Pakistani squash star Noor Zaman has etched his name in history by qualifying for the main draw of the prestigious British Open, becoming the first Pakistani to do so in two decades. The event, currently being held in Birmingham, saw Zaman defeat Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey 3-1 in a gripping final qualifying match.
Zaman and El Torkey previously clashed just a month earlier in a memorable U23 World Championship final in Pakistan, where Zaman triumphed in a thrilling 3-2 comeback to claim the title. This time in Birmingham, the stakes were different, but the result was once again in favor of the young Pakistani.
Ranked 44th in the world, Zaman showcased superior control and strategy, winning the match with scores of 11-5, 11-8, 3-11, and 11-7 in a 46-minute battle at the Solihull Arden Club. He started strong, finding his rhythm early and dominating the front and back of the court to take the first two games with composure. Although El Torkey fought back in the third set by pushing Zaman into errors and taking it 11-3, the fourth game was tightly contested until Zaman broke through at 5-5 to seal the deal.
Speaking after his victory, Zaman shared his pride and gratitude on social media: “Alhamdulillah, after a 20-year gap, I have qualified for the Main Round of the British Open. I am the first Pakistani to achieve this milestone.”
This qualification is a landmark not just for Zaman but also for Pakistan’s squash legacy, which has been longing for a comeback on the global stage. As of May 1, Zaman is ranked number three in Pakistan’s senior men’s rankings and is emerging as the country’s top squash hope.
Zaman will now face England’s Curtis Malik in the main round match on June 1. Alongside him, other qualifiers into the main draw include Emyr Evans from Wales, Egypt’s Moustafa Elsirty, and South Africa’s Dewald van Niekerk.
The British Open is classified as a Diamond-level event in the Professional Squash Association’s World Tour, boasting an equal prize pool of $348,500 for both men and women competitors. Zaman’s entry into the main draw places him among the elite and gives him a chance to further make his mark in one of the most prestigious tournaments in squash history.
With this remarkable achievement, Noor Zaman not only honors Pakistan’s rich squash tradition but also reignites hope for a resurgence on the global stage.
