A Rocky Start Followed by a Fierce Comeback
The match began with a dominant performance by Elshorbagy, who comfortably claimed the opening game 11-2. The 21-year-old Pakistani seemed unsettled early on, unable to match the Englishman’s precise and powerful shots. However, buoyed by the enthusiastic support of a home crowd at the Creek Club’s glass court, Noor rallied to make the second game more competitive, ultimately dropping it 11-8 but with growing confidence.
Noor Takes Control, Pushes Match to Five Games
In the third game, Noor found his rhythm, overpowering Elshorbagy 11-6 and reigniting hopes for a semifinal berth. The crowd responded with cheers of “Shabash Noor!” as the young local star began diminishing Elshorbagy’s early dominance.
The fourth game proved to be fiercely contested, with neither player yielding easily. Noor surprised his opponent with tactical shots just above the tin, edging ahead to level the match and intensify the atmosphere further.
Decisive Final Game Full of Drama
The fifth and final game saw both players exchanging lead after lead in a tense battle. Noor managed to pull ahead 6-5 at one point, but Elshorbagy answered back with a remarkable rally, raising the intensity even higher. The game culminated in a tight finish, with Elshorbagy narrowly clinching the game 11-9. Noor, despite a desperate dive, was unable to recover the ball in time.
Sportsmanship and Praise
After the match, the two players embraced warmly, with Elshorbagy offering words of encouragement to Noor. The crowd gave a standing ovation, acknowledging the high level of play and the spirited contest.
“I’d heard about Noor and was advised to watch out for him. Although I hadn’t played him before, he surprised me by rising to the challenge early on,” Elshorbagy said. “Noor is incredibly focused, always learning and improving. It’s exciting for Pakistan to have such a talent emerging, and I hope the nation continues to produce world champions.”
Looking Ahead for Pakistan
Noor Zaman’s impressive performance, especially against a top-tier player like Elshorbagy, highlights the growing strength of Pakistani squash. With dedicated young players like Noor making their mark, the country continues to build hope for future international success.
