ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rising squash player Mohammad Ashab Irfan produced a stunning performance to advance to the second round of the PSA World Champ­ionships, defeating Switzerland’s Nicolas Mueller on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Ashab outclassed Mueller — ranked 31st in the world rankings — 13-11, 11-9, 11-0 in a commanding 30-minute first-round encounter.

With the victory, 48th ranked Ashab joined fellow Pakistani star Noor Zaman in the second round of the championship, keeping Pakis­tan’s hopes alive in the mega event.

Ashab displayed remarkable control, attacking play and composure throughout the match, particularly in the third game where he completely dominated his higher-ranked opponent without conceding a single point.

He is now set to face either England’s Marwan ElShorbagy, world number nine, or Nathan Lake, world number 49, in the second round on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Noor, currently ranked 28, will take on eight ranked Mohamed Zakaria of Egypt in his second-round clash also scheduled for Sunday.

In the first round clash, Noor defeated Egypt’s Adam Hawal in a five-game thriller on Friday.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026