Mohammad Hamza outclasses top seed Karim Hammamy 3-1 to advance top-4 stage
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s three squash guys moved into the semifinals of the ongoing Chief of Air Staff (CAS)- Serena Hotels International Squash Championship 2025 after winning their respective quarterfinals, as Mohammad Hamza Khan stunned top seed and world number 42 Karim El Hammamy 3-1 here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Wednesday. The semifinals will be played on Thursday (November 27, 2025) at the same venue.
Rising squash star Mohammad Hamza Khan earned a remarkable triumph in the first quarterfinal when he ousted top seed Karim from Egypt after producing a sparkling performance during the 44-minute game. Mohammad Hamza started the first game with full confidence and did not allow his challenger to settle his feet on the court. Hamza finished the first game at 11-8. He (Hamza) maintained the same pace in the second game, and he finished at 11-5 after showing an aggressive style.
The top-seed player of the tournament, Karim tried hard to bounce back in the match, and he changed his strategy to overcome his opponent. Karim displayed top-quality squash in the third game and kept Hamza on his heels, and clinched the third game at 11-7 after toiling hard on the court, and made the match score 2-1.
The fourth game of the first quarterfinal was a nerve-jangling contest, as both players fought brilliantly. The last game of the match was a blend of powerful strokes, classic nicks, and drop shots, as no one was ready to bow out, and the game finally ended on a tie-break in favour of Mohammad Hamza, with the score of 12-10. The final score-line was 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, and 12-10. Mohammad Hamza will take on David Bernet of Switzerland in the first semifinal on Thursday at the same venue.
Results (Quarterfinals):
Mohammad Hamza Khan (PAK) beat Karim El Hammamy (EGY) 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 12-10 (44 Min)
David Bernet (SUI) beat Khalid Labib (EGY) 7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10 (59 Min)
Nasir Iqbal (PAK) beat Moustafa El Sirty (EGY) 11-4, 11-9, 11-6 (41 Min)
Noor Zaman (PAK) beat Yassin Shohdy (EGY) 11-8, 11-8, 11-3 (24 Min).
Thursday Fixtures (Semifinals):
First semifinal: Hamza Khan (PAK) Vs David Bernet (SUI) at 3:00 pm
Second Semifinal: Noor Zaman (PAK) Vs Nasir Iqbal (PAK) at 3:45 pm.
