Pakistan were off to a winning start on the opening day of the 17th FMC Asian Individual Squash Championship at the Mushaf Squash Complex yesterday, with three of the country’s players registering comfortable wins in the men’s category.

Aamir Atlas Khan dispatched Iraq’s Husham al-Sady in straight games 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 while Nasir Iqbal won 3-0 against China’s Wang Junji 3-0 as well.

“Every win increases my confidence so it is necessary that I maintain my winning streak,” Nasir told The Express Tribune. “I’m happy that whatever I tried today was coming off quite easily and I need that confidence to progress in the tournament.”

Meanwhile, Farhan Zaman beat Iran’s lone participant Navid Malek Sabet in straight games 11-9, 12-10, 11-1. In other matches, Kuwait’s Ammar al-Tamimi won 3-0 against Iraq’s Mohammad Ferman Hasan, while Hong Kong’s Leo Au won with a similar scoreline against Iraq’s Hasan al-Sultaini.

Riffat takes win, Samar loses in women’s competition

In the women’s category, Riffat Khan triumphed against Sri Lanka’s Dulakshi Elikewela 11-9, 11-5 and 11-8, while Samar Anjum went down fighting to Sri Lanka’s Naduni Gunawardane 3-1.

“I tried staging a comeback but I’m gutted at how luck went against me in the end,” said Samar. “My opponent was running out of energy but I couldn’t take advantage.”