Karachi Open thriller: Noor Zaman roars, but Elshorbagy survives

KARACHI: Pakistan’s rising squash star Noor Zaman lit up the glass court at the Karachi Open on Friday, pushing former world champion Mohamed Elshorbagy to the limit in a thrilling five-game quarterfinal before bowing out to the seasoned Englishman in front of a roaring home crowd.

The 21-year-old Pakistani found himself under early pressure as Elshorbagy, a former world No. 1 and current fourth seed, came out firing with trademark precision to take the opening game comfortably. But Noor, fuelled by home support, refused to fade quietly and steadily grew into the contest.

Despite dropping the second game, Noor began to match Elshorbagy shot for shot, finally turning the tide in the third as he unleashed a mix of clever angles and fearless attacking play to claim the game and ignite the Creek Club crowd. Chants of encouragement echoed around the arena as the young Pakistani walked off brimming with confidence.

Sensing the momentum shift, Noor tightened his grip in the fourth game, trading rallies in a tense battle before edging ahead with razor-thin shots skimming the tin that left Elshorbagy scrambling. What had looked like a routine outing for the Englishman suddenly turned into a full-blown contest, as Karachi witnessed squash of the highest calibre.

With fists pumping and sweat pouring, Noor embraced the moment. Having already survived two five-game battles earlier in the tournament, he showed no signs of backing down as the match went the distance. The decisive fifth game unfolded as a gripping duel, with neither player able to break free.

Noor briefly surged ahead as a loose ball caught Elshorbagy off guard, but the veteran responded with trademark composure, winning a marathon rally that swung the momentum once more. The pair remained locked together deep into the game before Elshorbagy raised his level one final time, closing out the match 11-9 as Noor lunged in vain on the final point.

The match ended with a warm embrace between the two players and a standing ovation from the crowd, who saluted a performance that signalled Pakistan’s bright future in squash despite the defeat.

Speaking afterwards, Elshorbagy praised Noor’s intensity and focus, admitting he had been warned about the young Pakistani before the match. He described Noor as one of the most attentive and driven players he had faced and said Pakistan could soon see another world champion emerge.

For Noor Zaman, the loss marked the end of Pakistan’s run at the tournament, but his fearless showing against one of the sport’s elite sent a clear message: a new contender is knocking on the door.