KEY POINTS
- Former world champion Mohamed Elshorbagy says Noor could become Pakistan’s next world champion.
- All six Pakistani players at tournament saw their rankings improve.
- The collective rise signals a resurgence for Pakistani squash.
KARACHI: Pakistani squash received a significant boost as 21-year-old Noor Zaman stormed into the world’s Top 30 for the first time, spearheading a collective rise for all six local players following their performances at the recently concluded Karachi Open.
Noor Zaman climbed to a career-high World No. 30 in the latest Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings, surpassing his previous best of 37.
The U23 world champion cemented his status as Pakistan’s brightest prospect with a breathtaking performance in the tournament quarterfinals, where he pushed former world champion Mohamed Elshorbagy to the absolute limit.
In a match that electrified the home crowd, Noor fought back from a two-game deficit to force a decisive fifth game, ultimately falling 11-9.
His tenacity and skill earned high praise from the English superstar.
“It’s great for Pakistan to have someone coming up, you guys need another world champion coming up soon since you’re a squash nation, and it’s very exciting for Pakistan to have Noor,” Elshorbagy said after the intense battle.
Veterans and women make strides
Noor was not alone in his ascent. His compatriot Ashab Irfan also achieved a career-best ranking, jumping two spots to World No. 45.
Ashab similarly showcased his grit, taking former champion Karim Abdel Gawad to five games in a thrilling contest.
The positive momentum extended across the squad. Veteran Nasir Iqbal, a silver medalist at the 2023 Asian Games alongside Noor, surged 35 places to re-enter the Top 100 at World No. 99 after reaching the Round of 16 as a wildcard.
Tayyab Aslam also climbed 50 spots to World No. 149.
On the women’s side, both Sana Bahadar and Mariam Malik reached new career highs despite first-round exits. Sana, who is deaf and non-verbal, broke into the Top 200 (World No. 197), moving her opponent, Egypt’s Mariam Metwally.
“I was emotional when I found out Sana is deaf, it makes me realise how much we take for granted,” Metwally said.
Mariam Malik rose to World No. 214 and highlighted the value of competing at a high-level home event.
“I can’t remember the last time a Pakistani woman player competed at a competition of this calibre, which helps build up local players like myself,” she said.
