Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (SBR): The Pakistan Junior Squash Team, accompanied by Manager Mansoor Zaman and Head Coach Fahim Gul, has departed from Islamabad International Airport for the World Squash Junior Individual & Team Championships 2026.The prestigious 12-day championship will be held from 20th July to 31st July, 2026 at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. A total of 185 players aged under 19 from 24 nations will compete in both the men’s and women’s events.Representing Pakistan in this world fixture are Abdullah Nawaz, Nauman Khan, Mohammad Umair Arif and Yahya Khan.

Abdullah Nawaz, Nauman Khan, Mohammad Umair Arif, Yahya Khan to represent PakistanAbdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: The World Squash Junior Individual and Team Championships will kick off on July 20, 2026 at the Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, as the under-19 players from 24 nations will fight for the titles. Abdullah Nawaz, Nauman Khan, Mohammad Umair Arif and Yahya Khan will represent Pakistan in the prestigious squash fixture of the world.The 12-day championships will see 40 teams compete across 24 nations, with the men’s and women’s events held concurrently following the tournament change in 2024. In the men’s event, 24 teams are set to compete, with two additional teams participating in this championship from last year in Cairo, Egypt.In the women’s competition, there will also be 16 teams that feature, with the same number of participating federations as the 2025 championships. 16 federations will send both a men’s and women’s team, including hosts Canada and defending men’s and women’s champions Egypt.Nigeria’s women will make their event debut, while their men’s team will compete for the first time since 1996. Other federations returning after a long absence include Mexico, who have a men’s team competing for the first time since 2010, and the Netherlands, who will return to the men’s team championship for the first time since 2022.Names of participating countries (24):Australia (Both), Brazil (Both), Canada (Both), Chinese Taipei (Both), Egypt (Both), England (Both), France (Men’s), Germany (Men’s), Hong Kong, China (Both), India (Both), Ireland (Both), Japan (Both), Kuwait (Men’s), Macau, China (Both), Malaysia (Both), Mexico (Men’s), Netherlands (Men’s), New Zealand (Both), Nigeria (Both), Pakistan (Men’s), South Africa (Both), Scotland (Men’s), Switzerland (Men’s), USA (Both)A total of 185 players aged 18 and under are set to compete in both the men’s and women’s draws. Among the star names confirmed for this year’s World Juniors is World No.7 and two-time World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria, who will be looking to make history and become the first ever player to claim a historic third Men’s title.India’s No.1 Anahat Singh will also be looking to claim her first World Junior Women’s Championship, with the World No.20 hoping to go one step further after being eliminated in the 2025 semi-finals.Joining the two high-ranked stars will be France’s European U19 Champion Amir Khaled-Jousselin, Hong Kong, China’s Asian U19 Champion Helen Tang, Pan Am Junior Champion Fiorella Gatti and Australia’s Oceania U19 Champion Sarbani Maitra.Names of players:Australia: Kasper Cheung (M), Stanley Chung (M), Ethan Middleton (M), Henry Kross (M), Joanne Joseph (F), Sarbani Maitra (F), Tina Ma (F), Lilly Wilson (F)Austria: Kristina Begeba (F)Barbados: Daniel Sealy (M)Belgium: Maddox Moxham (M), Corentin Boniver (M), Savannah Moxham (F), Alice Allard (F)Brazil: Viggo Hendricks (M), Owen Hendricks (M), Matheus Frabetti (M), Bernardo Jorge Guimarães (M), Laura Souza Bezerra da Silva (F), Giulia Colleoni (F), Alix Borges (F), Sara