Ashab Irfan Clinches International Squash Open Title

Pakistan’s Ashab Irfan has delivered a phenomenal performance on the international squash stage, securing the $15,000 (Rs. 4.2 million) St. Louis Open 2025 title in commanding fashion. The 20-year-old Lahore native capped off his remarkable run at the RC Pro Series 2025 in St. Louis, Missouri, by defeating England’s Charlie Lee 3-0 in the final, marking a historic achievement for Pakistani squash.

Irfan’s journey to the title was nothing short of electrifying. He first made headlines by clinching a place in the semi-finals after a pulsating five-game battle against Colombia’s Matías Knudsen in the quarter-final showdown. The high-octane encounter stretched well over an hour, with Irfan eventually triumphing 11-7, 11-9, 6-11, 12-14, 11-6 in front of an energetic crowd. This victory made him the first Pakistani to reach the final four of this PSA Challenger-level event since its inception.

The semi-final saw Irfan face off against American Spencer Lovejoy, a familiar rival who had previously bested him in the Oregon Open semi-final in 2023. This time, Irfan turned the tables, showcasing his athleticism, technical prowess, and mental fortitude to book his spot in the final.

In the championship match, Irfan was unstoppable, sweeping Charlie Lee in straight games to lift the prestigious trophy. His victory not only cements his status as one of the most promising young talents in South Asian squash but also signals a resurgence for Pakistan in the sport’s global arena.

With this title, Ashab Irfan has firmly announced his arrival on the international stage, and squash fans across Pakistan will be watching his next moves with great anticipation.