The Chief of the Air Staff-Serena Hotels International Squash Championship concluded today, November 22, 2024, with an exciting final match between two Pakistani players, Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal.
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In a thrilling contest, World No. 82 Noor Zaman emerged victorious, defeating World No. 85 Nasir Iqbal with a game score of 11-8, 12-10, and 11-9. The match lasted for 27 minutes, showcasing the exceptional skill and endurance of both players.
Match Highlights
The match began with both players displaying impressive skill and strategy. Nasir Iqbal started strong, taking an early lead in the first game. However, Noor Zaman quickly regained his composure, using his sharp reflexes and precise shots to win the game 11-8.
In the second game, Nasir Iqbal put up a fierce resistance, taking the game to 12-10. However, Noor Zaman’s superior conditioning and mental toughness ultimately paid off, as he took the game and a 2-0 lead.
The third game saw Nasir Iqbal make a last-ditch effort to stage a comeback. However, Noor Zaman remained focused, using his clever shot placement and agile movement to seal the game 11-9 and claim the championship title.
Finalists’ Profiles
The two finalists, Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal, are both talented Pakistani squash players. Noor Zaman, ranked 82nd in the world, has been making waves in the squash circuit with his impressive performances. Nasir Iqbal, ranked 85th, has also been a force to be reckoned with, having won several national and international titles.
The championship, organized by the Pakistan Squash Federation in collaboration with Serena Hotels, featured a strong lineup of 15 world-ranking players from seven countries, including Egypt, England, and Malaysia, in addition to nine Pakistani players.
The final match was followed by a closing ceremony, where Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Personnel), presented trophies and souvenirs as the Chief Guest.
CAS-Serena Squash Championship 2024: Final | Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal, Noor Zaman To Clash
Islamabad – The semi-finals of the CAS-Chief of the Air Staff-Serena Hotels International Squash Championship took place at the Mushaf Squash Complex, setting the stage for an exciting finale on November 22, 2024.
Semi-Final Results
1st Semi-Final:
Nasir Iqbal (Pakistan) defeated Ibrahim Elkabbani (Egypt, No. 1 seed)
11-9, 8-11, 11-4, 11-4 (48 minutes)
2nd Semi-Final:
Noor Zaman (Pakistan) defeated Muhammad Ashab Irfan (Pakistan)
11-7, 11-9, 11-9 (33 minutes)
Final Preview
The championship final will feature an all-Pakistani clash between Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman on November 22, 2024.
Finalists Brief
Nasir Iqbal:
- Ranked 44th in PSA World Rankings
- Winner of 5 PSA titles
- Experienced player with strong track record in international events
Noor Zaman:
- Ranked 66th in PSA World Rankings
- Emerging talent with impressive recent performances
- Seeking his maiden PSA title
Tournament Significance
The CAS-Chief of the Air Staff-Serena Hotels International Squash Championship is a prestigious PSA World Tour event, attracting top squash players from around the globe.
Chief Guest
Squash legend Qamar Zaman, Vice President of the Pakistan Squash Federation, graced the semi-finals as the Chief Guest.
Final Match Details
Date: November 22, 2024
Venue: Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad
Finalists: Nasir Iqbal (Pakistan) vs. Noor Zaman (Pakistan)
CAS-Serena Squash Championship 2024: Quarterfinal Lineup Announced
The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), in collaboration with Serena Hotels, is hosting the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)-Serena Hotels International Squash Championship from November 18 to November 22, 2024, at the Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad. This prestigious tournament offers a prize pool of USD 15,000, attracting a stellar lineup of 24 athletes, including 9 Pakistani players and 15 world-ranked players from Egypt, England, Hong Kong-China, Ireland, Kuwait, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.
Leading the seeding are World No. 62 Ibrahim Elkabbani (Egypt) as the top seed and World No. 82 Noor Zaman (Pakistan) as the second seed, adding a strong competitive edge to the championship.
Day 2: Results from the Second Round
The second round of matches was played on November 19, 2024, featuring intense competition and thrilling encounters. The results are as follows:
- Ibrahim Elkabbani (Egy) defeated Duncan Lee (Mas) 11-9, 14-12, 13-11 (41 mins)
- Darren Pragasam (Mas) defeated Tayyab Aslam (Pak) 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-6 (30 mins)
- Seif El Shenawy (Egy) defeated Hafiz Zhafri (Mas) 11-9, 11-8, 11-8 (24 mins)
- Nasir Iqbal (Pak) defeated Yasin Shodhy (Egy) 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7 (48 mins)
- M Ashab Irfan (Pak) defeated (WC) Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) 10-12, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (45 mins)
- Rowan Damming (Ned) defeated (WC) Farhan Mehboob (Pak) 11-4, 11-9, 11-9 (27 mins)
- Perry Malik (Eng) defeated Ammar Altamimi (Kuw) 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 (33 mins)
- Noor Zaman (Pak) defeated Hazem Hossam (Egy) 12-10, 11-9, 10-12, 11-9 (38 mins)
2023 CAS-Serena Int’l Squash Championship: Pakistan’s Noor & Egyptian Amina Are Title Winners
Upcoming Quarterfinal Fixtures
The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for November 20, 2024, promising more exciting action with the following matchups:
| Match | Time | Player 1 | Vs | Player 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12:00 PM | Ibrahim Elkabbani (Egy) | vs | Darren Pragasam (Mas) |
| 2 | 1:00 PM | Seif El Shenawy (Egy) | vs | Nasir Iqbal (Pak) |
| 3 | 2:00 PM | M Ashab Irfan (Pak) | vs | Rowan Damming (Ned) |
| 4 | 3:00 PM | Perry Malik (Eng) | vs | Noor Zaman (Pak) |
About the Championship
The CAS-Serena Hotels International Squash Championship has become a prominent feature on Pakistan’s sports calendar. This annual event not only provides a platform for Pakistani squash talent to compete against world-class players but also showcases the country’s rich history in the sport.
At last year’s championship, Egyptian players dominated, with Mostafa El Serty claiming the men’s title and Pakistan’s emerging players showcasing promising performances. This year, Pakistan’s top players, including Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman, aim to challenge international competitors for the title, reigniting the country’s historic legacy in squash.
