Pakistan beat Korea to reach Asian Games squash semi-finals, secure another medal

Pakistan defeated South Korea 2-0 in the men’s team squash quarter-final at the Asian Games in Japan on Wednesday, reaching the semi-finals and securing another medal for Pakistan.

How did Pakistan reach the Asian Games squash semi-finals?

Pakistan reached the men’s team squash semi-finals after Muhammad Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman both won their quarter-final matches against South Korea. Irfan beat NA Jooyoung 3-0, while Zaman defeated OH Seojin 3-1 to complete Pakistan’s 2-0 victory.

Irfan gave Pakistan the perfect start, controlling his match from the opening game. He won 11-5 in the first game before taking the second 11-8.

The Pakistan player completed his straight-games victory with another 11-8 win in the third game, putting his team one win away from the semi-finals.

How did Noor Zaman seal Pakistan’s win?

Noor Zaman then faced OH Seojin in the second match and quickly put Pakistan in a strong position. He won the opening game 11-4 before taking the second 11-5 to move within one game of victory.

Seojin fought back in the third game, winning 11-8 to keep South Korea in the contest. Zaman responded strongly in the fourth game, winning 11-2 to secure the match and confirm Pakistan’s 2-0 quarter-final victory.

With both players winning their matches, Pakistan advanced to the men’s team squash semi-finals.

How many squash medals has Pakistan secured at the Asian Games?

Pakistan’s semi-final qualification guarantees another medal in the squash competition at the Asian Games. Muhammad Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman had already secured bronze medals in the men’s singles event.

Both players are therefore now assured of at least two Asian Games medals from the squash competition, adding to Pakistan’s medal tally in the sport.