Irfan sinks Indian rival to reach Asian Games squash semis

Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan recovered from a first-game setback to defeat India’s Veer Chotrani 3-1 in the men’s singles quarter-final at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Friday, booking his place in the semi-finals. Chotrani made the faster start at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena, taking the opening game 11-6 after a ten-minute battle. Irfan responded immediately, lifting the second game 11-8 before taking control of the contest. The Pakistani won the third game 11-3 and completed the comeback by claiming the fourth 11-3, sealing victory after 41 minutes. Irfan’s consistency and ability to extend rallies proved decisive after Chotrani had threatened to take control early. The Indian was unable to reproduce his first-game momentum as Irfan won three consecutive games to close out the match.