Arshad qualified for the next round with his victory over Ryan Thompson. -File Photo

PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s prominent player Arshad Iqbal Burki upset England’s Ryan Thompson on the opening day of the US$5000 Philadelphia Squash Open, which started at the Fairmount Racquet club Pennsylvania, Philadelphia on Friday.

With his 11-7, 6-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-5 victory over Thompson in the qualifying round, Arshad, once 52 in world rankings and Pakistan No. 3, qualified for the main round to face top seed Julien Balbo of France.

“I would try my best to perform well against Balbo,” Arshad said, adding that playing against tough rivals makes one learn. About the match against Thompson, Arshad said it was a tough battle.

The players competing in the event are Balbo, qualifier Lewis Walters of England, Mazym Leclair of Canada, qualifier Lyall Paterson (Scotland), Thomas Brikman of Canada, third seeded Wade Johnstone (Australia), fourth seeded Tyler Hamilton (Canada), Josh Cardwell of Australia, qualifier Alex Grayson of New Zealand, Chris Trswell of England, qualifier Rory Pennell of England and second seed Shaun Le Roux (England).—APP