Guerra Barboza (F)Canada: Colten McLaughlin (M), Calder Murray (M), Yusuf Matti Alvarez (M), Anderson Brown (M), Wing Kai Gladys Ho (F), Joelle Kim (F), Sasha Lee (F), Veera Dhaliwal (F)Colombia: Maria Gomez (F), Maria Camila Sabogal (F)Chinese Taipei: Pan Hong-Rui (M), Shao Hung Peng (M), Youan Lee (M), Shao-Chien Peng (M), Cordelia Wan-Ya Hsu (F), Yeuk Hei Hebe Chan (F), Yu-Chia Wu (F), Wei-Yu Pan (F)Egypt: Mohamad Zakaria (M), Marwan Assal (M), Seifeldin Refaay (M), Adam Hawal (M), Malika Elkaraksy (F), Ruqayya Salem (F), Barb Sameh (F), Habiba Rizk (F)England: Dylan Roberts (M), Ronnie Hickling (M), Ismail Khalil (M), Gabriel Chak (M), Eve Parkins (F), Emily Coulcher-Porter (F), Reka Kemecsei (F), Harriet Broadbridge (F)France: Amir Khaled-Jousselin (M), Théo Baudry (M), Kousha Moslehi (M), Leo Gailland (M), Leelou Laporte (F)Germany: Levi Visser (M), Oleksii Bielikov (M), Owen Hecker (M), Alessio Fumagalli (M)Hong Kong, China: Long Hin Larry Wong (M), Ting To Brogan Cheng (M), Pak To Lau (M), Chun Hin Ho (M), Tsz Ching Cheung (F), Helen Tang (F), Ena Kwong (F), Pui Yin Chloe Lo (F)India: Aryaveer Dewan (M), Yusha Nafees (M), Gurveer Singh (M), Purav Rambhia (M), Anahat Singh (F), Rudra Singh (F), Anika Dubey (F), Saanvi Kalanki (F)Indonesia: Mohammad Razka Idhmi Sulaeman (M)Ireland: Aaron Knox (M), Conal Jackson (M), Christian Dromgoole (M), Tyler Dromgoole (M), Rebecca Jackson (F), Shriya Drawid (F), Zoe Yeomans (F)Japan: Ren Makino (M), Shunsaku Kariyazono (M), Shu Takahashi (M), Haruto Mori (M), Anna Kuwahara (F), Himari Midorikawa (F), Emily Senior (F), Rio Yoshino (F)Kuwait: Khaled Walead Al Fouzain (M), Abdullah Ali (M), Abdul Rahman Al Sanea (M), Abdulrahman Alkandari (M), Macau, China: Keng In Leong (M), Ka Hei Lei (M), Ian Miguel De Sousa (M), Wu Cheok Io (M), Sierra Chi Cheng Cao (F), Ianna Chi Ian Cao (F), Lok Iong Huang (F)Malaysia: Nickhileswar Moganasundharam (M), Aqil Mirza Naim Khairil Fariz (M), Altamis A Sufian (M), Ivan Jia Yu Chang (M), Harleein Tan (F), Whitney Wilson (F), Doyce Ye San Lee (F), Haneesha Veerakumar (F)Mexico: Luis Marcos Méndez Lara (M), Carlos Sebastian Buenrostro-Orozco (M), Juan Pablo Ramirez Valencia (M), Alexis Sebastián Martín Rosas (M), Gabriela Valentina Buenrostro-Orozco (F)Netherlands: Quinten Van Es (M), Yago Daniel Origel Koers (M), Jesper Hempenius (M), Freek Bonnema (M), Renske Huntelaar (F), Elcke Mols (F)New Zealand: Maximus Mathews (M), Vihan Chathury (M), Ciaran Manning (M), Jack Lord (M), Amalia Ricketts (F), Brooke Valois (F), Liberty Jones (F), Charlee Neilson (F)Nigeria: Yusuf Quadri (M), Shuaib Giwa (M), Joshua Daniel (M), Monday Benjamin (M), Mosturah Durosinlorun (F), Awawu Balogun (F), Delight Allison (F), Khadija Abdulraheem (F)Pakistan: Abdullah Nawaz (M), Nauman Khan (M), Mohammad Umair Arif (M), Yahya Khan (M)Paraguay: Fiorella Gatti (F)Peru: Carlos Torres (M), Amaro Castillo (M)Portugal: Sophia Akbar (F), Kiara Fernandes (F)Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Alnasfan (M), Hassan Aldawood (M)Scotland: Murdo Mackenzie (M), Cailean McAlpine (M), John Green (M), Zack Paton (M), Ella Bannister (F)South Africa: Juan-Corné Brand (M), Joseph Feast (M), Benjamin Newman (M), Dylan Keswell (M), Starla Phillips (F), Brianna Robinson (F), Makayla Naidoo (F), Vivienne van der Schyff (F)Spain: Oriol Salvia Ripoll (M)Sri Lanka: Matheesha Wijesekara (M)St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Jayden George (M)Sweden Rasmus Taube Eliasson (M), Ivar Sawen (M)Switzerland: Nick Melvin Greter (M), Leandro Vogel (M), Mika Von Aesch (M), Morris Frey (M)USA: Yaseen Shalaby (M), Brendan Tagliarini (M), Aiden Chiang (M), Lars Gertsen (M), Diya Yadav (F), Charlotte Sze (F), Lily Bourell (F), Ava Lin (F)Wales: Nia Seren Thomas (F).

