Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report Toronto (Canada): The inclusivity of squash has been on full display at this week’s Canadian Women’s Open, with a number of inclusivity programme participants taking part in on court activities throughout the week. One such group were wheelchair squash players, who had the chance to play on the stunning glass court in Toronto’s Brookfield Place that has hosted some of squash’s best players. Wheelchair squash is a version of the sport that has been adapted for wheelchair users through Squash 57: a racket sport in which players use a larger head racket and a larger (57mm), bouncier ball than in squash. As well as playing exhibition matches on the Jonathon Power Court, two wheelchair squash players gave testimonials about the impact the sport had made on their lives. One such player was Shauna, who got into squash as a result of Federacion Panamericana de Squash Secretary General and wheelchair squash advocate Lolly Gillen. Lolly Gillen said: “I sustained a spinal cord injury when I was 16 years old as a result of a parachuting accident and I’ve used a wheelchair ever since. I’ve participated in just about every adaptive sport imaginable from basketball to skiing to sledge hockey to tennis and I’m currently a very active and competitive wheelchair curler. “I thought that I had done it all until Lolly Gillen introduced me to the wonderful world of Squash 57. Squash is a sport I had never tried and never would have dreamed of being able to play. It’s fast paced and exhilarating, and I was hooked from my very first rally.  He said: “I really look forward to being part of Wheelchair Squash57’s growth and development across Canada and in giving others the opportunity to get on court and play a sport that’s easy to learn, fun to play and so addictive!” Jeff recently took up the sport also after a chance encounter with Lolly, who is a member of the Squash57 Commission of the World Squash Federation. “I’m missing half of the left side of my pelvis and am permanently paralysed in my left leg as a result. I now rely on crutches to move around and I thought my days of playing any kind of aerobic sports were over. “With some good fortune in 2023, I met Lolly Gillen who has quickly taken me under her wing to teach me Squash57. Finally, I have a sport that gives me an aerobic workout. It is fast paced and extremely cathartic to feel so active once again. “If there is anyone out there who’s been injured or endured some physical set back, Squash57 gives you the thrilling opportunity to get back on the court.”

Sports Bulletin Report Chennai (India): Pakistan outclassed arch-rival India 2-0 in the final of the 21st Asian Junior Squash Team Championship 2023 to retain their title at Indian Squash Academy, Chennai India on Sunday. In the first match, Noor Zaman Khan outplayed local guy Krishna Mishra 3-1 after displaying a top-quality game, as the match lasted just 35 minutes. The final score-line was 12/10, 9/11, 13/11, 11/9.  Meanwhile, in the second fixture, Mohammad Hamza Khan crushed out Paarth Ambani in straight games 3-0. The final-scorer-line was 11/7, 11/5, 11/4, as the match lasted 20 minutes.

Sports Bulletin Report Chennai (India): Green Shirts were in rampant mood against Malaysia in the semifinal of the 21st Asian Junior Squash Team Championship in which they overpowered their opponent in a single-sided affair at Indian Squash Academy Chennai India on Saturday. https://sports-bulletin.com/single?id=4541 Pakistan will take on traditional foes India in the final on Sunday at the same venue. Pakistan beat Malaysia 2-0: Noor Zaman Khan beat Harit Danail Bin Jefri (3-0) 15/13, 11/6, 11/6 (25 minutes) Mohammad Ashab Irfan beat Shamiel Heayzad Bin Sharulhisam (3-0) 11/4, 11/8, 11/6 (24 minutes)

Sports Bulletin Report Chennai (India): Pakistan overcame South Korea and Hong Kong in straight matches 3-0 on the second day of the 21st Asian Junior Squash Team Championship at Indian Squash Academy Chennai, India on Thursday. Pakistan’s lads displayed top-quality games in both matches, as they defeated Hong Kong without conceding a solitary game while they toiled hard on the court to get-rid-of Korea in three matches. In the morning session, Mohammad Hamza Khan trounced Kun Kim 3-2 after a well-contested five games thriller. The final score-line was 12-10, 7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, as they lasted 35 minutes in the second fixture of the match. Pakistan beat Korea (3-0): Noor Zaman Khan beat Seo Jin Oh (3-1) 6-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (28 Min) Mohammad Hamza Khan beat Kun Kim (3-2) 12-10, 7-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6 (35 Min) Mohammad Ashab Irfan beat Teo Kyung Jung (3-0) 11-5, 11-3, 11-4 (18 Min). Pakistan beat Hong Kong (3-0): Noor Zaman Khan beat Arthur Law Pak Ki (3-0) 11-8, 11-7, 11-3 (21 Min) Mohammad Hamza Khan beat Kelvin Lu Chun Yu (3-0) 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 (22 Min) Mohammad Ashab Irfan beat Tam Tse Shing (3-0) 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 (25 Min).

