Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report New York (USA): Peru’s Diego Elias and Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini have captured the 2023 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions crowns, winning their finals under the chandeliers of Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal, New York City. The ‘Peruvian Puma’ made the final of this event last year, losing out to then-World #1 Ali Farag in an exciting battle. This year, he came up against another Egyptian, in Marwan ElShorbagy, in the final and he was in sublime form, winning the match in straight games to secure his second Platinum title of the season. “First of all, I am just super excited. I still can’t believe it! It is like a dream come true. This tournament, it has always been my favourite,” Elias said after his win. “This is such an amazing city, and it’s always full for all the matches. I can’t believe I am here! I just want to thank everyone for making this tournament possible. J.P. Morgan, John Nimick and everyone that has made it possible. “To Marwan, I think he is playing great squash and I want to congratulate him, and I hope we can play many more finals together!” The women’s final was unfortunately cut short, with Nour El Sherbini claiming her fourth J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions crown after top seed Nouran Gohar had to retire early on in the second game. “There are a lot of people I would like to thank. Firstly, I would like to thank Nouran for what she said,” El Sherbini said. “As she said, we have had a lot of battles together from a long time ago and I am glad we are still having them now. I wish her a speedy recovery and hopefully she will be back again quickly, recover well and we can play another final at the next Platinum event hopefully. Results (finals): [2] Nour El Sherbini (Egypt) beat [1] Nouran Gohar (Egypt) (3-0) 11-9, 3-1 rtd (20m) [4] Diego Elias (Peru) beat [5] Marwan ElShorbagy (Egypt) (3-0) 11-2, 11-6, 11-4 (50m)

Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Former world squash champion Jansher Khan called on Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif at Prime Minister House here on Friday. On this occasion, Prime Minister said that providing sports fields, and the best sports facilities to the youth are among the priorities of the government. Prime Minister paid great tribute to Jan Sher Khan, who won the honor of eight times world champion and six times British Open champion, and said, "You have made the name of Pakistan bright and the whole nation is proud of you.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further said: "Your services are invaluable for popularizing the game of squash in the country and promoting the game," Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif was informed by former world champion Jansher Khan about his recent activities for the promotion of squash. Jansher Khan said that he was providing training to young squash players these days. The Prime Minister highly appreciated the services of Jansher Khan.

Sports Bulletin Report PESHAWAR: Ibrahim Zeib of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) defeated Obaidullah in the final of the All Pakistan Under-15 Squash Championship that ended at the Qamar Zaman Squash Complex of Peshawar Sports Complex on Thursday. The final score-line was 11-13 11-8 11-7 11-8. Mohammad Fawad beat Abdullah Shah in the Under-13 final at 12-10 12-10 15-13. In the Under-11 final: Ahmed Ali Naz beat Malik Mohammad 3-0 at 11-8 11-9 11-8. The chief guest of the final ceremony was Senior Vice President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association Ehsanullah while former world champion of squash Qamar Zaman, Secretary Manoorzaman and others were also present on this occasion who held a prominent position.  The winning players were given trophies and cash prizes

