Pakistan’s Noor Zaman pulled off a sensational upset to secure his place in the quarter-finals of the PSA Karachi Open Championship, defeating Egypt’s eighth seed, Fares Dessouky, in a gripping and controversial encounter.
Fares Dessouky initially dominated, taking the first two sets and putting Noor Zaman under immense pressure. Yet, the Pakistani prodigy displayed remarkable resilience, rallying to claim the third and fourth sets, forcing a dramatic fifth and deciding set.
The final set erupted in controversy when Fares Dessouky, visibly agitated over a referee’s decisions, stormed off the court in protest, leading to the referee awarding the match to Zaman and confirming his advancement.
Noor Zaman had already showcased his fighting spirit earlier in the tournament, clinching a hard-fought 3–2 victory over France’s Melvil Scianimanico on the opening day.
A rising star of Pakistani squash, Noor Zaman has been making waves on the international circuit. Last October, he shocked world No. 20 and fifth seed Gregoire Marche of France at the Open Squash Classic in New York.
His recent triumphs also include winning the Nash Cup 2025 in London, Canada, defeating Egypt’s Moustafa Elsirty in straight games, and claiming the inaugural WSF World Under-23 Squash Championships in April 2025, edging past Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey in a thrilling final.
With his fearless performances and unstoppable momentum, Noor Zaman continues to solidify his reputation as one of Pakistan’s brightest squash talents.
