ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rising squash star Ashab Irfan won the Johns Creek Open 2025 title in the United States after defeating Malaysia’s Nafeez Kiw in a hard-fought final on Monday.
The $12,000 PSA Challenger event concluded with Irfan showing grit and composure to secure a 3-1 victory.
Despite conceding the first game 8-11, the 21-year-old Pakistani bounced back in commanding fashion, taking the next three games 11-2, 11-2, 11-6 to seal the contest in just 40 minutes.
The triumph marked Irfan’s third Professional Squash Association (PSA) title of the year, underscoring his consistent run of form on the international circuit.
Irfan had reached the final after overcoming Brazil’s Diogo Gobbi 3-1 in a 53-minute semi-final encounter, while compatriot Asim Khan fell to Malaysia’s Nathan Chua in the other semi-final.
Asim, the tournament’s top seed, was beaten 3-1, with scores of 11-9, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9.
Both Pakistani players had impressed earlier in the competition, advancing to the last four with strong performances.
Irfan swept aside Mexico’s Cesar Segundo 3-0 in the quarter-finals, while Asim outclassed Egypt’s Omar El Kattan 3-1.
In the second round, Irfan dismissed American veteran Christopher Gordon in straight games, needing only 20 minutes to complete the win.
The Pakistan Squash Federation hailed Irfan’s latest success as a moment of pride for the country, praising his determination and skill.
Officials noted that his achievements were a promising sign of Pakistan’s gradual resurgence in the international squash arena.
With three PSA titles already in 2025, Irfan has emerged as one of Pakistan’s brightest squash prospects and a player to watch on the global stage.