Sports Bulletin Report PESHAWAR: Local teenager squash lad, Ubaid Ullah and Ibrahim Zeb from Pakistan Air Force (PAF) moved into the final of All Pakistan Boys’ Under-15 Squash Championship after winning their respective semifinals here at Qammar Zaman Squash Complex Qayyum Stadium on Wednesday. In the first semifinal, Ubaid Ullah (KP) defeated Usman Tahir (PB) 3-1 with the score-line of 13-11, 7-11, 11-3 and 11-4. Later, in the second semifinal Ibrahim Zeb (PAF) outclassed his rival Noman Khan (PAF) in straight games 3-0. Final score-line was 11-2, 11-6 and 11-8. Results (Round-II): Ubaid Ullah (KP) beat Malik Mohammad (KP) 3-0 (11-4 12-10 11-5) Yahya Asad (PAF) beat Rehan Alamgir (PAF) 3-0 (11-8 11-2 12-10) Usman Tahir (PB) beat Abdullah Zaman (PAF) 3-2 (11-13 11-5 10-12 11-9 11-7) Haris Zahid (PAF) beat Habib Moazam (PB) 3-0 (11-6 11-4 11-5) Noman Khan (PAF) beat Mummhad Arslan (KP) 3-0 (11-4 11-1 11-2) Ahmad Rayyan Khalil (PAF) beat Mohammad Ali Khan (KP) 3-0 (11-8 11-5 11-6) Mohammad Hamza Khan (PAF) beat Abdul Ahad Butt (Sindh) 3-1 (11-8 11-9 6-11 21-19) Ibrahim Zeb (PAF) beat Mohammad Hassan Faheem (KP) 3-0 (11-6 11-5 11-5) Results (Quarterfinals): Ubaid Ullah (KP) beat Yahya Asad (PAF) 3-0 (11-9 11-6 11-9) Usman Tahir (PB) beat Haris Zahid (PAF) 3-2 (8-11 11-5 11-6 6-11 11-4) Noman Khan (PAF) beat Ahmad Rayyan Khalil (PAF) 3-2 (8-11 10-12 11-6 11-9 11-5) Ibrahim Zeb (PAF) beat Mohammad Hamza Khan (PAF) 3-0 (11-7 11-6 11-9) Results (Semifinals): Ubaid Ullah (KP) beat Usman Tahir (PB) 3-1 (13-11 7-11 11-3 11-4) Ibrahim Zeb (PAF) beat Noman Khan (PAF) 3-0 (PAF) (11-2 11-6 11-8)

Sports Bulletin Report PESHAWAR: Sixteen players have been moved into the second round of the All Pakistan Under-15 Squash Championship that started at Qamar Zaman Squash Complex Qayyum Stadium here under the banner of Khyber Pakhtunkawa Squash Association (KPSA). Results (Round-I): Ubaid Ullah (KP) beat Rehan Ullah (KP) (11-4 11-5 11-4) Mohammad Malik (KP) beat Abdullah (PB) (11-5 8-11 12-10 6-11 11-7) Rehan Alamgir (PAF) beat Syed Arman Ali Shah (KP) (11-7 11-4 11-7) Yahya Asad (PAF) beat Sanan Khan (KP) (11-0 11-3 11-4) Usman Tahir (PB) beat Arham (PAF) (11-3 8-11 11-7 11-5) Abdullah Zaman (PAF) beat Abdul Ahad Khan (KP) (11-6 11-5 11-1) Habib Moazam ((PB) beat Arsalan khawar (PB) (11-7 7-11 11-5 11-8) Haris Zahid (PAF) beat Raheel (KP) (117- 11-3 11-4) Nauman Khan (PAF) (W/O) Mohammad Saif Zaman (PB) Mohammad Arsalan (KP) beat Umar Farooq Butt (PB) (7-11 11-6 11-7 11-9) Mohammad Ali Khan (KP) beat Ahmad Anwar (PB) (11-0 11-3 11-2) Ahmed Rayyan Khalil (PAF) beat Talha (ABT) (11-2 11-6 11-2) Mohammad Hamaza Khan (PAF) beat Habib (KP) (11-2 11-9 11-9) Abdul Ahad Butt (Sindh) (W/O) Arsalan Ullah (PB) Mohammad Hassan Faheem (KP) beat M Azaan (KP) (11-1 11-4 11-3) Ibrahim Zeb (PAF) beat Mohammad Talha (KP) (11-3 11-9 11-9)

The Village School earn Division-I and Sampson-Spillane School crown Division-II title Sports Bulletin Report Houston (USA): The Village School won Division-I and Sampson-Spillane School won Division-II 1st Inter School Squash Championship 2023 for Boys and Girls played at Houston Squash Club, Texas United States of America (USA). According to an official, Houston Squash Club organized 171 matches in 2 days at the 10 squash courts facility. The Village School claimed the crown of Division-I while Sampson-Spillane School lifted the title of Division-II. Saif Albraikat, Ahmad Ismail, Faizan Khan, Saad Abdullah and Rayyan provided their full support during the 2-day fixture. Names of other title holders: Boys’ Elementary Champion: (Tamim Aly) Boys’ Middle School Champion: (Affan Rafique) Boys’ High School Champion: (Rayyan Khan) Girls Elementary Champion: (Malika Aly) Girls Middle School Champion: (Zara Zaidi) Girls High School Champion: (Sana Bahadar)  