Phildalpiha (Sports News): Korea’s Jihyun Lee edged past Ecuador’s Maria Moya in a gripping five-game battle, in the K2 Squash PSA Women’s Challenger 6K Championship 2026, presented by One World Squash, got underway in impressive fashion at K2 Squash Club, signalling another milestone for the venue as it hosts its second international tournament and its first-ever women’s international squash championship.The tournament has attracted players from 13 countries, underlining its growing global stature and the increasing prominence of women’s squash on the international stage. A total of eight matches were contested on the opening day, showcasing a high standard of play, intensity, and competitive spirit. Players delivered commanding performances, reflecting both technical excellence and physical endurance.The standout encounter of the day saw Korea’s Jihyun Lee edged past Ecuador’s Maria Moya in a gripping five-game battle, the longest match of the round, lasting 51 minutes. Jihyun won the epic encounter by 3–2 (18–20, 11–9, 12–10, 6–11, 11–3) in 51 minutes. While Allie Stoddard (USA) [9/16] beat Busayo Olatunji (NGR) 3–0 (11–8, 11–4, 11–1) – 23 mins, Elisabeth Ross (USA) beat Jiya Naik (USA) 3–0 (11–4, 11–2, 11–4) – 18 mins, Rose Lucas Marcuzzo (FRA) [9/16] beat Alysa Ali (USA) 3–2 (11–6, 11–5, 8–11, 6–11, 11–9) – 41 mins.In other first round matches, Wen Li Lai (MAS) [9/16] beat Eva Maheshwari (USA) 3–0 (11–3, 11–6, 11–5) – 18 mins, Bo Ram Ryoo (KOR) [9/16] beat Sameera Shahid (PAK) 3–0 (11–7, 11–6, 11–5) – 23 mins, Gabriella Csokási (HUN) [9/16] beat Nicole Friedman (USA) 3–0 (11–5, 11–4, 11–5) – 21 mins, Franka Vidović (CRO) beat Laila Tantawy (EGY) [9/16] 3–0 (11–0, 11–2, 11–0) – 17 mins. Tournament Director Mohammad Naveed Alam expressed his satisfaction with the level of competition and the successful start to the event. “All matches were played at a very good level, and we witnessed strong performances from the players. We are proud to host our second international event and our first women’s championship at K2 Squash Club, with participation from 13 countries,” he added.

