrampuriaIreland: Lydia McQuillan, Maria Protsepova, Sarah Sabry, Sophie ThomasMalaysia: Aira Azman, Sehveetrraa Kumar, Thanusaa Uthrian, Whitney WilsonNew Zealand: Sophie Hodges, Ella Lash, Anne Leakey, Anabel Romero GemmellScotland: Anna Halliday, Louisa Kaven, Robyn McAlpine, Rowan NivenSingapore: Wai Lynn Au Yeong, Gracia Chua Rui En, Paige Teresa Hill, Zhe Sim OngSouth Africa: Elske Garbers, Savannah Margot Ingledew, Jordin Phillips, Dené Van ZylUnited States: Caroline Fouts, Madison Ho, Emma Trauber, Riya Navani. 

Pakistan to take part in only Men’s Individual Event, starting from July 18Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD:-Pakistan will take part in the Men’s Individual Event of the forthcoming World Junior Squash Championship 2023, which will be held from July 18 to 29 at Melbourne Sports Centres (MSAC), Australia under the banner of World Squash Federation (WSF).WSF has confirmed the participating countries. As many as 29 nations will compete for the top honour in the Men’s Individuals Squash Championship while 21 will fight for the top position in the Women’s Individuals fixture. 14 countries will be encountering each other for the title of Women’s Team Championship.Men’s Individual Championship (29 Countries):Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Ecuador, England, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Macau, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, United States of America (USA), ZimbabweWomen’s Individual Championship (21 countries:Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, China, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, USAWomen’s Team Championship (14 countries):Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Egypt, England, India,              Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, USA, Hong Kong, South Africa.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s junior squash team has won the award of ‘The Most Improved Team of the Year 2022’ by the Asian Squash Federation (ASF).The ASF announced the winners of the ASF Performance Awards 2022 on Wednesday. Pakistan’s Junior Squash Team won the ASF Development Award while the country’s top junior player Noor Zaman Khan named for Hassan Musa Asian Award for ‘Outstanding Performance of the Year 2022 in the juniors’ category.The ASF received 18 nominations from seven member countries for seven categories of the ASF Performance Awards and 11 nominations from four countries for four categories of the ASF Coaches Awards this year. The awards will be presented at the forthcoming Asian Individual Championships, which will be taken place from June 6-10 in Hong Kong, China. 

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD: United States (US) Squash has announced the first series of women-only coaching courses to be held in May and June at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia. Led by Linda Elriani, US Squash’s Senior Director of Professional Development and Coaching, the courses were designed for women only in an effort to bring more women into teaching professional roles. Increasing the number of positive female coaching role models is an important piece of expanding the number of women and girls in the sport as US Squash drives towards gender parity in participation. The initial courses will be a Start Squash Coaching Certification Course, May 7, and a Level 1 Coaching Certification Course, June 23-25. To register and for more information visit ussquash.org/coach-certification. US Squash is grateful for support from the PSA Foundation for providing grant funding to support the attendance of aspiring women coaches and teaching professionals.