Sports Bulletin Report PESHAWAR: Former World Champion, Qamar Zaman Khan announced on Saturday that one each PSA Ranking Tournament for men and women among 24 other squash tournaments would be organized during the ongoing year 2023 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While unfolding the details in a press conference flanked by KPSA Secretary Sajjad Khan, Treasurer Wazir Gul and President Pakistan Sports Writers Federation Amjad Aziz Malik, and other officials, he further said that it was a notable achievement of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association (KPSA), headed by President Dawood Khan, for receiving the President Pride of Performance Trophy for holding most tournaments in the province. Qamar Zaman said: “Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has given formally approval to all our events in their annual calendar for Year-2023. Our association KPSA will try its best to hold as many tournaments as possible. A total of 24 tournaments will be held, including 12 national and 12 provincial level competitions with two international circuits under PSA.” “According to the schedule, the All Pakistan Junior Boys Squash Championship will be held in Peshawar from January 23-26. The prize money will be Rs. 100,000. All Pakistan Senior Men's Squash Championship will be held in Peshawar from February 13-17, the prize money of which is Rs. 100,000. A 10-day training camp will also be organized from May 20-30, 2023. There will be an All Pakistan Junior Squash Championship with a prize money of Rs. 200,000. All Pakistan Junior Boys Squash Championship will be held from August 8-13, 2023 with a prize money of Rs. 300,000 along with 15-day training camp, “he added. He further disclosed that the All Pakistan Women's Senior Squash Championship would be held from October 10-14, with a prize money of Rs.100,000. “There will be a 20-day training camp for KP boys while from Dec 12-17 there will be an All Pakistan Junior Squash Championship with a prize money of Rs. 300,000 and a 15-day training camp. The prize money was Rs.60, 000 and a 10-day will be organized for it alongside KP Junior Squash Championship from Feb 5-8, KP Junior Girls Squash Championship from March 21-27, and a month-long camp in April and May, “he concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK): The Edgbaston Priory Club and Birmingham Rep will host the most prestigious fixture of the professional squash “The British Open” this year from April 9 to 16, 2023. Pakistan’s Jehangir Khan claimed this title 10 times in a row from 1982 to 1991. The PSA World Tour Platinum tournament, which has been held in Hull since 2013, will return to Birmingham for the first time since 2001 when the Utilita Arena Birmingham hosted ‘The Wimbledon of Squash’. The opening two days of the event will take place at Edgbaston Priory Club, before play moves over to the spectacular setting of The Rep in the heart of Birmingham city centre, where the action will take place on an all-glass show court from round three onwards. Mohamed ElShorbagy and Sarah-Jane Perry will compete for the titles alongside defending champions Paul Coll, of New Zealand, and Hania El Hammamy, of Egypt. A record prize fund of $370,000 will be on offer and will be split equally between the male and female athletes. PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: “We’re excited to move the British Open to Birmingham, a city which has a rich history within the sport. We started this conversation earlier this year with the West Midlands Growth Company, which aims to attract major events to Birmingham and the wider region, so we are delighted to be announcing this”. “Not only has Birmingham hosted the British Open on five previous occasions, as well as the British Junior Open multiple