ISLAMABAD: Pakistan players displayed impressive show on the opening day of the 26th Asian Junior Individual Squash Champ­ionship being staged in Macau.

While six Pakistan players in various categories reached the next stage, two players in U-15 and U-13 events suffered defeat.

Eight Pakistani players are participating in U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 age groups at the continental championship.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Squash federation, Pakistan’s Abdullah Nawaz comfortably defeated Bantgam Palage Nilantha of Sri Lanka 11-1, 11-8, 11-2 in U-13 first round while Wong Lee Hong of Malaysia beat Pakistan’s Saboor Khan 11-5, 11-9, 11-7 in the same category.

In U-15 opening round, Mohammad Hamza Khan of Pakistan outclassed Singapore’s Ethan Chua Jie 11-2, 11-8, 11-5 and Malaysia’s Harith Daniel overcame Anas Ali Shah of Pakistan 7-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-7.

Pakistan players Mohammad Farhan Hashmi and Noor Zaman got bye in U-17 first round. In the second round while Farhan crushed Dalina Perira of Sri Lanka 11-2, 11-2, 11-7, Noor outplayed Hong Yueng Siag of Chinese Taipei 11-1, 11-0, 11-1.

In U-19 first round, Haris Qasim of Pakistan overwhelmed Macau’s Manue Chan 11-6, 11-6, 11-5 and Pakistan’s Hamza Sharif overpowered Wong King Yueng of Hong Kong 11-5, 10-12, 11-8, 11-6.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2019