Pakistan's Noor Zaman crowned U23 World Squash Champion

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman made a sensational comeback to beat Kareem El Torkey of Egypt in the final of the inaugural U23 World Squash Championship today at the DHA Creek Club in Karachi.

As soon as he won the final point, Zaman's body crashed onto the court, his back hitting the floor in a dramatic display of elation. His arms shot up in victory, fists clenched in triumph, as he pumped them into the air. The crowd erupted in a frenzy of cheers and applause, echoing through the venue.

Zaman's triumphant fist pumps were a testament to his unbridled joy, a moment that would be etched in the memories of the spectators forever.

Soon after, Noor also shared a heartfelt hug with his grandfather Qamar Zaman. The legendary squash player wrapped his arms around Noor, holding him tight in a gesture of pride and admiration.

As far as the match was concerned, Zaman, who had the backing of a boisterous home crowd, came back from two games down to clinch the title 3-2.

The Egyptian had taken a two-nil lead after winning the first two games 11-5 and 14-12. However, Zaman didn’t let the scoreline get the better of him and won the next three games 11-8, 11-5 and 11-6.

“After going down 2-0, the only thing on my mind was to show everyone the hard work I had done and Alhamdulilah I was able to do that,” Zaman said after the match.

“My strategy was to focus on my game and keep on fighting till the end,” he added.

Yesterday, second seed Zaman won his semi-final clash 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.

Meanwhile, in the second men’s semi-final, 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.

In the women’s final, Fayrouz Abouelkheir of Egypt defeated Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk 3-0 in a one-sided affair. The tournament’s top seed won with a scoreline of 12-10, 11-9 and 11-6.

Fayrouz had secured her spot in the final by defeating Malaysia’s Aira Azman 3-1 in the semis.

On the other hand, Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk edged out Xin Ying Yee 3-2 in a closely contested second semi-final which went the distance.

The title also ensured that Zaman and Fayrouz received automatic qualification for the PSA World Championships as well as the lion’s share of a $60,000 prize pot.

The president of the World Squash Federation, Zena Wooldridge, also praised the efforts of Pakistan Squash Federation for ensuring that the tournament was a success.

“Having spoken to the players here this week, they have had a really amazing time and it has been a fantastic week for them,” Wooldridge said during the closing ceremony.

“I would like to thank Tournament Director Adnan Asad as his vision for this event has come to fruition today and I think he couldn’t have written the script any better in terms of the finale today.

“I would also like to thank the Pakistan Squash Federation for their support.”