Pakistan has secured another Asian Games medal after Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan reached the squash semifinals. Both players won their respective singles quarterfinals on Friday.
Third-seeded Noor defeated Hong Kong’s Chi Hin Henry Leung at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. Meanwhile, fifth-seeded Ashab overcame India’s Veer Chotrani to book his place in the last four.
The victories guarantee Pakistan at least a bronze medal in the men’s singles competition. Under the event’s format, both losing semifinalists receive bronze medals.
Noor Zaman Holds His Nerve Against Hong Kong Opponent
Noor, Pakistan’s top-ranked player in the draw, faced a strong challenge from Hong Kong’s Chi Hin Henry Leung. However, he held his nerve to secure a semifinal spot.
The victory keeps Noor’s campaign alive as he targets a place in the Asian Games final. He will now compete in the semifinals on Saturday.
Ashab Irfan Stuns India’s Veer Chotrani
Ashab also produced a strong performance against fourth-seeded Indian player Veer Chotrani. However, the Pakistani had to recover after losing the opening game.
He eventually turned the match around and secured a 3-1 victory. Ashab won the contest 6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6.
The victory also allowed Ashab to avenge Pakistan’s defeat to India in the men’s team final at the previous Asian Games.
Pakistan Duo Reach Semifinals Without Dropping a Game
Noor and Ashab had already impressed in the earlier rounds of the competition. Both players reached the quarterfinals without dropping a single game.
In the round of 16 on Thursday, Noor defeated Kuwait’s Ammar Altimimi 11-4, 11-9, 11-4.
Ashab also produced a convincing performance against Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad Al Alnafsan. He won that match 11-9, 11-3, 11-5.
Their continued progress has now placed both Pakistani players in the medal rounds. Moreover, their semifinal appearances guarantee Pakistan another medal in squash.
Noor and Ashab Eye Asian Games Final
Both Pakistani players will return to action in their respective semifinals on Saturday. A victory would send them into Sunday’s final.
Therefore, Pakistan’s squash campaign now has two players competing for a place in the gold-medal match.
With both Noor and Ashab through to the final four, Pakistan has already secured a medal. The two players will now look to extend their impressive runs and reach the Asian Games final.
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