Squash - Int News
U23 World Squash Championship: Top seed Aboelkheir makes dominant start
Sports Bulletin ReportKarachi:Women's top seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir made a convincing start to her U23 World Squash Championship campaign as the Egyptian World No.14 dominated Spain's Noa Romero Blazquez to reach the quarter-finals in Karachi.Like the rest of the seeded players in the women's event, Aboelkheir had received a bye through to the last 16 of the inaugural edition of the championships, which features a $60,000 prize pot and a spot in the PSA World Championships for the winner.There was no sign of rust from the 19-year-old today, as she attacked from the beginning against her unseeded opponent.After making a positive start, Aboelkheir never looked in danger of slipping. The Egyptian was completely dominating at the front of the court and rarely moved off 'the T' as she recorded a lightning-fast 11-4, 11-2, 11-4 win, needing just 21 minutes to wrap up the victory.Afterwards, she said: "I'm very happy to get through today and am looking forward. It's the first time we've had this tournament so I'm very excited to be playing here and hope I can get the win tomorrow and keep going all week!"Aboelkheir will face Hong Kong, China's Toby Tse in the quarter-final after the 5/8 seed defeated France's Kara Lincou 3-1.Meanwhile, in the men's draw, home favourites Noor Zaman and Hamza Khan progressed after convincing wins over Poland's Jakub Pytlowany and England's Will Salter.On the glass court at DHA Creek Club, No.2 seed Zaman - grandson to Pakistan legend Qamar Zaman and in red hot form after winning the Liverpool Cricket Club Open last week - was totally dominant in an 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 victory.Khan, World Junior Champion in 2023, was also convincing, with the 19-year-old taking down Salter 11-5, 11-6, 11-5.
WSF U23 World Squash Championship 2025 starts in Karachi
Noor Zaman, Mohammad Hamza claim victories, Mohammad Ammad faces defeat 3-2Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Duo of Pakistan squash guys -Noor Zaman and Mohammad Hamza- jumped into next round of the WSF U23 World Men’s Squash Championship 2025 after beating their respective opponents at Defence Creek Club, Karachi on Sunday. Mohammad Ammad lost his contest 3-2 in a nerve-jangling competition.Second seed local squash player, Noor Zaman overcame his challenger Hussain Alzaatari from Kuwait 3-1 after showing impressive game on the court, as he finished the match with the score-line of 11-6, 5-11, 11-4, and 11-3.Mohammad Hamza Khan outclassed Radu Stefan Pena from Romania in straight games 3-0. He exhibited top-class squash and amused the spectators with his powerful drives and classic drop shorts, The final score-line was just 11-3, 11-1, and 11-5.Result (Men’s Event):Ibrahim Alkabbani (Egypt) beat Leon Krysik (Polad) (3-1) 11-2, 9-11, 12-10, 11-2Matteo Carrouget (Franc) beat Makar Esin (Neutral Athlete) (3-0) 11-6, 11-5, 11-4Duncan Lee (Malaysia) beat Kareem Michael (Canada) (3-1) 3-11, 11-7, 11-3, 11-7R. Damming (Netherlands) beat Kijan Sultana (Malta) (3-0) 11-2, 11-6, 11-8David Bernet (Switzerland) beat Yuta Adno (Japan) (3-0) 11-2, 11-8, 11-7Hugo Lafuente Jaen (Spain) beat Kajetn Lipski (Poland) (3-1) 11-6, 13-11, 4-11, 11-1Lap Au (Hong Kong) beat Reuel Videler (South Africa (3-1) 11-2, 11-9, 11-2K. El Torkey (Egypt) beat Hao Cui (USA) (3-0) 11-1, 11-6, 11-5A. Chandaran (Malaysia) beat Mohammad Ammad (Pakistan) (3-2) 10-12, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8Mattew Lam (Hong Kong) beat Pouya Shafiefard (Iran) (3-2) 10-12, 11-9, 11-3, 8-11, 11-3Will Salter (England) beat Jerome Aw (Singapore) (3-1) 11-9, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4Mohammad Hamza Khan (Pakistan) beat Radu Stefan Pena (Romania) (3-0) 11-3, 11-1, 11-5M. Scianimanico (France) beat Nevindo Lakman (Sri Lanka) (3-1) 11-9, 11-3, 12-14, 11-2D. Groenewald Ernesto (South Africa) beat Revrt Escutia (Spain) (3-1) 11-9, 11-5, 1-11, 11-8Jakub Pytlowany (Poland) beat Juan Joce (Columbia) W/oNoor Zaman (Pakistan) beat Hussain Alzaatari (Kuwait) (3-1) 11-6, 5-11, 11-4, 11-3Result (Women’s Event):Noa Romero Blazquez (Spain) beat Mariam Malik (Pakistan) (3-0) 11-3, 11-2, 11-4Kurumi Takahashi (Japan) beat Amana Fayyaz (Pakistan) (3-1) 11-9, 10-12, 11-4, 11-9S. Ingledew (South Africa) beat Yeheni Kuruppu (Sri Lanka) (3-0) 11-7, 11-6, 11-3T. Holzdauerova (Czech Republic) beat Sana Bahdur (Pakistan) (3-1) 13-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8Icia Riveiro (Spain) beat Ana Munos (Franc) (3-1) 11-6, 6-11, 11-8, 11-3Tereza Siroka (Czech Republic) beat Varvara Esina (Neutral Athlete) W/o.
