KARACHI, Jan 7: Pakistan No 2 squash player Shahid Zaman will take part in the Virginia Professional Squash Championships, featuring some of the world's best players, to be held at the Country Club of Virginia beginning from Monday and running through Jan 15.

The top seed is Dan Jenson of Australia, ranked 18th in the world. Jenson lives in Charlottesville and has been ranked as high as fourth. Seeded second is Renan Lavigne of France (No.20 in the world).

The No.3 seed is Englishman Mark Chaloner (No.25), and South African Rodney Durbach is fourth (No.28). Durbach won last year's tournament. After Durbach comes Shahid Zaman of Pakistan, Shahier Razik of Canada, Hisham Ashour of Egypt and Bradley Ball of England.

Qualifying begins Monday at 4pm., with the four semi finalists advancing to the main draw of 16. Main draw play starts at 4pm. on Wednesday and runs through the championship match at 6pm on Jan 15. Prize money is $20,000, with the winner taking home $4,000. -PPI