Ashab Irfan, Asim Khan reach Johns Creek Open semifinals

KARACHI: Pakistan’s squash stars Ashab Irfan and Asim Khan produced commanding performances to secure semifinal berths at the ongoing Johns Creek Open in the United States.

Top seed Asim Khan overcame a tough challenge from Egypt’s Omar El Kattan, clinching a 3–1 win in 46 minutes. After dropping the first game 10–12, Khan rebounded strongly to take the next three 11–3, 11–3, and 13–11.

Meanwhile, Ashab Irfan cruised past Mexico’s Cesar Segundo with a straight-games victory. He wrapped up the quarterfinal 11–3, 11–8, 11–3 to advance in dominant fashion.

With these wins, both Ashab Irfan and Asim Khan secured their places in the top four of the $12,000 prize money event.

Earlier, Asim and Ashab booked their spots in the quarterfinals after impressive second round victories on Thursday.

Top seed Asim defeated Egypt’s Kareem Badawi 11-3, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8 in a 45-minute battle.

The Pakistani star dominated the opening two games with precise length and controlled rallies before Badawi fought back to claim the third.

Second seed Ashab Irfan produced a commanding performance to dismantle the United States’ Christopher Gordon in just 20 minutes, winning 11-2, 11-4, 11-4.

Ashab’s aggressive shot-making and high pace left the American struggling to find any rhythm.

However, seventh seed Ahsan Ayaz’s campaign ended in a gripping five-game contest against Egypt’s Omar ElKattan. Ahsan took the opening game 11-4 but narrowly lost the second 12-10 and the third 11-9.

He levelled the match by winning the fourth 11-8, yet ElKattan held his nerve in the decider to prevail 11-8 after 58 minutes of intense play.

Pakistan’s Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim also bowed out in the round of 16, falling to Brazil’s third seed Diego Gobbi 9-11, 11-3, 11-4, 11-6 in 47 minutes.

Huzaifa started strongly by claiming the first game but was unable to maintain the momentum against Gobbi’s pace and consistency.