Squash - Int News
Stefanoni and Cardenas lift Singles Gold at Junior Pan American
Cali-Valle, Colombia (SB Report):-The USA’s Marina Stefanoni and Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas have won squash singles gold medals at the Junior Pan American Games in Cali-Valle, Colombia.
The pair, both highly ranked on the PSA World Tour, dominated their respective competitions, with Stefanoni securing a comprehensive 3-0 win over Mexico’s Dina Anguiano and Cardenas overcoming Colombia’s Matias Knudsen by the same scoreline.
Stefanoni had been in dominant form throughout her singles run, knocking out Canada’s Iman Shaheen, Ecuador’s Maria Buenaño and Colombia’s Lucia Sarmiento without dropping a game.
In the final, against Anguiano, Stefanoni completed her flawless run. The 18-year-old World No.66 attacked from the first moment, taking the first game 11-4, the second 11-5 and the third 11-4 to secure a memorable gold, just three days before her 19th birthday.
Speaking after the match, Stefanoni said: “I thought I played well and I was happy to have made it through in three games. Dina was a tough opponent and I was very excited to win gold here. I sincerely hope that squash remains in the Pan American Youth Games for many years to come. I’d like to thank my parents and all the coaches that have worked with me throughout my junior career.”
En route to the final, the 21-year-old World No.49 bested Argentina’s Jeremias Azaña, Peru’s Rafael Galvez and Guatemala’s Junior Enriquez, and went into the final favourite to claim the title.
Knudsen caused Cardenas problems in the first game, and the Mexican was made to work hard for an 11-8 win. After this victory, though, Cardenas pressed his advantage, wrapping up the title with an 11-6 win in the second game and a crushing 11-3 win in the decisive third.
“It was a tough match and the crowd was cheering for the other side. In the first game, Matias played awesome and I had to use my experience from playing on the PSA World Tour to keep up with him and stay focused. I played solid in the second and third games and managed to win. I am very thankful to Team Mexico, my family and friends for their continued support,” Cardenas said afterwards.
With those victories, both Marina Stefanoni and Leonel Cardenas have secured a berth in the 2023 Pan American Games Individual events in Santiago, Chile.
Mexico and Colombia Take Doubles Gold at Junior Pan American Games
Islamabad (Sports Desk):-Mexico and Colombia have taken gold medals in the doubles events at the Junior Pan American Games, Cali-Valle. Both countries dominated the doubles events throughout, with the two contesting all three finals.
Mexico took gold in the women’s and mixed events, with Fabiola Cabello and Poala Franco defeating Maria Ramirez and Valentina Sanchez, while Dina Anguiano and Leonel Cadenas beat Lucia Bautista and Nicolas Serna. There was some revenge to be had for Colombia in the men’s doubles, as Juan Torres and Matais Knudsen defeated Juan Salazar and Leonardo Vargas.
The Games that held every four years for athletes between the ages of 17-22, feature 315 events across 28 sports, including squash singles, doubles and team events. This year’s event is being held in the west Colombian city of Cali, with squash being played in Club Campestre de Cali. Earlier this week, the USA’s Marina Stefanoni and Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas claimed the women’s and men’s singles titles, while the teams’ finals conclude on December 01.
Both Mexico and Colombia went into the women’s doubles gold medal match with reason to be confident. Mexico came through tough contests against Canada and Ecuador to reach the final, while hosts Colombia had downed the Cayman Islands and came from behind to beat Guatemala, who had earlier shocked the much-fancied U.S. team.
The opening game of the final was one of razor-thin margins, with Mexico pushing their noses in front with a hard-fought 11-10 win. Colombia struck back well in the second to level the match with an 11-8 win, only for Mexico to regroup to claim the decisive third game 11-7.
In the men’s final, Knudsen recovered from his singles final disappointment to put in a great performance alongside Torres to claim a deserved gold, to the delight of the home crowd. In an entertaining first game, Colombia had one hand on the trophy with an 11-6 win. Mexico fought back well in the second, but were unable to prevent Colombia from securing gold, with the hosts wrapping the match up with an 11-9 win.
In the mixed final, Colombia had a golden opportunity to secure another medal when they took the first game with a dominant 11-3 win. Mexico, though, came back furiously and stunned Colombia with 11-7 and 11-8 wins to seal a memorable win.
World Team Squash Championships 2021 Cancelled
Islamabad (Special Report):-The World Squash Federation (WSF) and the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) jointly announced that the WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship 2021 that was scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur between December 7-12, has been cancelled.
The WSF believes in an open and inclusive Men’s World Team Squash Championships and the possibility that some nations would be unable to compete due to the lack of confirmation over the issuing of visas by the National Authorities has led SRAM to inform the WSF of the decision to cancel.
