Squash - Int News
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.
Nasir Iqbal outclasses top seed Egyptian Ibrahim Elkabbani 3-1
Nasir Iqbal to face second seed Noor Zaman in CAS Squash Championship final on FridaySports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Nasir Iqbal stunned top seed player Ibrahim Elkabbani 3-1 in the first semifinal of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship 2024 here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Thursday. Nasir Iqbal will face compatriot second seed Noor Zaman Khan in final on Friday at the same venue. Noor Zaman defeated Mohammad Ashab Irfan in straight games 3-0 to qualify for the championship title match.Nasir Iqbal displayed top quality squash in the whole match to get-rid-of heavy weight Ibrahim. Nasir, who has a massive support behind him of local squash lovers, hit powerful stroke and classical drop shorts. He was the first game at 11-9 and lost second one at 8-11. However, during the next two game Nasir did not allow Ibrahim to settle on the court and won the both games in similar style 11-4, as the match lasted 48 minutes.Results (Semifinals):Nasir Iqbal (PAK) beat Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) [1] 11-9, 8-11, 11-4, 11-4 (48 min)Noor Zaman (PAK) beat Mohammad Ashab Irfan (PAK) 11-7, 11-9, 11-9 (33 min)
CAS Squash: Nasir Iqbal, Mohammad Ashab, Noor Zaman qualify for semifinals
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Besides top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani, trio Pakistani players Nasir Iqbal, Mohammad Ashab Irfan, and second seeded Noor Zaman Khan have confirmed their berths in the semifinals of the CAS International Squash Championship 2024 after beating their challengers in quarterfinals here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Wednesday. The semifinals will be played on Thursday at the same venue.Results (Quarterfinals):Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) beat Darren Pragasam (MAS) 17-15, 11-6, 11-5 (29 min)Nasir Iqbal (PAK) beat Seif El Shenawy (EGY) 10-12, 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 (35 min)Mohammad Ashab Irfan (PAK) beat Rowan Damming (NED) 10-12, 11-2, 11-9, 11-5 (48 min)Noor Zaman Khan (PAK) beat Perry Malik (ENG) 14-12, 5-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7 (54 min)Semi Finals Schedule (21 November, 2024)Match no 1: 1400 Hrs Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) Vs Nasir Iqbal (PAK) Match no 2: 1500 Hrs Noor Zaman (PAK) Vs Mohammad Ashab Irfan (PAK)
CAS International: 3 Pakistani, 5 foreigners reach in quarterfinals
Nasir Iqbal, Mohammad Ashab, and Noor Zaman register thrilling triumphs in round-2Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Three Pakistani and five foreign players moved into the quarterfinals of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Squash Championship 2024 after winning their round-2 matches, as Nasir Iqbal, Mohammad Ashab Irfan, and Noor Zaman Khan claimed thrilling victories here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Tuesday. The all quarterfinals will be played on Wednesday at the same venue.Nasir Iqbal toiled hard on the court to get-rid-of Yasin Shodhy from Egypt 3-2 in a well contested five games contest. Nasir won first two game easily after conceding 4 and 8 points respectively, however, he was seen bit relax and lost next two games at 8-11, 8-11. In the decisive game, he concentrated on his game and exhibited top quality squash and win the game and 11-7. The final score-line was 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7, as the match lasted 48 minutes.Results (Round-II):Ibrahim Elkabbani (Egy) beat Duncan Lee (Mas) 11-9, 14-12, 13-11 (41 Min)Darren Pragasam (Mas) beat Tayyab Aslam (Pak) 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 (30 Min)Seif El Shenawy (Egy) beat Hafiz Zhafri (Mas) 11-9, 11-8, 11-8 (24 Min)Nasir Iqbal (Pak) beat Yasin Shodhy (Egy) 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7 (48 Min)Mohammad Ashab Irfan (Pak) beat (WC) Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (45 Min)Rowan Damming (Ned) beat (WC) Farhan Mehboob (Pak) 11-4, 11-9, 11-9 (27 Min)Perry Malik (Eng) beat Ammar Altamimi (Kuw) 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 (33 Min)Noor Zaman (Pak) beat Hazem Hossam (Egy) 12-10, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9 (38 Min)Wednesday’s Fixtures (Quarterfinals):Ibrahim Elkabbani (Egy) vs Darren Pragsam (Mas) at 12 pmSeif Elshanwy (Egy) vs Nasir Iqbal (Pak) at 1 pmMohammad Ashab Irfan (Pak) vs Rowan Damming (Ned) 2 pmPerry Malik (Eng) vs Noor Zaman (Pak) 3 pm
CAS International Squash Championship 2024 starts in Islamabad
Tayyab, Abdullah, and Farhan earn wins, Mohammad Ashab, Nasir, and Noor get byeAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Tayyab Aslam, Abdullah Nawaz and Farhan Mehboob registered victories in the first round of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)-Serena Hotels International Squash Championship after overcoming their respective opponents here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Monday. Mohammad Ashab Irfan, Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman Khan got byes in the first rounds of 32-player main draw.The tournament carries a prize of money of US$ 15,000. Apart from 09 Pakistani players, a group of 15 world ranking players from Egypt, England, Hong Kong-China, Ireland, Kuwait, Malaysia and Netherland are participating. World No 62 Ibrahim Elkabbani from Egypt has been seeded as No 1 along with World No 82 Noor Zaman from Pakistan as Seed No 2. Results (Day-1): Ibrahim Elkabbani (Egy) Got Bye, Duncan Lee (Mas) beat Wilson Chan (HKG) 11-3, 11-8, 11-6 (21 Min), Tayyab Aslam (Pak) beat Ahmed Sherif (Egy) 11-4, 9-11, 11-8, 11-4 (33 Min), Darren Pragasam (Mas) Got Bye, Seif El Shenawy (Egy) Got Bye, Hafiz Zhafri (Mas) beat (WC) Anas Ali Shah (Pak) 3-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 (48 Min), Yasin Shodhy (Egy) beat Heston Malik (Eng) 11-4, 11-7, 11-1 (21 Min), Nasir Iqbal (Pak) Got Bye, Mohammad Ashab Irfan (Pak) Got Bye, (WC) Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Ong Sai Hung (Mas) 11-1, 9-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6 (35 Min), (WC) Farhan Mehboob (Pak) beat Aaron Allpress (Irl) 11-8, 11-6, 11-4 (26 Min), Rowan Damming (Ned) Got Bye, Perry Malik (Eng) Got Bye, Ammar Altamimi (Kuw) beat Mohammad Abdul Qadir (Pak) 11-8, 11-8, 11-5 (25 Min), Hazem Hossam (Egy) beat Sadam Ul Haq (Pak) 11-6, 11-7, 10-12, 11-7 (32 Min), Noor Zaman (Pak) Got Bye.
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