Pakistan Beat Hong Kong to Reach Asian Games Squash Final, Secure Silver | ChatZyr
By Sports Desk | Team ChatZyr
NAGOYA: Pakistan staged a dramatic comeback against Hong Kong on Thursday, winning 2-1 in the men’s team squash semi-final to secure a silver medal and book a place in the Asian Games final.
The victory at Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena keeps Pakistan’s bid for its first Asian Games men’s team squash gold since 2010 alive.
Pakistan will face the winner of the India-Malaysia semi-final in the gold-medal match.
Noor Zaman Puts Hong Kong Ahead
Pakistan’s top-ranked player Noor Zaman faced Hong Kong veteran Tsz Kwan Lau in the opening match.
Noor took a closely contested first game 12-10, but Lau responded strongly and won the next three games 11-3, 11-6 and 11-5.
The result put Hong Kong 1-0 ahead and left Pakistan needing victories in both remaining matches.
Ashab Irfan Levels the Tie
Ashab Irfan produced a crucial 3-0 victory over world No. 57 Chi Hin Henry Leung to bring Pakistan back into contention.
Ashab won the opening game 11-5 before surviving a major challenge in the second.
Leung raced to a 6-0 lead, but Ashab fought his way back into the game. He saved several game points before taking the second 13-11.
Ashab maintained his momentum in the third, winning 11-7 to level the overall tie at 1-1.
Nasir Iqbal Completes the Comeback
With the semi-final on the line, experienced Pakistani player Nasir Iqbal took on Cheuk Nam Lai in the deciding match.
Nasir narrowly lost the opening game 12-10 but responded with three consecutive game wins.
He took the second 11-3, the third 11-9 and then survived a tense fourth game 14-12 to seal the match and send Pakistan into the final.
Pakistan’s 2-1 victory guarantees the team at least a silver medal and keeps its gold-medal hopes alive.
The result also gives Pakistan another opportunity to end its wait for the Asian Games men’s team squash title. Pakistan last won the event in 2010 in Guangzhou.
The current squad includes Noor Zaman, Ashab Irfan, Nasir Iqbal and Asim Khan, who were also part of Pakistan’s silver-medal campaign at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Why It Matters
Pakistan are now one victory away from winning the Asian Games men’s team squash gold for the first time since 2010.
Disclaimer: This report is based on available competition and match-report information. Results and schedules are subject to confirmation by the event organisers.
Written By Sports Desk | Team ChatZyr
Published on Chatzyr.net
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