KARACHI: Mohammad Asim Khan and Tayyab Aslam are now one match away from an all-Pakistan final in the CNS International Squash Championship.

The top two seeds advanced into the semi-finals in contrasting fashion against opponents from Hong Kong on Friday, with Asim coming from behind to down Tang Ming Hong while Tayyab won in straight games against Methew Lai.

Sixth-seeded Tang had stunned Asim by taking the first game but the top seed rallied to win 6-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 in 51 minutes to set up a last-four clash against compatriot Nasir Iqbal.

Nasir, who was given a wildcard entry, swatted aside Malaysia’s Mohammad Syafiq Kamal 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 in under half an hour.

Second seed Tayyab earned his spot in the final four after a well-contested clash against Lai, the eighth seed. Tayyab prevailed 12-10, 12-10, 11-9 in just under 40 minutes and next faces Egyptian Mohammad Zakaria.

Zakaria, the fourth seed, denied Pakistan a semi-final sweep when he took down Noor Zaman in a gruelling battle that stretched to five games and 56 minutes.

Seventh-seeded Noor came back from 2-0 down to level the match but Zakaria eventually claimed the decisive game for an 11-9, 14-12, 6-11, 8-11, 11-5 victory.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...