KARACHI: Mohammad Asim Khan and Tayyab Aslam are now one match away from an all-Pakistan final in the CNS International Squash Championship.

The top two seeds advanced into the semi-finals in contrasting fashion against opponents from Hong Kong on Friday, with Asim coming from behind to down Tang Ming Hong while Tayyab won in straight games against Methew Lai.

Sixth-seeded Tang had stunned Asim by taking the first game but the top seed rallied to win 6-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-8 in 51 minutes to set up a last-four clash against compatriot Nasir Iqbal.

Nasir, who was given a wildcard entry, swatted aside Malaysia’s Mohammad Syafiq Kamal 11-8, 11-8, 11-4 in under half an hour.

Second seed Tayyab earned his spot in the final four after a well-contested clash against Lai, the eighth seed. Tayyab prevailed 12-10, 12-10, 11-9 in just under 40 minutes and next faces Egyptian Mohammad Zakaria.

Zakaria, the fourth seed, denied Pakistan a semi-final sweep when he took down Noor Zaman in a gruelling battle that stretched to five games and 56 minutes.

Seventh-seeded Noor came back from 2-0 down to level the match but Zakaria eventually claimed the decisive game for an 11-9, 14-12, 6-11, 8-11, 11-5 victory.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2024