Pakistan’s rising squash star Ashab Irfan has booked his place in the final of the Jones Creek Open Squash Tournament 2025 in the United States. The second seed overcame Brazil’s Diogo Gobbi in a tense semi-final clash on Sunday.

The $12,000 prize-money event saw Ashab deliver a commanding 3-1 victory in 53 minutes with game scores of 11-7, 14-12, 4-11, and 11-5. His aggressive style and composure in crucial points allowed him to dominate key moments and secure his spot in the title match.

In contrast, compatriot Asim Khan, the tournament’s top seed, was knocked out in the other semi-final. Asim faced Malaysia’s Nathan Chua, who produced a stunning performance to win 3-1 (11-9, 4-11, 11-7, 11-9). The result ended Pakistan’s hopes of an all-Pakistani final.

Earlier, both players impressed in their quarterfinals on Saturday. Asim outlasted Egypt’s Omar El Kattan 3-1 in 46 minutes, while Ashab outclassed Mexico’s Cesar Segundo in straight games (11-3, 11-8, 11-3). Their victories underlined Pakistan’s strong presence at the event.

Ashab’s road to the semis included a spectacular 20-minute demolition of American Christopher Gordon, winning 11-2, 11-4, 11-4. Asim also showed his skill in the earlier rounds, defeating Egypt’s Kareem Badawi 3-1.

Other Pakistani players, Ahsan Ayaz and Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim, exited earlier. Ahsan fell in a five-game battle against El Kattan, while Huzaifa lost to Gobbi in the round of 16.

The final now offers Ashab a chance to claim the title and add a major international win to his career highlights.