U23 World Squash Championship to start on Sunday in Karachi
Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The first Under-23 World Squash Championship 2025 will roll into action on Sunday (April 6) at DHA Squash Courts Karachi, as the World No. 61 Ibrahim Elkabbani top seed player of the first international U23 lads.Noor Zaman represents the hosts best hope, with the 20-year-old Peshawari – grandson of the legendary Qamar Zaman – the tournament’s second seed and drawn against Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari in round one.Also representing Pakistan in Karachi are 2023 World Junior Champion Hamza Khan, who plays Spain’s Hugo Lafuente Jaen in round one, and Muhammad Ammad, who has been drawn against fourth seed Mohammed Naseer.Khan is one of two former world champions in the men’s draw, with the 19-year-old joined by the Netherlands’ Rowan Damming. Damming, World Junior Champion in 2022, is seventh seed and will face Malta’s Kijan Sultana in round one.In the women’s event, World No. 13 Fayrouz Aboelkheir top seed female 19-year-old receiving a bye through to round two and set to play the winner of the round one clash between Spain’s Noa Romero Blazquez and Pakistan’s Mariam Malik. Aboelkheir is one of two Egyptians in the women’s draw and, should the tournament go to seedings, the Alexandrian will take on second seed Malak Khafagy in an all-Egyptian final.Hoping to spoil the party will be Malaysian third seed Aira Azman, a silver medal winner at the 2023 World Junior Championships, and fourth seed Chan Sin Yuk of Hong Kong,. Chan is joined by two compatriots in the top eight seeds, with Heylie Fung seeded fifth and Toby Tse seeded eighth.Completing the seedings are Japan No. 2 Akari Midorikawa, who has been seeded sixth, and seventh seed Xin Ying Yee of Malaysia. Also in action for the hosts are Sana Bahadar and Amna Fayyaz, with Bahadar up against Czechia’s Tamara Holzbauerová and Fayyaz taking on Japan’s Kurumi Takahashi.
Draw and seedings announced for U23 World Squash Championships
Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The seedings and draws have been announced for the 2025 U23 World Squash Championships, which are taking place at DHA Creek Club, Karachi, from 6-10 April this year 2025.The 2025 U23 World Squash Championships is the first edition of the new event, which features a 32-player draw in both men's and women's events, a $60,000USD prize pot and a spot in the PSA World Championships for the winners.In the women's event, World No.13 Fayrouz Aboelkheir tops the draw, with the 19-year-old receiving a bye through to round two and set to play the winner of the round one clash between Spain's Noa Romero Blazquez and Pakistan's Mariam Malik.Aboelkheir is one of two Egyptians in the women's draw and, should the tournament go to seedings, the Alexandrian will take on No.2 seed Malak Khafagy in an all-Egyptian final.Hoping to spoil the party will be Malaysian No.3 seed Aira Azman, a silver medal winner at the 2023 World Junior Championships, and No.4 seed Sin Yuk Chan of Hong Kong, China.Chan is joined by two compatriots in the top eight seeds, with Heylie Fung seeded fifth and Toby Tse seeded eighth.Completing the seedings are Japan No.2 Akari Midorikawa, who has been seeded sixth, and No.7 seed Xin Ying Yee of Malaysia.Also in action for the hosts are Sana Bahadar and Amna Fayyaz, with Bahadar up against Czechia's Tamara Holzbauerová and Fayyaz taking on Japan's Kurumi Takahashi.In the men's event, World No.61 Ibrahim Elkabbani tops the draw, with the Egyptian drawn against Poland's Leon Krysiak in the opening match.Noor Zaman represents the hosts' best hope, with the 20-year-old Peshawari - grandson of the legendary Qamar Zaman - the tournament's No.2 seed and drawn against Kuwait's Hussain Alzaatari in round one.Also representing Pakistan in Karachi are 2023 World Junior Champion Hamza Khan, who plays Spain's Hugo Lafuente Jaen in round one, and Muhammad Ammad, who has been drawn against No.4 seed Mohammed Naseer.Khan is one of two former world champions in the men's draw, with the 19-year-old joined by the Netherlands' Rowan Damming. Damming, World Junior Champion in 2022, is No.7 seed and will face Malta's Kijan Sultana in round one.
