Pakistan's Noor Zaman enters U23 World Squash Championship final

The inaugural U23 World Squash Championship witnessed thrilling semi-final matches in both the men's and women's categories today at the DHA Creek Club in Karachi.

Much to the delight of the home fans, second seed Noor Zaman advanced to the final after his opponent, Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran, retired due to food poisoning in the third game. Zaman was in control, leading 2-0, and the retirement gave him a spot in the final.

“Qualifying for the final is a great honor for me, my family and entire Pakistan,” Zaman, who is the grandson of the legendary Qamar Zaman, said after the match.

“My grandfather worked really hard with me when I was eight or nine years old,” he added.

In the second men’s semi-final, Kareem El Torkey stunned men's top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani 3-1. El Torkey lost the first game but bounced back strongly to win the next three games.

Elkabbani's frustration boiled over during the match as he repeatedly clashed with the referee. The Egyptian player seemed increasingly agitated, questioning the official's decisions throughout the encounter. In a heated exchange, Elkabbani turned to Indian referee Srikanth Seshadri and exclaimed, "Why are you doing this, seriously?"

The women's semi-finals were equally exciting as top seed Fayrouz Abouelkheir of Egypt secured her spot in the final by defeating Malaysia’s Aira Azman 3-1. Despite losing the third game, the world number 14 remained composed and sealed the match and her spot in the final in the fourth game.

In the other women’s semi-final, Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk edged out Xin Ying Yee 3-2 in a closely contested match which went the distance. Yuk's determination and tactical play ultimately led to her victory bearing in mind the fact that Yee had levelled proceedings at two games apiece after losing the first couple.

The semi-final matches set the stage for an exciting final day of competition. The men's and women's finals promise to be thrilling, with talented young players vying for the championship title. With every passing day the crowd has increased at the venue with the fans cheering on the players and adding to the electric atmosphere.

The winner of the U23 World Squash Championship will get an automatic qualification through to the PSA World Championships as well as the lion’s share of a $60,000 prize pot.

Schedule of matches on April 10

Women’s Consolation Final - Amna Fayyaz vs Yeheni Kuruppu – 12:00pm (local time)

Men’s Consolation Final - Karim Michael vs Muhammad Ammad – 12:45pm

Women’s Special Plate Final - Kara Lincou vs Savannah Margot Ingledew -1:30pm

Men’s Special Plate Final - Mattéo Carrouget vs Will Salter -2:15pm

Women’s Final - Fayrouz Abouelkheir vs Chan Sin Yuk – 4:15pm

Men’s Final - Kareem El Torkey vs Noor Zaman – 5:00pm