Sports Bulletin Report Chennai (India): Pakistan, after showing a remarkable performance on the opening day of the 21st Asian Junior Squash Team Championship that started here at Indian Squash Academy on Wednesday, claimed two massive victories against Kuwait and Sri Lanka. Pakistan have been placed in Pool-A along with Hong Kong, Korea, Sri Lanka and Kuwait while India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Taipei are placed in Pool-B. Pakistan squash team comprises Noor Zaman Khan, Mohammad Hamza Khan, Mohammad Ashab Irfan and Anas Ali Shah.  On 09 February, 2023 Pakistan will play against Korea and Hong Kong. Results (Day-1) Pakistan team beat Kuwait (3-0) Noor Zaman (Pak) beat Abdul Rahman Al Hashim (Kuw) 11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, 11-6 in 32 Min Hamza Khan (Pak) beat Abdul Rahman Al Maghrabi (Kuw) 11-8, 11-5, 11-5 in 15 Min Ashab Irfan (Pak) beat Abdullah Ali (Kuw) 11-6, 11-7 and 11-4 in 13 Min. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka (3-0) Noor Zaman beat Thinura Randina 11-6, 11-5, 11-5 in 20 Min Hamza Khan beat Seniya Jayathilata 11-1, 11-8, 11-6 in 15 Min Anas Ali Shah Bukhari beat Sehat Perera 11-6, 11-4, 11-2 in 18 Min.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD: England’s Georgina Kennedy has retained her Cleveland Classic crown after defeating Olivia Clyne of America 3-1 in the 2023 decider. The final score-line was 13-11, 11-8, 7-11 and 11-6, as the match lasted 45 minutes. Kennedy, who defeated her compatriot Sarah-Jane Perry at last year’s event, continued her rich vein of form to land the Cleveland Classic title in successive years after reaching the quarter-finals at the Tournament of Champions and scooping the Carol Weymuller Open trophy. The pair had only met twice on the PSA World Tour going into the final, with Kennedy winning both previous encounters. Both players made a strong start to the opening game as the pace turned up a few notches at the tail-end. Kennedy landed four successive points to go 9-7 up, but Clyne saved two game balls to force a tiebreaker. Kennedy was able to eventually pull away from Clyne to clinch the opener 13-11. It was neck and neck in the second with the scores locked at 7-7, but Kennedy was able establish some crucial breathing space to nudge 10-8 in front, and the World No.11 converted game ball at the first attempt to go 2-0 up. Kennedy came firing out of the blocks in the third as she looked to seal the title in straight games but Clyne, making her first appearance in a final since 2019, responded superbly as she halved the deficit after winning 11-7. Losing the third fired the defending champion up, moving into a 6-2 lead, but Clyne surged back to reduce the arrears to two points. However Kennedy was able to hold off the fightback from Clyne to convert Championship ball at the first time of asking and make it back-to-back titles in Cleveland.

faisal ISLAMABAD: Defending champions Pakistan will encounter Kuwait in their opening match of the 21st Asian Junior’s Squash Championship, which will be rolled into action on March 8, 2023, at Indian Squash Academy, Chennai, India. Pakistan’s four members team will participate in the 10-nation regional squash showpiece, as Pakistan are in Pool A along with Hong Kong, Korea, Sri Lanka, and Kuwait while hosts India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and Chinese Taipei are in Pool B. Pakistan team will consist of Noor Zaman Khan, Mohammad Hamza Khan, Mohammad Ashab Irfan, and Anas Ali Shah, as the team will leave Islamabad on February 7 to participate in the juniors squash fixture. On February 8, Pakistan will take on Kuwait and Sri Lanka respectively in the morning and evening sessions. Green Shirts will face Korea and Hong Kong on February 9 at the same venue on the second day of the Team event Squash Championship. National coach Fahim Gul said: “Our team is in good shape and well trained and we will defend our title, last time Pakistan defeated India in the final to clinch the title in 2020. We trained the boys in the camp at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad and all four-member in good touch. We provided all international standard facilities during the camp." 

Sports Bulletin Report New York (USA): Peru’s Diego Elias and Egypt’s Nour El Sherbini have captured the 2023 J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions crowns, winning their finals under the chandeliers of Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal, New York City. The ‘Peruvian Puma’ made the final of this event last year, losing out to then-World #1 Ali Farag in an exciting battle. This year, he came up against another Egyptian, in Marwan ElShorbagy, in the final and he was in sublime form, winning the match in straight games to secure his second Platinum title of the season. “First of all, I am just super excited. I still can’t believe it! It is like a dream come true. This tournament, it has always been my favourite,” Elias said after his win. “This is such an amazing city, and it’s always full for all the matches. I can’t believe I am here! I just want to thank everyone for making this tournament possible. J.P. Morgan, John Nimick and everyone that has made it possible. “To Marwan, I think he is playing great squash and I want to congratulate him, and I hope we can play many more finals together!” The women’s final was unfortunately cut short, with Nour El Sherbini claiming her fourth J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions crown after top seed Nouran Gohar had to retire early on in the second game. “There are a lot of people I would like to thank. Firstly, I would like to thank Nouran for what she said,” El Sherbini said. “As she said, we have had a lot of battles together from a long time ago and I am glad we are still having them now. I wish her a speedy recovery and hopefully she will be back again quickly, recover well and we can play another final at the next Platinum event hopefully. Results (finals): [2] Nour El Sherbini (Egypt) beat [1] Nouran Gohar (Egypt) (3-0) 11-9, 3-1 rtd (20m) [4] Diego Elias (Peru) beat [5] Marwan ElShorbagy (Egypt) (3-0) 11-2, 11-6, 11-4 (50m)

