Pakistan Beat South Korea to Reach Asian Games Squash Semi-Finals

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Pakistan secured a place in the semi-finals of the men’s squash team event at the 20th Asian Games after defeating South Korea 2-0 in the quarter-final on Wednesday.

Muhammad Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman delivered victories in the first two matches to complete Pakistan’s win without the need for a deciding game.

Irfan, who had earlier won a bronze medal in the men’s singles event, opened the tie with a straight-games victory over South Korea’s Jooyoung Na.

The Pakistani player won the match 11-5, 11-8, 11-8, maintaining his control throughout the contest despite resistance from his opponent in the second and third games.

Noor Zaman then sealed Pakistan’s place in the last four by defeating Seojin Oh 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-2.

Noor dominated the opening two games with attacking squash and built a 2-0 lead. Oh fought back in the third game, winning 11-8, but Noor quickly regained momentum and closed out the fourth game 11-2.

With Pakistan winning both opening matches, the third team member, Nasir Iqbal, did not need to play.

Pakistan will now compete in the semi-finals as it continues its campaign in the Asian Games squash team competition.