Islamabad (Abdullah Asjad):Shahid Zaman Khan is Ready to Serve Pakistan The Time to Act is NowShahid Zaman Khan, one of the most accomplished and respected figures in modern Pakistani squash, has delivered a clear and powerful message: he is ready to serve Pakistan and the time to act is now.Born in Quetta Cantt into a family where squash is not just a sport but a legacy of national service, Shahid Zaman Khan represents a lineage deeply woven into Pakistan’s sporting history. He is the son of Gul Bahadur Khan, the legendary coach of Balochistan, whose tireless efforts shaped generations of players. From his mother, Shamim Gul sister of the great Qamar Zaman, famously known as “The Master of Strokes” he inherited brilliance and flair. From his father, discipline, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to developing others.Across an extraordinary 32-year journey in professional squash, Shahid Zaman Khan has not only competed he has carried Pakistan’s honor on his shoulders. Spending 16 years on the PSA Tour, he secured international titles, rose to a career-high world ranking of No. 14, and remained Pakistan’s No. 1 for several years. At every stage, he represented the country with pride, professionalism, and unwavering determination.In recognition of his outstanding services to the sport and his dedication to Pakistan, Shahid Zaman Khan was awarded the Pride of Pakistan on 14th August 2025, conferred by the President of Pakistan with acknowledgment from ISPR. This national honor is not merely an award it is a symbol of a lifetime devoted to excellence, integrity, and national pride.After his playing career, Shahid did not step away he stepped forward. For 16 years in the United States, he worked at elite institutions including The Tennis and Racket Club, Equinox, Boston University, Wellesley College, and Harvard Business School. He made history as the first Pakistani squash professional to coach at Harvard breaking barriers and carrying Pakistan’s legacy into the world’s most prestigious environments.In 2012, he founded SZK Squash LLC, building a modern, high-performance training system rooted in discipline, structure, and mental strength. His work has produced not just players, but complete athletes capable of competing and winning at the highest levels.Yet, despite global success, his connection to Pakistan has never weakened. He played a crucial role in preparing his nephew Hamza Khan for his historic World Junior Championship victory in 2023, ending a 37-year drought for Pakistan. In 2025, Noor Zaman’s rise to world champion further signaled that Pakistan’s sleeping giant is ready to awaken.But Shahid Zaman Khan is not waiting for change he is creating it.Returning to Quetta, he has already begun rebuilding from the ground up. Without seeking recognition, he donated equipment, organized six junior tournaments unprecedented in the city’s history and personally trained young players. His mission is clear: revive Pakistan squash through grassroots development, structure, and vision.Now, his message to the nation and its institutions is direct and uncompromising:“This is the time to give back to Pakistan. I have dedicated 32 years to professional squash as a player and as a coach and I am ready to give everything I have to Pakistan’s junior players. If given the opportunity, I am prepared to serve and help take Pakistan squash back to the top of the world.”This is not a request. This is a call to action.At a time when Pakistan squash struggles with inconsistency, lack of direction, and missed opportunities, Shahid Zaman Khan offers something rare: proven international experience, a modern vision, and unquestionable sincerity. He is not asking for titles, positions, or recognition he is offering service backed by results.Pakistan has never lacked talent. What it has lacked is structure, leadership, and the courage to place responsibility in the right hands.

Camaden. USA (Sports Bulletin Report): The K2 Squash PSA Challenger 15K Championship 2026, presented by One World Squash, concluded successfully at K2 Squash Club, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of international squash in the United States. The prestigious Professional Squash Association (PSA) event brought together top-ranked players from around the world, reinforcing the growing global presence of squash and elevating its profile in North America.In the final, top seed Salman Khalil (EGY) delivered a commanding performance to defeat 8th seed Finnlay Withington (ENG) in straight games, winning 3–0. Khalil maintained control throughout the match, securing victory with scores of 11–8, 11–8, 11–7 in 36 minutes.With this triumph, Salman Khalil was crowned champion and awarded a prize of $2,850, while runner-up Finnlay Withington earned $1,800 for his outstanding performance during the tournament.The closing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Sunny Rao, Sudhir Naik, and Ali Rezvi, along with Karamatullah Khan, Founder of One World Squash, and Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam. The chief guests presented trophies and prizes to the finalists, marking the successful conclusion of a world-class championship.This internationally sanctioned PSA event was organized