Three Pakistan squash players qualify for semis of challenger event in United States
Pakistan’s Asim Khan is the top seed in the tournament
In an impressive achievement, three Pakistan players have qualified for the semi-finals of Squash Inspire Men’s Pro Challenger Tour 2024, presented by Play Squash Academy, event in Columbia, United States.
Pakistan’s Asim Khan, top seed in the event, Mohammad Ashab Irfan, number four seed, and Hamza Khan, reigning world junior champion, made it to the last four on Thursday.
Asim beat Christopher Gordon of the United States 3-1 in the quarter-finals. The top seed won the first two games 11-5 and 11-9 but went down 9-11 in the third. However, Asim bounced back to win the fourth game 11-6 and clinched the match.
Meanwhile, Ashab registered a convincing 3-0 win against Jose Gallegos of Chile. He won 11-5, 11-8 and 11-8.
Unseeded Hamza defeated second seed Seif El-Shenawy 3-2 in a match that went the distance. The Pakistani player had lost the first two games, 9-11 and 5-11, but made a grand comeback to win the remaining three games with scores of 12-10, 11-6 and 11-5.
In the semis of the $9,000 event on Friday, Asim will face Alejandro Enriquez of Guatemala, meanwhile Hamza and Ashab will contest the second last four clash.
What is PSA Challenger Tour?
According to Professional Squash Association’s official website, future World Champions and world number ones compete for glory on the PSA Challenger Tour. The tournaments play an influential part in the careers of these players as they rise to the summit of the sport.
After Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze level events on the PSA World Tour, Challenger 30 is the highest level event on the PSA Challenger Tour, with Challenger 20, 10, 5 and 3 level tournaments also on the calendar.
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