The 19-year-old, who made headlines by clinching the World Junior Squash Championship title in 2023, went down in straight games with scores of 8-11, 5-11, 4-11 against his Spanish opponent.
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Hamza started strong in the opening game, taking a quick 3-point lead. However, Pajares, 29, responded with five consecutive points and maintained control to close the first game. In the second game, Hamza levelled the score early at 2-2, but Pajares’ superior court control and shot selection allowed him to pull away once again.
The third game saw another early push from Hamza, who led 3-1, but the Spaniard dominated the rest of the way, claiming eight points in a row to seal the title.
Despite the defeat, Hamza’s run to the final — including a solid win over France’s Joshua Fenera in the semi-final — continues to signal a bright future for Pakistan squash.
His performance in Valencia is yet another reminder that Pakistan’s squash legacy is in safe hands with this rising star.