The Village School earn Division-I and Sampson-Spillane School crown Division-II title Sports Bulletin Report Houston (USA): The Village School won Division-I and Sampson-Spillane School won Division-II 1st Inter School Squash Championship 2023 for Boys and Girls played at Houston Squash Club, Texas United States of America (USA). According to an official, Houston Squash Club organized 171 matches in 2 days at the 10 squash courts facility. The Village School claimed the crown of Division-I while Sampson-Spillane School lifted the title of Division-II. Saif Albraikat, Ahmad Ismail, Faizan Khan, Saad Abdullah and Rayyan provided their full support during the 2-day fixture. Names of other title holders: Boys’ Elementary Champion: (Tamim Aly) Boys’ Middle School Champion: (Affan Rafique) Boys’ High School Champion: (Rayyan Khan) Girls Elementary Champion: (Malika Aly) Girls Middle School Champion: (Zara Zaidi) Girls High School Champion: (Sana Bahadar)  

Sports Bulletin Report Birmingham (UK): The Edgbaston Priory Club and Birmingham Rep will host the most prestigious fixture of the professional squash “The British Open” this year from April 9 to 16, 2023. Pakistan’s Jehangir Khan claimed this title 10 times in a row from 1982 to 1991. The PSA World Tour Platinum tournament, which has been held in Hull since 2013, will return to Birmingham for the first time since 2001 when the Utilita Arena Birmingham hosted ‘The Wimbledon of Squash’. The opening two days of the event will take place at Edgbaston Priory Club, before play moves over to the spectacular setting of The Rep in the heart of Birmingham city centre, where the action will take place on an all-glass show court from round three onwards. Mohamed ElShorbagy and Sarah-Jane Perry will compete for the titles alongside defending champions Paul Coll, of New Zealand, and Hania El Hammamy, of Egypt. A record prize fund of $370,000 will be on offer and will be split equally between the male and female athletes. PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said: “We’re excited to move the British Open to Birmingham, a city which has a rich history within the sport. We started this conversation earlier this year with the West Midlands Growth Company, which aims to attract major events to Birmingham and the wider region, so we are delighted to be announcing this”. “Not only has Birmingham hosted the British Open on five previous occasions, as well as the British Junior Open multiple times, the city also successfully hosted the Commonwealth Games last summer, with thousands of fans flocking to watch the squash. We want to continue this legacy with the latest instalment of the iconic British Open and look forward to working with Birmingham City Council, Edgbaston Priory Club and members of the Birmingham Major Sporting Event Leadership Group over the coming months to ensure we put on a show to remember. “As we look forward to an exciting new era for the British Open, I’d like to take an opportunity to highlight the role that Dr Assem Allam played in staging the event from 2012 until the present day. Dr Allam sadly passed away recently and everyone at the PSA would like to express their gratitude for his unwavering support over the past decade.” Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the British Open to the city, its return is long overdue and adds another exciting and fast-paced sport to the portfolio of major events we are developing. “This partnership is further proof of the way in which our Proud Host City status for the Commonwealth Games has shown governing bodies and sporting federations of our ability to deliver well-organised, well-attended, events that are enjoyed by athletes, spectators and officials alike. “It’s great that the Edgbaston Priory Club and The Rep will be showcased as venues for the Open and this is another opportunity for businesses in the city to boom during our golden decade of opportunity.” Birmingham Rep Executive Director, Rachael Thomas said: “We’re thrilled to be part of bringing the British Open to the city and hosting matches on our main stage in a spectacular all-glass showcourt setting.  We look forward to welcoming thousands of spectators to The Rep over the ten day period and sharing our iconic theatre with them. “Hosting this significant sporting event in partnership with our events company Unique Venues Birmingham and Birmingham City Council generates income that’s invested back into all the work that The Rep does as a registered charity – whether that’s theatre productions on our stages, outreach work in schools and communities or talent development with new artists.  We’re delighted to be playing our part in such a high profile event for the city.” England Squash Chief Executive Mark Williams said: “Following the success of the Commonwealth Games in August, we’re delighted that the prestigious British Open will be coming back to the city of Birmingham. This is a fantastic opportunity to further raise the profile of squash and build on the work we have been doing to help people from communities across the city play squash since the Commonwealth Games. We hope the British Open will inspire people of all ages and from all communities to try squash. “The Rep will provide a fantastic stage for the event, providing both an iconic city centre location and giving spectators an unparalleled viewing experience. We look forward to working alongside the PSA and Birmingham City Council to create a memorable showcase for the world’s finest players and to enhance the profile of the sport in the city.”