Pakistan’s Hamza Khan from Peshawar creates history by winning World Junior Squash in Australia by beating Egyptian Mohammed Zakaria by 10-12, 14-12, 11-3, and 11-6.
Despite losing the first game, Hamza displayed an impressive comeback, winning three consecutive games. His triumph marks a historic moment for Pakistan as he becomes the first player from the country to win this championship since Jansher Khan’s victory 37 years ago.
The final match saw an intense battle, with Zakaria taking the first game 12-10 in a 26-minute contest to take the lead. However, the second game proved to be a thrilling encounter, as Hamza fought back from being down 8-10 and denied Zakaria the game point twice, ultimately winning the game 14-12 to level the match.
The following two games showcased Hamza’s dominance, as he won the third game with ease in just six minutes, securing a scoreline of 11-3. He continued his strong performance in the fourth game, ultimately winning 11-6.
In the semi-final match held on Saturday, Hamza faced French player Melvil Scianimanico. Despite a tough fight from his opponent, Hamza prevailed in the decider with a scoreline of 11-8, 11-4, 10-12, 9-11, and 13-11, securing his place in the final. This marked the first time a Pakistani player reached the final of the event since Aamir Atlas in 2008.
Throughout the championship, Hamza showcased his exceptional skills, defeating various opponents, including Malaysia’s Joachim Chuah in the semi-final and Netherlands’ Samuel Grates in the round of 16. His impressive journey culminated in a well-deserved victory in the final, cementing his place in the history of the World Junior Squash Championship.
