Noor Zaman Shocks Defending Champion Gawad to Reach Silicon Valley Open Quarters

REDWOOD CITY: Pakistan’s Noor Zaman delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday, defeating defending champion and world No. 4 Karim Abdel Gawad of Egypt 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the PSA Gold Silicon Valley Open.

The 22-year-old Zaman showcased his skills at the Squash Zone, winning the match with scores of 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 in a competitive 52 minutes. “I was ready mentally and physically today, and I think now is the time for me to beat the top players,” Zaman stated post-match, reflecting on his confidence and readiness to challenge the elite in the sport.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Zaman, who is currently ranked among the world’s top 35 players. Earlier in the tournament, he secured his spot in the last 16 with a 3-1 win over American wildcard Bransten Ming, demonstrating his resilience by coming back from an initial game loss. Zaman, the grandson of former world champion Qamar Zaman and the 2025 U-23 world champion, has been on a remarkable upward trajectory, recently climbing into the top 30 and accumulating five PSA titles.

In contrast, fellow Pakistani player Mohammad Ashab Irfan exited the tournament in the last 16 after a straight-games defeat to fifth seed Mohamed ElShorbagy of Egypt. As Zaman progresses, his performance not only elevates his profile but also shines a spotlight on the growing talent in Pakistani squash, inspiring future generations of athletes.