KARACHI, Aug 17: Former national squash champion Mansoor Zaman advanced to the main round of English Open squash championship by outplaying Philip Barker of England in straight sets in the final phase of two-day qualifiers in Sheffield (England) on Tuesday night.

According to the results of the championship made available here, Mansoor took only 29 minutes to beat the Englishman 11-8, 11-8, 11-6 on the last day of the 16-man qualifying rounds.

Mansoor, ranked world number 24 played better squash than that of his first qualifying match and used his weapons, drop shots and nicks to outclass Barker. He gave no chance to Englishman for a comeback.

A victory against Barker gave Mansoor a place in the 16-man main round in which top players of world squash are taking part.

He will face six seed John White of USA in the first round of the championship.

Mansoor’s cousin and Pakistan number one Shahid Zaman who is seventh seed in the event will take on qualifier Peter Barker of England in his first round match.—PPI