WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s squash player Noor Zaman pulled off a major upset at the Silicon Valley Open in the United States, defeating defending champion and world No. 4 Karim Abdel Gawad of Egypt 3-1 to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Competing in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Gold-level event, Noor claimed victory in a 52-minute contest, winning 11-9, 11-7, 9-11 and 11-6.
The Pakistani player won the first two games before Abdel Gawad fought back to take the third. However, Noor regained control in the fourth game to seal an impressive victory over the Egyptian star.
With the win, Noor advanced to the quarter-finals, where he will face England’s Mohamed ElShorbagy in his next match.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Asim Irfan suffered a 3-0 defeat to ElShorbagy in the second round. The English player won all three games 11-3, 13-11 and 11-7 to book his place in the next stage.
Also Read: Pakistan Will Not Travel to India for 2027 Over-50 World Cup
The Silicon Valley Open features both men’s and women’s competitions, with total prize money of $260,000.
The semi-finals are scheduled for October 23, while the finals will take place on October 24.
