Noor Zaman Shines as Pakistan’s Last Hope at U23 World Squash Championship
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- April 9, 2025
- 1:02 pm
- 40
- Current Affairs, Sports
Pakistan’s Noor Zaman continues to impress at the U23 World Squash Championship, keeping the nation’s hopes alive with a spot in the semi-finals. The tournament, hosted at Karachi’s DHA Creek Club, has featured some of the top young squash talents from around the world. And among them, Noor has stood out with strong, confident performances.
On Tuesday, Noor faced France’s Melvil Scianimanico under the bright lights of the glass court. The 21-year-old Pakistani star played with calm focus and sharp footwork. He took the first game 11-7, controlling the pace from the start. Scianimanico pushed back in the second, but Noor edged him out 11-9. With the home crowd cheering, Noor finished the job 11-8 in the third to move into the last four.
Earlier in the tournament, Noor began his run with a measured 3-1 win over Hussain Alzaatari. He then stepped up his game to defeat Poland’s Jakub Pytlowany in straight games — 11-4, 11-5, 11-3. Each match showed his growing confidence and sharp court coverage.
Now, Noor prepares to face Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran, a joint third seed. Chandaran earned his semi-final place after beating Pakistan’s Hamza Khan 3-1 in a tense quarter-final. The match saw Chandaran take the first two games 11-7 and 11-9. Hamza fought back with an 11-7 win in the third, but the Malaysian held firm to take the fourth 11-6. Hamza, visibly upset, tossed his racquet in frustration as his run came to an end.
The women’s draw also delivered a shock result. Malaysia’s Xin Ying Yee upset second seed Malak Khafagy in a fierce five-game battle. Yee, ranked World No.82, overcame a 51-place difference to beat the higher-ranked Egyptian 3-2.
In other results, top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani of Egypt booked his place in the semi-finals after defeating 2022 World Junior Champion Rowan Damming. Elkabbani’s compatriot, Kareem El Torkey, joined him after beating Swiss player David Bernet in straight sets.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Ammad kept his run going in the consolation bracket with a tight five-game win over Iran’s Pouya Shafiefard. Ammad now faces Radu Stefan Pena of Romania in the consolation quarter-final. These matches may not lead to medals, but they are still a key part of the U23 World Squash Championship, giving young players like Ammad a chance to gain experience and prove their skills.