In addition, the WSF and SRAM both have concerns surrounding the new COVID-19 variant – Omicron – which has been reported in multiple countries around the world and could have a big impact on the ability of certain teams to travel to Malaysia for the event.
“We’re extremely disappointed to announce that this year’s WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship has been cancelled. Together with SRAM, we have worked very hard to put the event on against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which had already caused us to move the event from Tauranga in New Zealand,” said WSF President Zena Wooldridge.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Malaysia for their unwavering efforts to influence the highest authorities of Malaysia to ensure the ability of all participating teams including Israel to enter Malaysia and compete, without any political discrimination, in accordance with the principles and rules of the Olympic Charter. It is important to WSF that no nation who wishes to compete misses out on the event.
“I’d like to thank SRAM and its President Gerard Monteiro for the hard work they had put into planning the event prior to this decision. Our focus now turns towards 2022 and we will work closely with our Member Nation Federations as we look to put a robust calendar of events in place next year.”
Pakistan thrash Philippine and Indonesia 3-0
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
Islamabad (November 30, 2021):-Pakistan squash team took a brilliant start in the 20th Asian Squash Team Championship after beating Philippines and Indonesia 3-0 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Tuesday.
According to media department of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), as many as 12 are participating in the regional squash event including India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Japan, Iran, Korea, Philippines, Iraq, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. India, Pakistan, Japan, Philippines, Iraq and Indonesia are in Pool-A, as the Malaysia, Hong Kong, Iran, Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka are in Pool-B.
Pakistan beat Philippines (3-0)
Amaad Fareed beat Reymark Begornia 11-8, 11-5 and 11-3
Tayyab Aslam beat Robert Andrew by 13-11, 11-8 11-5
Nasir Iqbal beat David William by 11-5, 11-8, 11-7
Pakistan beat Indonesia (3-0)
Nasir Iqbal beat Nur Altaftyan 11-8, 11-5, 11-1
Asim Khan beat Agung Wilant 11-2, 11-9, 11-7
Tayyab Aslam beat Satria Bagus 11-5, 11-7, 11-5.
Jansher Khan calls Director General Sports Board Punjab Javed Chohan
Sports Report
LAHORE (November 18, 2021):-Squash legend Jansher Khan called on Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan at his office at National Hockey Stadium here on Thursday. The promotion of squash among the younger generation was discussed in detail during the meeting.
After a detailed meeting with Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan, Jansher and other officials also visited the under-construction State of the Art Squash Complex in Nishtar Park Sports Complex. President Punjab Squash Association and Secretary Local Govt Noor ul Amin Mengal, Director Sports Hafeez Bhatti, Deputy Director Youth Affairs Sayed Omair Hasan, PMU officials and other top officials were also present on this occasion.
Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan briefed the squash legend about the construction and various modern facilities being provided at the State of the Art Squash Complex.
Legendary squash player Jansher, who won World Open squash tournament record eight times and British Open six times during his illustrious career, expressed his delight over the construction of the State of the Art Squash Complex in Nishtar Park Sports Complex. “It is nice to see a world class modern squash arena being built in Lahore. Now international squash players and teams will visit Pakistan to feature in world squash events”.
President Punjab Squash Association Noor ul Amin Mengal expressed his satisfaction over the pace of construction work of State of the Art Squash Complex. “Now we will be able to host international level squash events without any trouble. We are organizing regular squash events to prepare a pool of talented squash players,” he added.
Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan said that the game of squash is quite popular among the young generation and we can further nurture the talented players after completing the State of the Art Squash Complex in Nishtar Park Sports Complex. “We are building this project speedily and hopefully this project will be completed during next year,” he added.
Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan further said that eight squash courts including one international, one national and six practice courts are being built in this grand complex. “All modern facilities will be provided in the Squash Complex”.
Director General Sports Punjab Javed Chohan expressed his hope that Sports Board Punjab will trace numerous talented squash players through this grand facility. “The construction of the State of the Art Squash Complex is definitely a major development in regard to the future of squash in Pakistan”.
Egyptian lad Moustafa lifts the title of CNS International Squash Championship
SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT
KARACHI (November 6, 2021):-Egyptian lad Moustafa has won the title of CNS International Squash Championship 2021 after beating Tsz Fung Yip from Hong Kong 3-2 in the final at Roshan Squash Complex Karachi. The final score-line was 11-5, 7-11, 11-7, 3-11 and 11-9, as match wasted minutes.
The winner received prize money of US$ 3610 along with a trophy while runner up pocketed prize money of US$ 2280 with trophy. Former World Champion Jahngir Khan distributed the prizes among the winners.
