Rising Pakistani Star Breaks Into Top 30
Pakistan’s young squash sensation Noor Zaman has achieved a major milestone in his career. The 22-year-old has climbed to World No. 28 in the latest rankings released by the Professional Squash Association.
This is the highest ranking of his career so far. He improved his position by three places, surpassing several top players. Among those he overtook are Declan James, Nicolas Mueller, and Juan Vargas.
His previous best ranking was No. 29, achieved earlier this month. This steady progress reflects his growing consistency and performance on the international stage.
Strong Performance at Optasia Championship
Noor Zaman’s rise in rankings came after an impressive run at the Optasia Squash Championship 2026. He reached the quarterfinals of the tournament and earned 450 valuable ranking points. His total points now stand at 312.
Zaman began his campaign with a thrilling victory against Mazen Hesham. The match lasted 46 minutes and went to five games. Zaman showed great composure and fitness to secure a 3-2 win.
He started strong by winning the first game 11-4. Hesham fought back to take the second game 11-7. The match remained competitive, with both players exchanging leads. In the final game, Zaman dominated completely and sealed the match with an 11-2 victory.
In the next round, Zaman delivered another outstanding performance. He defeated World No. 14 Leonel Cardenas in straight games. The scoreline of 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 highlighted his control and confidence on court.
Quarterfinal Exit but Bright Future Ahead
Zaman’s journey ended in the quarterfinals against Diego Elias. Despite a strong effort, he could not advance further. Elias later finished as the tournament runner-up.
At the top of the rankings, Mostafa Asal continues to hold the No. 1 position. Paul Coll and Diego Elias occupy the second and third spots respectively.
Noor Zaman’s recent performances show his rapid development. He has already made a mark by winning the Nash Cup title last year. His consistent results indicate strong potential for future success.
Experts believe Zaman could soon break into the top 20 if he maintains his current form. His fitness, skill, and mental strength are improving with each tournament.
The latest ranking milestone is a proud moment for Pakistan squash. It signals the emergence of a new generation of talent on the global stage.
With continued dedication and support, Noor Zaman is expected to achieve even greater success. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as he climbs higher in the rankings.
