Ashab Irfan Triumphs at Mile High 360 Classic Squash Tournament in Denver
Pakistani squash player Ashab Irfan emerged victorious at the Mile High 360 Classic in Denver, USA, defeating compatriot Asim Khan in a thrilling final.
The intense five-game battle lasted 112 minutes, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill and resilience. Ashab eventually edged out Asim to claim the championship title.
A Thrilling Five-Game Final
Ashab started strong, narrowly clinching the first game 15-13 after several high-pressure rallies. Asim responded swiftly, adjusting his strategy to take the second game 11-8, leveling the match.
The momentum swung in Asim’s favor in the third game, where he secured an 11-9 win, putting himself ahead. However, Ashab fought back with determination, winning the fourth game 11-8 to push the match into a decisive final game.
In the fifth and final game, both players displayed impressive grit, but Ashab managed to hold his nerve and close out the match 11-9, sealing the victory with a final scoreline of 15-13, 8-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9.
The triumph earned Ashab the $15,000 prize and capped off a remarkable run in the tournament.
Path to the Final
Both finalists reached the final after impressive performances in the earlier rounds.
- Asim Khan defeated fellow Pakistani Noor Zaman in the semifinals, while
- Ashab Irfan secured a 3-0 victory over England’s Tom Walsh (11-8, 11-7, 11-3) in just 46 minutes.
In the quarterfinals, Asim faced a tough challenge from Mexico’s Cesar Salazar, the tournament’s second seed. Despite trailing 2-1, Salazar retired during the fourth game, giving Asim the win with a scoreline of 12-10, 2-11, 11-7, 11-0.
Earlier in the tournament, Asim also delivered strong performances, defeating India’s Veer Chotrani and Dillon Huang of the United States.
Ashab’s victory in Denver highlights the growing strength of Pakistani squash and showcases the talent emerging from the country on the international stage.
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