Noor Zaman wins all-Pakistan playoff

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman defeated compatriot Muhammad Irfan 3-0 on Sunday to finish third in the men’s singles squash competition at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. Zaman won 11-7, 11-7, 13-11 in a 26-minute third-place playoff, with both players already assured of bronze medals after reaching the semi-finals. The match was therefore about final placing rather than a medal, with Zaman producing a composed display to claim third position and Irfan finishing fourth. Zaman took control early, winning the opening two games by identical 11-7 margins. Irfan fought back in the third, forcing a tightly contested game that extended beyond the usual 11-point mark. Zaman eventually prevailed 13-11 to complete a straight-games victory. The contest was officiated by Hong Kong's Yuen Wing Keung, with Kuwait's Abdulrahman Alowaish serving as marker.