Nasir Iqbal to face Egypt's Khalil in PN Fleet Club International Squash final

KARACHI: Pakistan's Nasir Iqbal and Egypt's Salman Khalil advanced to the final of the PN Fleet Club Open International Squash Championship on Monday with convincing semi-final victories at the Roshan Khan-Jehangir Khan Squash Complex.

Seasoned Pakistani player Nasir defeated Egypt's Yassin Elshafei 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 in just 24 minutes to book his place in Tuesday's final.

Nasir, who edged compatriot Hamza Khan in a five-game quarter-final on Sunday, dominated throughout the contest and never allowed Elshafei to gain momentum.

"My strategy worked well and I won the match," Nasir said after the victory. "The opponent was good, but finishing the match quickly will help me recover for tomorrow's final."

The victory is expected to boost Nasir's world ranking and improve his chances of breaking into the top 100.

"It was an important event and it will help me get into the top 100, which will allow me to play bigger tournaments," he said.

"Karachi will host another event later this month and then I will compete at the Asian Games in Japan. If I win the title there, I can qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics."

Nasir said Pakistan's squash players needed more international tournaments to aid their development.

Looking ahead to the final, he praised his opponent.

"Salman Khalil is a talented young player and an exciting prospect. He is playing very well and I expect a good final. I will give my best to win it," he said.

In the other semi-final, Egypt's Salman Khalil beat Pakistan's Asim Khan 11-7, 11-5, 7-11, 11-5 to reach the title match.

Khalil won the opening two games before Asim fought back to claim the third. The Egyptian regained control in the fourth game to seal victory and set up a final against Nasir.