LONDON, Jan 3: Pakistani youngsters competing in the British Junior Open squash championships in Sheffield experienced mixed fortunes on the opening day of the tournament on Sunday.

Appearing in the first round of the boys under-17, Syed Ali Bokhari defeated his Japanese opponent Taiki Kaido in straight games (11-6, 11-5, 11-4) in just 24 minutes at the court.

Promising Saad Shahid, who is ranked 64th in the world rankings, also sizzled as he went past local boy Joshua Masters 11-8, 11-8, 11-3 in only 21 minutes.

Malik Balaj was the third successful Pakistani in the first round with his 29-minute 11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6 win over Andres De Frutos of Colombia.

However, in the second round, Syed Ali Bokhari was the only Pakistan player to advance as both Saad and Balaj suffered defeats.

Bokhari took 44 minutes to overcome Zachary Leman of Canada 11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7 for a place in the third round.

Saad was beaten by local player Matthew Sidaway in straight games 11-6, 11-4, 11-6 while Balaj went down to his superior Egyptian rival Mazen Gamal 11-6, 11-4, 11-1 in only 19 minutes.

In the boys U-15 first round, Haseeb Gul tasted 11-6, 11-2, 11-8 defeat at the hands of Bradley Smith  while in the U-19 first round, Oliver Mapp received a walk-over against Mahed Jawed of Pakistan.

As many as 350 youngsters, representing over 25 countries, in the age groups of under-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 are taking part in the five-day event.

Last year, the Egyptian team made clean sweep of all the titles at stake.—APP