Hamza Khan beat Shahjahan 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 as Nasir Iqbal also reached the last 16
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s Hamza Khan and Nasir Iqbal made impressive starts to their campaigns at the PN Fleet Club Open International Squash Championship, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals with commanding straight-game victories at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan–Jahangir Khan Squash Complex on Friday.
Former World Junior champion Hamza Khan produced one of the standout performances of the opening day, brushing aside USA’s Shahjahan Khan 11-6, 11-9, 11-4 in just 27 minutes. The young Pakistani remained in control throughout the contest, combining aggressive shot-making with sharp court coverage to seal his place in the last 16.
Experienced campaigner Nasir Iqbal also enjoyed a comfortable outing, defeating Switzerland’s Louai Hafez in straight games to book his place in the pre-quarterfinals and give Pakistan a second strong result on the opening day.
Pakistan, however, suffered heartbreak in another closely contested encounter as wildcard entrant Anas Khan bowed out after a spirited five-game battle against Hong Kong’s Matthew Lai. After recovering twice to level the match, Anas eventually lost 2-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6.
In another first-round fixture, Egypt’s Hafez Abdullah eased past Pakistan’s Abdul Saeed in straight games.
Elsewhere, Egypt’s Tolba Aly defeated compatriot Duncan, Brazil’s Diego Gobi overcame Japan’s Endo Tomotaka, Malaysia’s Siu Xian cruised past Egypt’s Labib Khaled 3-0, while Japan’s Hashimi Naoki registered a straight-games victory over Egypt’s Seif Tamer.
The championship, being organised by the Sindh Squash Association, has attracted a competitive international field, with Pakistan’s hopes resting heavily on Hamza Khan and Nasir Iqbal as both aim for deep runs in the tournament.