under the leadership of Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam, an internationally recognized squash professional. His vision, expertise, and dedication played a pivotal role in bringing a global sporting event to the United States, further strengthening the nation’s standing in the international squash community.Expressing his gratitude, Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam stated:“We are proud to have successfully hosted the first K2 Squash PSA Challenger 15K Championship. The level of competition was exceptional throughout, and we are thankful to all players, sponsors, officials, and fans for their support. Our goal is to continue promoting squash at the international level and to contribute to the growth of the sport in the United States.”On the occasion, CEO of K2 Squash, Mr. Kama Khan, also shared his remarks:“We are proud to have successfully hosted the first K2 Squash PSA Challenger 15K Championship. The level of competition was exceptional, and we are grateful to all players, sponsors, officials, and fans for their support.I would like to especially acknowledge Tournament Director Muhammad Naveed Alam, who managed every aspect of the event with great professionalism. His dedication, leadership, and international experience were instrumental in the success of this championship. We are fortunate to have such an accomplished professional working with us. With his expertise, we successfully organized our first-ever international PSA tournament.”As an internationally sanctioned Professional Squash Association event featuring global athletes and significant prize money, the championship demonstrated excellence in sports management, international collaboration, and community engagement. The tournament further contributed to the development of squash in the United States by fostering cross-cultural sporting exchange and providing a platform for emerging and elite players.The championship concluded on a high note, showcasing world-class squash and setting a strong foundation for future international events at K2 Squash Club. This landmark achievement underscores Muhammad Naveed Alam’s ongoing contributions to the advancement of squash at both national and international levels

Lahore (Sports News): Approximately 250 players from across the country have submitted their entries to participate in this prestigious event, including Junior Boys (U-9, U-13) and Women’s categories. All participants will also be provided the opportunity to compete in the qualifying rounds۔A key highlight of this championship is that, for the first time, players from the **Members Category** have been given the opportunity to compete at the national level. This initiative marks a significant step toward the promotion of squash and has been undertaken under the leadership of Noor-ul-Amin Mengal٫ President of the Punjab Squash Association.

Islamabad (Abdullah Asjad)Shahid Zaman Khan is not only one of the finest squash players to represent Pakistan in the professional era, but also a powerful symbol of legacy, sacrifice, and lifelong service to the game and his homeland. Born in Quetta Cantt, he comes from a historic squash family deeply rooted in excellence. He is the son of Gul Bahadur Khan, the legendary coach of Balochistan who devoted his entire life to developing squash in Quetta. Even today, at nearly 80 years of age, Gul Bahadur Khan continues to live in the same house in Quetta Cantt where Shahid was born a true example of humility and dedication. His mother, Shamim Gul, was the pillar of strength behind his success. She is also the sister of the world-famous squash champion Qamar Zaman, widely known as “The Master of Strokes.” From his mother’s side, Shahid inherited a legendary squash legacy; from his father’s side, he inherited discipline, resilience, and commitment to coaching. The prayers and sacrifices of Shamim Gul shaped his character and determination. His brothers Ali Jan, Abdul Wahid, and Zahid Gul have always stood by him with unity and pride.Shahid Zaman Khan has 32 years of professional experience in squash 16 years as an international PSA player and 16 years as a respected coach in the United States. As a professional player, he proudly represented Pakistan for 16 years on the PSA Tour, won numerous international titles, remained Pakistan No. 1 for several years, and achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 14. His love for Pakistan was unwavering, and he carried the green flag with pride across the globe.After retiring from professional squash, he transitioned into coaching and has now served 16 years in Boston, USA. He coached at The Tennis and Racket Club, Boston’s oldest and most prestigious club, worked with Equinox, and made history as the first Pakistani squash player to serve as a coach at Harvard Business School bringing pride to Pakistan at one of the world’s most respected institutions. He has also worked with Boston University and Wellesley College, expanding the reach of squash within leading academic communities.In 2012, he founded SZK Squash LLC, where he continues to train juniors, professionals, and passionate players. His academy stands for discipline, character development, and high-performance excellence.Shahid Zaman