Pakistani Squash Players Shine at Johns Creek Open

Ashab Irfan and Asim Khan, representing Pakistan, showcased remarkable skill on Saturday, earning their spots in the semifinals of the Johns Creek Open, held in the United States.

Asim Khan’s Quarterfinal Victory

Top-seeded Asim Khan triumphed over Egypt’s Omar El Kattan with a score of 3–1. The quarterfinal match lasted 46 minutes, with scores of 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, and 13-11.

Ashab Irfan’s Dominant Performance

Ashab Irfan demonstrated his prowess by defeating Mexico’s Cesar Segundo in a decisive 3–0 victory during their quarterfinal match. The game scores were 11-3, 11-8, and 11-3.

Semifinal Berth Secured

These wins guarantee Ashab Irfan and Asim Khan a place in the final four of the USD 12,000 prize money tournament.

Earlier Victories

Previously, Asim and Ashab had secured their positions in the quarterfinals following impressive second-round wins on Thursday.

Asim, the top seed, overcame Egypt’s Kareem Badawi with scores of 11-3, 11-6, 5-11, and 11-8 in a 45-minute contest.

Asim controlled the first two games with accurate shots and strategic rallies. Badawi rallied to take the third game, but Asim regained control in the fourth to secure his place in the quarterfinals.

Second seed Ashab Irfan delivered a dominant performance, defeating Christopher Gordon of the United States in just 20 minutes with scores of 11-2, 11-4, and 11-4.

Ashab’s forceful shots and fast pace proved too difficult for the American player to handle.

Ahsan Ayaz’s Close Defeat

However, the journey ended for seventh seed Ahsan Ayaz after a close five-game match against Egypt’s Omar ElKattan. Ahsan won the first game 11-4 but narrowly lost the second 12-10 and the third 11-9.

He tied the match by securing the fourth 11-8, but ElKattan maintained composure, winning the final game 11-8 after 58 minutes of intense competition.

Huzaifa Ibrahim’s Exit

Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim also exited in the round of 16, losing to Brazil’s third seed Diego Gobbi with scores of 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, and 11-6 in a 47-minute match.

Huzaifa began well, claiming the first game, but could not sustain the momentum against Gobbi’s speed and consistency.