CAIRO: Pakistan’s challenge at the Palm Hills PSA World Championship came to an end after both national players were eliminated in the second round of the tournament in Egypt.
In the $71,000 championship, Pakistan’s world No. 28 and reigning Under-23 world champion Noor Zaman lost to Egypt’s world junior champion and world No. 8 Mohamed Zakaria in straight games.
Zakaria dominated the contest and secured a 3-0 victory, winning 11-4, 11-5 and 11-5 to advance to the next stage.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s world No. 46 Muhammad Ashab Irfan also crashed out in the pre-quarterfinal stage after losing to England’s Nathan Lake.
Lake defeated the Pakistani player in straight games, taking the match 11-3, 14-12 and 12-10 to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The defeats ended Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament, which is being held in Egypt.