times, the city also successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games last summer, with thousands of fans flocking to watch the squash. We want to continue this legacy with the latest instalment of the iconic British Open and look forward to working with Birmingham City Council, Edgbaston Priory Club and members of the Birmingham Major Sporting Event Leadership Group over the coming months to ensure we put on a show to remember. “As we look forward to an exciting new era for the British Open, I’d like to take an opportunity to highlight the role that Dr Assem Allam played in staging the event from 2012 until the present day. Dr Allam sadly passed away recently and everyone at the PSA would like to express their gratitude for his unwavering support over the past decade.” Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the British Open to the city, its return is long overdue and adds another exciting and fast-paced sport to the portfolio of major events we are developing. “This partnership is further proof of the way in which our Proud Host City status for the Commonwealth Games has shown governing bodies and sporting federations of our ability to deliver well-organised, well-attended, events that are enjoyed by athletes, spectators and officials alike. “It’s great that the Edgbaston Priory Club and The Rep will be showcased as venues for the Open and this is another opportunity for businesses in the city to boom during our golden decade of opportunity.” Birmingham Rep Executive Director, Rachael Thomas said: “We’re thrilled to be part of bringing the British Open to the city and hosting matches on our main stage in a spectacular all-glass showcourt setting.  We look forward to welcoming thousands of spectators to The Rep over the ten day period and sharing our iconic theatre with them. “Hosting this significant sporting event in partnership with our events company Unique Venues Birmingham and Birmingham City Council generates income that’s invested back into all the work that The Rep does as a registered charity – whether that’s theatre productions on our stages, outreach work in schools and communities or talent development with new artists.  We’re delighted to be playing our part in such a high profile event for the city.” England Squash Chief Executive Mark Williams said: “Following the success of the Commonwealth Games in August, we’re delighted that the prestigious British Open will be coming back to the city of Birmingham. This is a fantastic opportunity to further raise the profile of squash and build on the work we have been doing to help people from communities across the city play squash since the Commonwealth Games. We hope the British Open will inspire people of all ages and from all communities to try squash. “The Rep will provide a fantastic stage for the event, providing both an iconic city centre location and giving spectators an unparalleled viewing experience. We look forward to working alongside the PSA and Birmingham City Council to create a memorable showcase for the world’s finest players and to enhance the profile of the sport in the city.”

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Pakistan squash lads completed their journey after earning just one silver and one bronze medal in the British Juniors Open Squash Championship that concluded in Birmingham city, United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday. According to available information from abroad, Pakistan Under-13 player Nauman Ali Khan lost the final and collected a silver medal while Hamza Khan was also beaten by a US player in the Under-19 semifinal and awarded a bronze medal in the prestigious international junior squash fixture. It is important to mention here that in 2020 Pakistan’s player Mohammad Hamza Khan lifted the gold medal in the Under-15 category