Irfan had reached the round with a convincing straight-games victory over Hungary’s Balazs Farkas, winning 11-6, 11-4, 11-5.

REDWOOD CITY: Pakistan’s Noor Zaman stunned defending champion and world No. 4 Karim Abdel Gawad of Egypt 3-1 on Wednesday to advance to the quarter-finals of the PSA Gold Silicon Valley Open in California.

The 22-year-old defeated the second seed 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 in 52 minutes at Squash Zone, eliminating the Egyptian from the $143,500 men’s event.

“I was ready mentally and physically today, and I think now is the time for me to beat the top players,” Noor said after the match.

Noor Continues Impressive Run

Noor had earlier secured his place in the last 16 with a 3-1 comeback victory over American wildcard Bransten Ming.

After losing the opening game 3-11, the Pakistani recovered strongly to win the next three games 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 in 41 minutes.

Born in Peshawar, Noor is the grandson of former world champion Qamar Zaman and the 2025 U-23 world champion. He has enjoyed an impressive run in recent months, breaking into the world’s top 30 and winning five PSA titles.

His victory over Gawad marks another significant achievement as he continues to establish himself among the leading players on the international squash circuit.

Mohammad Ashab Irfan Exits Tournament

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Mohammad Ashab Irfan was eliminated in the last 16 after losing 3-0 to fifth seed Mohamed ElShorbagy of Egypt.

Irfan had reached the round with a convincing straight-games victory over Hungary’s Balazs Farkas, winning 11-6, 11-4, 11-5.

Road to Los Angeles 2028

The PSA World Tour Gold tournament offers equal prize money for men and women as squash prepares to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Noor’s latest victory provides a boost for Pakistani squash, with the young player continuing his progress against established international opponents.