Pakistan’s Mohammad Ashab Irfan lifted the Johns Creek Open title in Georgia on Monday, defeating Malaysia’s Nathan Kueh 3-1 in the final. The 21-year-old, seeded second, fought back after dropping the first game to seal victory 8-11, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6 in 40 minutes, marking his third title triumph of the year.
Also Read: Alcaraz Clinches Cincinnati Open as Sinner Retires; Swiatek Lifts Maiden Title
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) Challenger Tour event carried a prize purse of $12,000 and featured 20 players from across the globe. Irfan was among seven Pakistanis in the draw, with compatriots Mohammad Asim Khan, Mohammad Huzaifa Ibrahim, Fawad Khalil, Mohammad Samiullah, Ahsan Ayaz and Farhan Zaman also competing.
While Asim Khan reached the semi-finals before falling to Kueh, and Huzaifa bowed out in the second round, Irfan showcased consistency and composure to power through. His semi-final clash against Brazil’s Diego Gobbi lasted 53 minutes, where he prevailed 11-7, 14-12, 4-11, 11-5 to book his spot in the title decider.
This victory adds to Irfan’s earlier triumphs at the South Australian Open and RC Pro Series, cementing his reputation as one of Pakistan’s brightest squash prospects. His success reflects a broader resurgence in Pakistani squash, highlighted by Noor Zaman’s Under-23 World Championship win in April and multiple junior titles secured by Azan Ali, Ahmad Ali Naz, Mehwish Ali, Mahnoor Ali, and Sohail Adnan throughout the year.
Irfan’s achievement in Georgia further underscores Pakistan’s growing footprint on the international squash circuit, echoing the nation’s historic legacy in the sport.