US Junior: Mohammad Harmas Ali & Mahnoor Ali ink new history
Mohammad Harmas Ali lifts gold medal in U11, Mahoor Ali claim top position in U13 categoryIslamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistani junior squash players, Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja clinched gold medal in U11 category while female player Mahnoor Ali claimed top position in U13 category of the US Juniors’ Squash Championship 2024.The 2024 U.S. Junior Open Squash Championships–the world’s largest individual squash tournament with 1,007 players representing fifty-one nations–saw just three nations earn titles as Egypt, the United States and Pakistan, at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja, Under-11 player, produced sparking performance in the final match and overpowered his American opponent second seed Archibald Anolik in straight games 3-0, as the score line was 11-8, 11-8, and 11-8. Raja pulled off a perfect title run without dropping a game during the whole tournament.Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem was the only repeat champion as the GU17 top seed successfully defended her title. Salem held off a tough challenge from 2023 GU15 champion and three seed Charlotte Sze to win the title 11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 11-2.The BU17 final came down to U.S. four seed Aiden Chiang and Egyptian three seed Michael Fayez. After winning his semifinal coming back from 2-0 down, Fayez pulled off another five-game comeback in the final to clinch the title 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7 in sixty-three minutes.The U15 divisions produced two all-American finals and two first-time U.S. Junior Open champions as neither top seed reached the final. GU15 two seed Isabella Tang defeated four seed and 2023 GU13 champion Vivienne Sze 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3. BU15 four seed John-Jayden Luo was the lowest-seeded player to win a title as the New Jersey native defeated Californian three seed Vivaan Mehta 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7. Pakistan’s Mahnoor Ali upset Egypt’s top seed Linda Elsayed in a close GU13 final 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, 11-6. Egyptian BU13 two seed Malek Ahmed edged his top-seeded compatriot Adam Ragab in a five-game final 4-11, 11-9, 11-2, 5-11, 11-3.The GU11 division produced another five-game final between the American top two seeds. Two seed Alice Wang came back to defeat top seed Ariana Valerio 3-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 13-11.
International Juniors Squash Championship: Mohammad Rayyan wins U9 title
Islamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistan's Mohammad Rayyan Zaman has won the Under-9 title of the 16th Redtone International Junior Squash Championship 2024 in the Under-9 category.Rayyan, the grandson of former World Squash Champion Qamar Zaman and son of former champion Mansoor Zaman, defeated Malaysia's Sai Nideesh 3-0 in the final, with a score of 11/7, 11/5, and 11/7.This impressive victory marks a proud moment for Pakistan squash, and Rayyan's achievement is a testament to his skills, dedication, and the rich squash legacy of his family.Rayyan's win is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of his coaches, trainers, and family members who have supported him throughout his journey.The 16th Redtone International Junior Squash Championship 2024 was a highly competitive tournament that brought together some of the best young squash players from around the world.Rayyan's victory in the Under-9 category is a significant achievement, and it highlights his potential to become a top-ranked squash player in the future.Pakistan's squash community is thrilled with Rayyan's achievement, and his win is expected to inspire a new generation of young squash players in the country.With his impressive win, Rayyan has made a significant contribution to Pakistan's rich squash heritage, and his achievement will be remembered for a long time to come.
Zaman Brothers Shine at KL International Squash Championship
Islamabad (SBR): The Zaman brothers, continuing their family’s legendary squash legacy, are making waves at the 16th KL Redtone International Squash Championship in Malaysia. Sons of former World No. 11 Mansoor Zaman and grandsons of squash icon Qamar Zaman, both Abdullah Zaman and Mohammad Rayyan Zaman showcased outstanding performances in their respective matches.Abdullah Zaman , demonstrated exceptional skill and composure as he defeated South Africa’s McNeil Aiden in straight games with a score-line of 11-7, 11-7, 11-6, Abdullah advanced to the 4th round, leaving a strong impression on the international stage.Meanwhile, his younger brother, Mohammad Rayyan Zaman, an 8-year-old squash prodigy, put on a dominating display against Malaysia’s Lagnesh Shai Dharshan. Rayyan triumphed in the Quarterfinals with a flawless 3-0 victory (11-0, 11-4, 11-0), highlighting his growing potential in the Under-9 category.The Zaman brothers’ performances reflect not only their dedication but also the guidance and inspiration drawn from their family’s rich squash heritage. Fans and squash enthusiasts eagerly anticipate their next matches as they aim to further cement their mark in the championship.