Khan lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and their three sons Mohammad Khan, Arslan Khan, and Yousuf Khan. All three boys were born in Boston and are growing up under the guidance of their father. They have become talented squash players and are proudly continuing the family tradition. Recently, Mohammad, Arslan, and Yousuf visited Quetta, where they trained with their father and learned the importance of giving back to the community. They are not only learning the game of squash but also the values of humility, service, and responsibility.Shahid has never forgotten Pakistan. When his nephew Hamza Khan became World Junior Champion in 2023 after a 37-year gap for Pakistan, Shahid supported and trained him in Boston before his historic victory. In 2025, his nephew Noor Zaman also became a world champion, continuing the proud family tradition that traces back to Qamar Zaman. Recently, Shahid returned to Quetta with the support of his brother Zahid Gul and donated 20 squash rackets, shirts, and essential equipment. For the first time in Quetta’s history, he organized six junior squash tournaments in 2025 and personally coached rising young players. His mission is clear to revive squash in Balochistan and help Pakistan reclaim its dominance in world squash.Shahid Zaman Khan sincerely wishes to support and work with the Pakistan Squash Federation if given the opportunity. He is ready to dedicate his international experience, professional knowledge, and global connections to help develop young Pakistani players and strengthen the country’s squash system. He believes that with proper planning, modern training methods, and sincere leadership, Pakistan can once again rise to the top of world squash.He also supports youth programs such as SquashBusters, believing that giving back is not charity, but responsibility.With 32 years of dedication 16 as a top PSA professional and 16 as an international coach Shahid Zaman Khan’s journey is a story of heritage, faith, patriotism, family values, and lifelong service to squash and Pakistan.

Lahore (PR): K2 Squash Club is set to host its first-ever PSA Challenger Tournaments this April in USA, signaling a major step forward in its journey toward international recognition. The initiative, led by Tournament Director Mohammad Naveed Alam, highlights the club’s growing stature and ambition to establish itself as a key venue on the global squash circuit.Sanctioned by the Professional Squash Association and presented by One World Squash, the two-phase tournament will feature elite players from around the world, combining experience with emerging talent. The men’s Challenger 15K event, scheduled from April 8 to 12, is expected to deliver high-quality action with a strong international field that includes Salman Khalil, Tom Walsh, Mohammad Sharaf and Yassin Elssin Elshafei. With a total prize purse of $15,000, the event promises intense competition and valuable ranking opportunities for participants.Wildcard entries, including Ahsan Ayaz, add an extra layer of excitement, offering rising players a platform to compete at a higher level. The final is scheduled for April 12 and is expected to draw significant attention from squash enthusiasts.The Women’s Challenger event will follow from April 22 to 26, featuring a competitive lineup of international players such as Zeina Zein, Laura Silva, Lucie Stefanoni and Malak Taha. With a prize fund of $6,000, the tournament will provide crucial exposure and ranking points for players aiming to progress within the PSA circuit.These tournaments represent the culmination of consistent efforts by K2 Squash Club to expand its role in professional squash. Having previously hosted PSA Satellite events, the club has steadily built the infrastructure and organisational expertise required for higher-tier competitions. A key figure in this evolution has been Muhammad Naveed Alam, whose extensive experience, including over 15 years alongside squash legend Jahangir Khan, has significantly contributed to the club’s development strategy.Support from the club’s management, led by owner Karamatullah Khan, has further strengthened this vision. Their commitment to promoting squash and creating opportunities for players has been instrumental in bringing PSA Challenger events to the venue.As the tournaments approach, K2 Squash Club stands poised to make a lasting impression. Beyond the matches themselves, the events reflect a broader ambition to position the club as a recognized destination for international squash, marking an important step in its continued growth.

Jonty BanksThe 2026 British Open Masters will feature alongside the prestigious PSA Squash Tour Diamond-level British Open in Birmingham this summer, with the event being held between 3rd and 7th of June at Solihull & Arden SC and West Warwickshire Club.The British Open Masters Squash Championships is the oldest and most established tournament in masters squash and is widely considered one of the two most prestigious tournaments, alongside the World Masters.Masters events are for players aged 35 and over and cater for both male and female entrants, beginning with the over-35 tournament all the way up to the over-80 event, with consolation plates also on offer.

