Noor Zaman successfully defended his title at the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Serena Hotel International Squash Championship, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat fellow Pakistani Hamza Khan 3-2 in a thrilling final at Islamabad’s Mushaf Squash Complex on Friday.
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The clash between the two junior world champions began in Hamza’s favour, as he dominated the first two sets 11-9, 11-7, showcasing his precision and composure on the court. However, Noor, the second seed and grandson of global squash legend Qamar Zaman, turned the match around, taking the next three sets 11-7, 11-4, 11-8 to clinch the title.
Noor’s comeback began in the third game, where he gradually regained control, breaking Hamza’s rhythm and demonstrating remarkable focus under pressure. The fourth set saw Noor overpowering his opponent, leaving little room for Hamza to respond. In the decisive fifth set, Noor surged ahead with a commanding 6-1 lead, extending it to 9-2 before finally securing the match at 11-8. Hamza fought valiantly to close the gap, narrowing the score to 8-10, but Noor held firm to celebrate a hard-earned victory.
The final was marked by sportsmanship, as both players accepted the referee’s decisions and minimized disputes, highlighting mutual respect and professionalism. After the match, the two athletes shared a heartfelt embrace and exchanged words, acknowledging each other’s efforts to the applause of the audience. Noor’s grandfather, squash legend Qamar Zaman, watched from the front row, witnessing his grandson’s triumphant performance.
The CAS Serena Hotel International Squash Championship, a copper-level event, was held in Islamabad from November 24-28 and carried a total prize purse of $37,500. Hamza, currently ranked world number 101, had stormed into the final after defeating Switzerland’s David Bernet 3-1 in a 55-minute semi-final thriller, which included tight sets of 11-9, 11-13, 12-10, 11-5. Noor reached the final when compatriot Nasir Iqbal retired hurt in the other semi-final, giving him a smoother path to the championship clash.
Noor Zaman’s victory further underscores Pakistan’s resurgence on the global squash stage, particularly in the junior category, as the country seeks to reclaim its historic dominance. Both players have shown immense potential and promise, with Noor now demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and Hamza confirming his place among the sport’s rising stars.
The CAS Serena Championship served as a key platform for young Pakistani talent to showcase their skills against top competitors, reinforcing the nation’s legacy in squash while offering valuable experience on an international level. With Noor retaining his title and Hamza’s impressive performances, the future of Pakistani squash looks bright, promising continued growth and global recognition for the country’s next generation of players.
