Pakistan’s squash players Asim Khan and Ashab Irfan advanced to the quarterfinals of the Johns Creek Clemens Open 2025 after impressive victories in the second round on Thursday. The event, a $12,000 PSA Challenger tournament, is drawing strong competition from around the world.
Top seed Asim Khan defeated Egypt’s Kareem Badawi 11-3, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8 in a match lasting 45 minutes. He controlled the first two games with accurate shots and steady rallies. Badawi fought back in the third, but Asim recovered in the fourth game to seal his win.
Second seed Ashab Irfan had a quicker route to the last eight, beating Christopher Gordon of the United States in just 20 minutes. He dominated 11-2, 11-4, 11-4 with fast-paced play and aggressive shot-making that kept his opponent on the defensive.
However, the day also brought disappointment for other Pakistani players. Seventh seed Ahsan Ayaz was knocked out by Egypt’s Omar ElKattan in a five-game battle. Ahsan started well, winning the first game 11-4, but lost the next two tightly contested games. He levelled the match in the fourth, only to see ElKattan take the decider 11-8 after 58 minutes of intense action.
Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim also exited in the round of 16, falling to Brazil’s Diego Gobbi. Despite winning the opening game 11-9, Huzaifa struggled to keep up with Gobbi’s pace and dropped the next three games.
The quarterfinals will now see Asim and Ashab as Pakistan’s remaining hopes in the tournament. Both will be aiming to continue their strong form and push towards the title in Johns Creek.
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