competitions. Results (finals): Girls’ Under-11 [1] Talia Sherif (Egy) beat Lilly Mashaal (Egy) 11-7, 7-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-2 (30m) Boys’ Under-11 [1] Hazem Sarwat (Egy) beat [3/4] Malek Ahmed (Egy) 11-9, 10-12, 11-2, 11-1 (30m) Girls’ Under-13 [3/4] Habiba Rizk (Egy) [9/16] beat [1] Malika Taymour (Egy) 11-7, 11-8, 11-8 (24m)     Boys’ Under-13 [1] Carlton Capella (USA) beat [5/8] Nauman Khan (Pak) 7-11, 14-12, 11-9, 11-9 (36m) Girls’ Under-15 [1] Anahat Singh (Ind) beat [3/4] Sohaila Hazem (Egy) 11-8, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5 (28m) Boys’ Under-15 [2] Marwan Asal (Egy) beat [9/16] Seif Refaay (Egy) 11-3, 11-5, 11-4 (19m) Girls’ Under-17 [3/4] Madison Ho (USA) beat [3/4] Nour Khafagy (Egy) 11-8, 11-8, 14-12 (38m) Boys’ Under-17 [1] Youssef Salem (Egy) beat [3/4] Eyad Hossam (Egy) 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-4 (45m) Girls’ Under-19 [1] Amina Orfi (Egy) beat [2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (Egy) 6-11, 11-6, 4-11, 11-2, 11-6 (49m) Boys' Under-19 [2] Finnlay Withington (Eng) beat [9/16] Jonah Bryant (Eng) 11-3, 11-4, 11-8 (36m) Results (Semifinals): Girls’ Under-11 [1] Talia Sherif (Egy) 3-1 [5/8] Habiba Wael (Egy) 11-13, 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 (27m) Lilly Mashaal (Egy) 3-1 [9/16] Joury Khashabah (Egy) 10-12, 11-1, 11-7, 11-4 (30m) Boys’ Under-11 [1] Hazem Sarwat (Egy) 3-1 [9/16] Aser Samir (Egy) 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 12-10 (34m) [3/4] Malek Ahmed (Egy) 3-1 [2] Amr Mostafa (Egy) 11-4, 11-4, 5-11, 11-6 (25m) Girls’ Under-13 [1] Malika Taymour (Egy) 3-0 [3/4] Jinooreeka Ning (Mas) 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 (17m) [3/4] Habiba Rizk (Egy) 3-2 [9/16] Rama Elnagaar (Egy) 6-11, 11-5, 11-4, 7-11, 11-9 (39m) Boys’ Under-13 [1] Carlton Capella (USA) 3-1 [3/4] Aiden Yun (USA) 7-11, 11-7, 11-2, 11-8 (35m) [5/8] Nauman Khan (Pak) 3-2 [2] Eyad Walid Moussa (Egy) 7-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 (47m) Girls’ Under-15 [1] Anahat Singh (Ind) 3-0 [3/4] Malak Samir (Egy) 11-5, 11-4, 11-2 (18m) [3/4] Sohaila Hazem (Egy) 3-2 [5/8] Ruqayya Salem (Egy) 12-10, 9-11, 12-10, 11-5 (33m) Boys’ Under-15 [9/16] Seif Refaay (Egy) 3-1 [1] Nickleswar Mogansundraham (Mas) 5-11, 11-9, 19-17, 11-8 (73m) [2] Marwan Asal (Egy) 3-0 Aiden Chi-Ren Chiang (USA) 11-5, 11-6, 11-7 (28m) Girls’ Under-17 [3/4] Madison Ho (USA) 3-2 [1] Barb Sameh (Egy) 0-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-3 (45m) [3/4] Nour Khafagy (Egy) 3-0 [2] Salma El Sheik (Egy) 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 (21m) Boys’ Under-17 [1] Youssef Salem (Egy) 3-2 [5/8] Jooyoung Na (Kor) 11-13, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-4 (53m) [3/4] Eyad Hossam (Egy) 3-0 Alexander Dartnell (USA) 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 (34m) Girls’ Under-19 [1] Amina Orfi (Egy) 3-2 [3/4] Malak Khagafy (Egy) 9-11, 11-5, 11-13, 13-11, 11-7 (70m) [2] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (Egy) 3-0 [3/4] Aira Azman (Mas) 11-7, 11-7, 13-11 Boys’ Under-19 [9/16] Jonah Bryant (Eng) 3-1 [1] Rowan Damming (Ned) 11-13, 15-13, 11-9, 11-9 (60m) [2] Finnlay Withington (Eng) 3-2 [3/4] Hamza Khan (Pak) 6-11, 11-5, 15-17, 11-2, 11-4 (55m)

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK): Nouman Ali Khan has qualified for the final of the Under-13 category of the British Junior Open Squash Championship 2023 after beating his opponent Eyad Walid Youssef Moussa from Egypt 3-2 at Priory Squash Club Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK) on Saturday. The final score-line was 7-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-9, and 11-9. Nouman bounced back in the match after going down 2-0. He won the rest of the three games after showing impressive skills game.