Pakistan to host inaugural U23 World Squash Championship in 2025
Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: An exciting new major competition, a world championship for squash players aged 22 and below, is to be played in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2025. The inaugural WSF U23 World Squash Championship will be hosted by the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) and contested from 6-10 April 2025. It will feature a men's singles event and a women's singles event, with both championships having a draw size of 32 players. Entry in each event will be limited to a maximum of two representatives of a National Federation, and players will receive a share of a $60,000USD prize pot and PSA ranking points for participating.WSF CEO William Louis-Marie said: "The WSF U23 World Squash Championship represents a great development for the global squash community. It will give up and coming players from all over the world the opportunity to test their skills against the world's best, as well as provide an invaluable bridge between the WSF World Junior Championships and senior events. My thanks to President Zaheer Ahmad Babar and the rest of the PSF team for their enthusiasm and drive to host what will no doubt be a special event. Karachi is a great choice to host the first edition of the championships, with Pakistan famous for producing some of the finest athletes in the history of the sport, including our Emeritus President Jahangir Khan, as well as a promising grassroots scene."PSF Senior Vice President Kazim Hammad said: "The championship is a great step in the right direction. This new initiative will encourage young players to continue training for another 5 years to wear the coveted world crown. In the process there will certainly be a mushroom growth of talent which could have faded away. Pakistan squash will go all out to ensure this new venture is successful. I compliment Vice President of Pakistan Squash and President Sind Squash to have accepted the challenge and sponsored and hosted the Championship in Karachi, Pakistan. Pakistan Squash Federation President Zaheer Ahmad Babar complimented the PSF team and wished them well and assured both Pakistan Squash's and Sind Squash's full support in achieving their goals. He added that Pakistan Squash will continue to host major events with a vision to make Pakistan the future hub of squash championships.”
Former World No.1 & squash legend Jansher Khan Inducted Into “PSA Hall Of Fame”
ISLAMABAD (SBR): Pakistan squash legend Jansher Khan has been inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame during a special induction evening at the Hong Kong Football Club last night.Held on the eve of the Hong Kong Squash Open, which will be held December 2-8, Khan and Malaysia's Nicol David became the third and fourth members of the PSA Hall of Fame, which was launched earlier this year to recognise the achievements of the game’s most influential characters, past and present.Khan and David have joined inaugural inductees Susan Devoy and Jahangir Khan in the PSA Hall of Fame as the association continues to celebrate its greatest icons.A key part of the Pakistani dominance of the sport throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Jansher Khan won the World Championships eight times - a record in the men's game - and also added six British Open titles to a glittering trophy haul.A World No.1 for 97 months throughout his career, Khan's final professional title count of 99 is the greatest of any player since records began.Jansher Khan said: "I feel very happy because Hong Kong is my second home and I played the Hong Kong Open for many years and I won eight Hong Kong Opens, so Hong Kong is really, for me, it is the best place. And I'm very happy to come to Hong Kong see my old friends. It's an honour to get this award”.
CAS International: Noor Zaman outplays Nasir Iqbal 3-0 in final
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The second seed, Noor Zaman overpowered Nasir Iqbal 3-0 in the final of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) - Serena Hotels International Squash Championship 2024 at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line of 11-8, 12-10, and 11-9, as the championship match lasted 27 minutes.The officials of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) were looking satisfied before commencing the final, as the both Pakistan squash lad were on the court for the title. Nasir had ousted top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani from Egypt in the first semifinal and Noor had trounced compatriot Mohammad Ashab Irfan in the second semifinal on Thursday at the same venue.In the first game of the final, Nasir Iqbal earned pivotal 3 points lead at 5-2 after playing some powerful stroke in the starting of the game, however, Noor Zaman succeeded to square the game at 5-5. After leveling the game, Noor kept up his pressure on his rival and made the score 10-5. World No 82 Noor Zaman finished the first game at 11-8 after showing aggression with powerful fore-hand and back-hand drives.Meanwhile, the second game saw a nerve-jangling competition, which was won by Noor Zaman 12-10 on tie-break, as the game went up neck-to-neck. The game score was leveled at 1-1, 2-2, 6-6, 8-8, 9-9 and 10-10. Both players exhibited top class squash and amused the spectators with their game skills, as the second game was a blend of powerful strokes, classic drop shorts and nicks. Finally, Noor Zaman won the second game at 12-10 to take 2-0 vital lead in the final.In the third game, Noor Zaman took the control of the game in the beginning and marinated the lead at the end of game at 11-9. At one stage game was leveled 2-2, however, champion Noor Zaman kept the score up at 7-4, 8-6, and 10-7. The final score-line was 11-8, 12-10, and 11-9. The final match wasted 27 minutes and final proved unexpectedly one-sided.Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Personnel) graced the closing ceremony as a chief guest and presented trophies and souvenirs to the players and officials. Air Marshal Kazim Hammad Senior Vice President PSF, Amjad Ali Gill, Joint Secretary Ministry of IPC, squash Legend Qamar Zaman, VP PSF Adnan Asad, Chief Operating Officer Serena Hotels Peter Martin along with number of players, officials and squash lovers were also present in the ceremony.
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