Noor Zaman secures third place in all-Pakistan squash playoff

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman defeated compatriot Muhammad Irfan in straight games to secure third place in the men’s singles squash competition at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena on Sunday.

Zaman completed a 3-0 victory with scores of 11-7, 11-7 and 13-11 in a 26-minute playoff. Both Pakistani players had already secured bronze medals by reaching the semi-finals, making the match a contest for final standings.

Zaman started strongly and controlled the opening two games. He won both by an identical score of 11-7, putting himself in a strong position to finish the match in straight games.

Irfan responded in the third game and pushed Zaman into a closely fought battle. The game went beyond the standard 11-point mark as both players competed for every point.

Zaman eventually held his nerve to win the third game 13-11 and complete a straight-games victory.

The result placed Zaman third in the competition, while Irfan finished fourth.

The all-Pakistan playoff also highlighted Pakistan’s strong showing in the men’s singles squash event, with both players reaching the semi-finals and ensuring medal success for the country.

The match was officiated by Hong Kong’s Yuen Wing Keung, while Kuwait’s Abdulrahman Alowaish served as the marker.