Young Pakistani squash players make their mark at Australian Junior Open

KARACHI: Young Pakistani squash players excelled at the Australian Junior Open, winning four titles in various age groups and missing one by a slim margin in a fierce final.

In the Girls U17 final, Mehwish Ali defeated Eden-Alma Poulava with a straight-games triumph 11-5, 11-5, 11-7 in just 12 minutes. Her younger sister, Mahnoor Ali, claimed the Girls U13 title after eclipsing Riyo Kawabata 11-2, 11-5, 11-6 in 13 minutes.

However, their sister Sehrish Ali fell short in the Girls U15 final, losing a thrilling five games match 15-13, 5-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-4 to Emily Senior after 22 minutes of intense play.

On the boys' side, Azan Ali Khan secured the Boys U17 title with a commanding 3-0 victory (11-6, 11-4, 11-9) over Henry Kross in 23 minutes. Meanwhile, Ahmed Ali Naz triumphed in the Boys U11 final, overcoming Freddie Goldsmith in four games 5-11, 11-2, 11-6, 11-6.

The strong showing by Pakistani players has once again highlighted their growing dominance in junior squash.