Pakistan's young squash star Noor Zaman lost to former world champion Mohamed Elshorbagy in the Karachi Open quarterfinals on Friday, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament, but the 21-year-old won the hearts of fans with his spirited performance.

 

Zaman gave the former world number one a tough fight in a five-game thriller, earning praise from Elshorbagy after the match. The Egyptian acknowledged the challenge Noor presented, particularly in the later games.

 

The first game saw a weak start from Noor as Elshorbagy displayed brilliant shots and took it 11-2. In the second game, Noor drew energy from the home crowd's and showed a stronger performance, though Elshorbagy edged it 11-8.

 

Noor found his rhythm in the third game and defeated Elshorbagy 11-6 to stay in the semifinal race. 

 

Both players competed neck and neck in the fourth game, but Noor gained the upper hand through some intelligent shots, treating fans to spectacular action.

 

The fifth and final game proved extremely thrilling as both players battled hard for every point. Elshorbagy eventually won the last game 11-9 to claim the match. 

 

At the match's conclusion, both players embraced each other and Elshorbagy offered Noor some advice while fans gave the players a standing ovation.

 

"He is a young guy and was more excited for the match as he was winning the games. It was hard, I can tell you. The fifth game was definitely a lottery. It could have gone either way," Elshorbagy said after the match. "He is very good one to watch in the future," he added.

 

Noor Zaman became the first-ever men's U23 World Squash Champion in April 2025, achieving the historic feat at the inaugural championship held in Karachi. 

 

His accolades include two consecutive Asian Junior Championship titles, a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games, and a bronze in the 2024 Asian Senior Team Event. 

 

In December 2025, he claimed his second Copper-level title of the 2025/26 PSA Tour season at the CAS Serena Hotels International Squash Championships in Islamabad.