Muhammad Asim Khan of Pakistan caused a major upset on Thursday at the Charlottesville Open Squash Tournament in Virginia, USA, by defeating Egypt’s second seed Yahya Elnawasany in a tightly contested second-round match.
Khan, unseeded in the tournament, secured his place in the quarterfinals after a grueling five-game battle lasting 60 minutes. The match ended with scores of 11-7, 4-11, 11-6, 7-11, and 11-7, showcasing Khan’s resilience and determination to overcome his higher-ranked opponent.
Following the victory, Khan expressed his delight, stating that the win had significantly boosted his confidence as he looked forward to the next round.
Meanwhile, fellow Pakistani player Muhammad Ashab Irfan was eliminated in the second round by Egypt’s seventh seed Ibrahim Elkabbani. Despite putting up a solid fight, Ashab lost 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, and 11-7 in a 57-minute match.
The Charlottesville Open, featuring a prize fund of $28,750, continues to attract top international squash talent. Khan now aims to build on his impressive performance as he advances further into the tournament.