Islamabad (Sports News): On an exciting second day at the Optasia Championships 2026, Malaysia’s Rachel Arnold and Pakistan’s Noor Zaman claimed seeding upsets to earn places in the quarter finals of the Gold level event. Arnold took on local favourite and No.7 seed Jamsine Hutton in the first match of the evening session tonight at the famous Wimbledon Club, grasping the opportunity to reach a second Gold quarter final with both hands. Arnold stormed out of the gates in the opening game, establishing a 6-1 lead with Hutton not yet at the races. Arnold ran through to 10-4 and despite a comeback from Hutton to reach 9-10, the Malaysian converted. Both players looked to be slightly nervous taking the ball in short with errors coming from both rackets. Arnold turned to her trusted forehand boast to constantly drag Hutton into the front left corner, and if the shot wasn't an outright winner, the follow-up was. She doubled her lead, winning 11-8. Hutton's accuracy and intensity improved drastically in game three. She started to move Arnold away from the middle and earned herself a 7-4 lead. However, errors crept into Hutton's game once again, which gave both points and confidence to Arnold. The Malaysian took the game to a tiebreak and sealed the win by a 12-10 scoreline.“I came into it trying to be confident and I wanted to try and take it point by point and I think that really helped me today. I’m disappointed that I let her back in at the end of each game but overall I’m happy to be able to get through.“Jaz is such a good player and she’s been playing really well lately and she was fighting hard again today but I think I played well in the front corners and just happy to be through.”The only other upset of the day came from Pakistan’s Noor Zaman, who also needed jusr three games and 32 minutes to move past Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas. The highly skilled Zaman was in top form from the outset, moving the ball into the front corners with ease and testing the movement of the Mexican at any opportunity. Cardenas looked as though he couldn't read any of the attacking shots of the Pakistani, as Zaman ran through to win 11-7 and take the lead. Zaman's incredible shot-making continued in game two. The 21-year-old showed no fear as he eyed a second Gold event quarer final and after just 21 minutes, had doubled his lead. Despite a stronger showing from Cardenas in the third game, he still looked to be struggling to read Zaman and utilise his own attacking strengths. Cardenas held a narrow lead but once again, Zaman was able to rattle off the points to move ahead on the scoreboard. Zaman won 11-7 to end day two and complete the quarter-final line-ups.Elsewhere on day two, women’s top seed Hania El Hammamy got her title defence off to a strong start by beating England’s Torrie Malik in straight games. Former World Champions Diego Elias and Karim Gawad advanced to the last eight, whilst Youssef Ibrahim marked his return to action with a win over compatriot Mohamed Abouelghar. Satomi Watanabe and Amanda Sobhy will also face each other in the quarter finals after comfortable wins over Melissa Alves and Kenzy Ayman, respectively. Results: Optasia Championships 2026 Men’s Round Two[3] Diego Elias (PER) bt Jonah Bryant (ENG) 3-0: 13-11, 2-0 ret. (30m)Noor Zaman (PAK) bt [8] Leonel Cardenas (MEX) 3-0: 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 (32m)[5] Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt Mohamed Abouelghar (EGY) 3-2: 7-11, 18-16, 11-4, 7-11, 4-2 ret. (70m)[2] Karim Gawad (EGY) bt Gregoire Marche (FRA) 3-0: 12-10, 11-9, 11-8 (38m)Results: Optasia Championships 2026 Women’s Round Two[1] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt Torrie Malik (ENG) 3-0: 12-10, 11-2, 11-5 (35m)Rachel Arnold (MAS) bt [7] Jasmine Hutton (ENG) 3-0: 11-9, 11-8, 12-10 (35m)[5] Amanda Sobhy (USA) bt Kenzy Ayman (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 3-11, 11-4, 11-3 (38m)[3] Satomi Watanabe (JPN) bt Melissa Alves (FRA) 3-0: 11-8, 11-3, 11-8 (34m)