Hamza, Noor set up all Pakistan final in CAS International Squash Championship

Former British Junior champion Hamza Khan and Under-23 World Squash champion Noor Zaman, the grandson of former world champion Qamar Zaman, will clash in the final of CAS-Serene Hotels International Squash Championship, after registering contrasting victories against their respective opponents in the semifinals played at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad Thursday.

It will be all-Pakistan final after a long gap. In the first semifinal, Pakistan’s future title hope Hamza Khan disposed of Swiss David Bernet in a tense four games battle, winning the semis 3-1 in 53 minutes.

Hamza won the first game 11-8 but lost second game 11-13. However he bounced back to take third game 12-10 and 4th game 11-5 to win the marathon encounter, which was witnessed among others by former eight-time world champion Jansher Khan, Pakistan Squash Federation secretary Air Commodore (R) Amir Nawaz, Serena Hotels representatives and large number of squash enthusiasts were also present on the occasion.

While in the second semifinal, World Under-23 champion and the representative of home of the champions the great Qamar Zaman family, Noor Zaman simply toyed with former Pakistan number 1 Nasir Iqbal, who had won countless PSA titles besides winning national championships in a one-sided affair winning not only in straight games but also truly in emphatic manner.

Noor won the first game 11-4. He went on to take second game in more dominating manner winning 11-1. Nasir could not continue the match anymore and shook hands before the third game.

The final will be played on Friday.

Complete Match Results:

Hamza Khan (PAK) bt [6] David Bernet (SUI) 3-1: 11-9, 11-13, 12-10, 11-5 (53m)

[2] Noor Zaman (PAK) bt Nasir Iqbal (PAK) 11-4, 11-1, 0-0 retired hurt (8m)