“I Could Have Played Better” – Noor Zaman Upsets Idol Mazen Hesham in PSA Gold Optasia Squash Championship 2026 Thriller

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman progressed to the Round of 16 of the PSA Gold Optasia Squash Championship 2026 after defeating Egypt’s Mazen Hesham in a five-game opening round match at the Wimbledon Club in London on Tuesday.

Zaman started strongly and took the opening game comfortably, but Hesham responded by levelling the match. The contest remained closely fought as both players exchanged games, pushing the match into a deciding game.

In the final game, Zaman dominated the rallies and secured the win with a convincing margin. He completed a 3-2 victory to move into the next round of the tournament.

After the match, Zaman said he was satisfied with the result but believed there was room for improvement in his performance.

"I'm really pleased with my performance," said Zaman.

"As you know, Mazen is a top squash player, and my favourite player, actually. I love the way he plays his shots; I try to learn from him. He is coming back from injury, so not at his best.

"I feel I could have played a better squash. I only played solo on the court, and I don't think my game was in place enough today."

Zaman will now face Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas in the Round of 16. The two previously met at another event where Cardenas won a closely contested match, setting up another competitive encounter.

Originally, Zaman was scheduled to play fellow Pakistani Ashab Irfan in the opening round, but a late change in the draw resulted in Hesham entering the match instead.