CNS Squash: Fung and Moustafa set to play final
Saad Kayani
KARACHI (November 5, 2021):-Third seed Tsz Fung Yip from Hong Kong and 4th seed Moustafa El Sirty from Egypt moved into the final of Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) International Squash Championship 2021 after toppling high ranked players top see Todd Harrity and 2nd seed local guy Tayyab Aslam respectively at Roshan Squash Complex Karachi on Friday.
Results (Semifinals):
[3] Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) beat [1] Todd Harrity (USA) 3-1 (11-6, 11-5, 12-14, 11-4)
[4] Moustafa El Sirty (EGY) beat [2] Tayyab Aslam (PAK) 3-2 (9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-1)
CNS Squash: Asim bows out from championship
Saad Kayani
KARACHI (November 4, 2021):-Pakistan No. 1 and third seed Tayyab Aslam reached into semifinal while Asim Khan bowed out from the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) International Squash Championship 2021 at Roshan Squash Complex Karachi on Thursday.
Result (Quarterfinals):
[1] Todd Harrity (USA) beat [8] Asim Khan (PAK) 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 [34 minutes]
[3] Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) beat [5] Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) 8-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5 [54 minutes]
[4] Moustafa El Sirty (EGY) beat [7] Tsz Kwan Lau (HKG) 11-9, 14-12, 11-8 [27 minutes]
[2] Tayyab Aslam (PAK) beat [6] Henry Leung (HKG) 11-2, 11-5, 7-11, 11-9 [45 minutes]
Friday’s Fixture (Semifinals):
[1] Todd Harrity (USA) Vs [3] Tsz Fung Yip (HKG) at1500 hours
[4] Moustafa El Sirty (EGY) Vs[2] Tayyab Aslam (PAK) at 1600 hours
CAS Squash Championship concludes with Egyptian victories
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (October 15, 2021):-World No 67 Moustafa El Sirty (Egypt) toppled World No 59 Auguste Dussourd (France) in the Men’s final to lift the title of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship 2021 at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line was 9-11, 11-7, 11-6 and 12-10. Egyptian girl World No. 81 Salma El Tayab defeated World No 69 Marie Stephan from France 3-0 in the women's final at the same venue.
The third seeded player Auguste Dussourd, who had overcome top seed Tayyab Aslam 3-2 in the first semifinal a day back, started the first game of the championship title match with full confidence earned lead 4-1, as game went neck-to-neck as it was leveled at 5-5, 7-7, 8-8 and 9-9. However, the French guy finished the game at 11-9 to make the match score 1-0.
In the second game, both lads displayed a beautiful game by hitting powerful strokes and classic drops and nicks. Game was leveled at 1-1, 3-3, 6-6 and 7-7, at this stage Moustafa grabbed some quick points to end the game at 11-7, as she maintained the same momentum in the third game too and did not allow his opponent to get upper hand at any stage of the game. Moustafa finished the game at 11-6.
The 4th game was a thrilling one, Auguste made the score 4-0 by playing a quality squash and Mostafa bounced back in the game by squaring the game at 8-8 and then the score was equal at 10-10. The Egyptian guy won the game at 12-10 and became the champion of CAS Squash International Championship 2021.
It is important to mention here that Auguste was not satisfied with the countless decisions of the referee and he was looking up-set but an official of Pakistan Squash Federation did not allow some media to talk with the loser of the final.
At the end, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal, Zaheer Ahmed distributed the prizes among the players. The winner pocketed US$4241 while runner-up US$2679.
CAS Squash Championship: Auguste and Moustafa set to meet in final
Abdullah Asjad
ISLAMABAD (October 14, 2021):-World No 59 Auguste Dussourd (France) set to meet World No 67 Moustafa El Sirty (Egypt) in the Men’s final of Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship 2021, as both players won their semifinals at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Thursday. The final will be played on Friday at same venue.
In the Men’s Event, 1st semifinal World No 59 Auguste Dussourd (France) beat World No 45 Tayyab Aslam (PAK) with a game score of 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 3-11 and 11-4 in 60 minutes. Later on, in the 2nd semifinal World No 67 Moustafa El Sirty from Egypt thrashed World No 71 Henry Leung from Hong Kong at 8-11, 11-7, 11-7 and 11-5 in 41 minutes.
In, Women’s Event, 1st semifinal, World No 81 Salma El Tayab from Egypt beat World No 102 Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) with a game score of 11-7, 7-11, 11-6 and 12-10. The match lasted for 33 minutes. In the 2nd semifinal, World No 69 Marie Stephan from France beat World No 149 Nadeen Kotb from Egypt by 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 in 31 minutes.
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