2025 NASH Cup – Day 3 Match Summary

Thursday Results – Quarter Finals

Another huge night of squash is complete. Camera issues on court 3 meant many missed seeing some spectacular matches. This will be fixed for Friday night. It was a full house at London Squash, and the atmosphere was electric. 

QUARTER-FINALS

• [2] Moustafa Elsirty (EGY) bt. [6] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) 3:1 9-11, 11-8, 14-12, 12-10 (62m)
• [5] Marie Stephan (FRA) bt. [2] Hollie Naughton (CAN) 3:1 9-11, 11-9, 11-4, 11-8 (39m)
• [8] Muhammad Ashab Irfan (PAK) bt. [4] Veer Chotrani (IND) 3:2 9-11, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 (57m)
• Sin Yuk Chan (HKG) bt. [3] Lucy Beecroft (ENG) 3:0 13-11, 11-8, 11-2 (26m)
• [4] Torrie Malik (ENG) bt. [6] Saran Nghiem (ENG) 3:2 11-9, 11-9, 8-11, 10-12, 11-4 (60m)
• [5] Noor Zaman (PAK) bt. Ronald Palomino (COL) 3:1 11-4, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 (52m)
• [7] Matias Knudsen (COL) bt. Sam Todd (ENG) 3:1 6-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 (57m)
• [1] Sabrina Sobhy (USA) bt. [7] Nardine Garas (EGY) 3:1 12-10, 11-5, 5-11, 11-1 (33m)

JFO Results

Round 2

Chatham

• Liam Marrison beat Will Harris 3-0; 11-6; 11-6; 11-9 (32 min)
• Maximillien Godbout beat Jayden Shortt 3-1; 11-7; 11-5; 7-11; 11-6 (45 min)
• Wasey Maqsood beat Kent Rawlins 3-0; 11-6; 11-5; 11-5 (21 min)
• Elliott Hunt beat Rohan Paliwal 3-0; 11-8; 11-9; 11-1 (25 min)

Sarnia

• Taylor Carrick beat Blake Reinson – 3-0 – 11-4; 11-7; 11-9 (22 min)
• Abbas Nawaz beat Arin Khot – 3-0 – 11-7 ; 11-5 ; 11-7 (21 min)
• Mohammadreza (Barbod) Jafarzadeh beat Ahmed Abdelkader 3-0; 11-5; 11-4; 11-7 (26 min)
• Connor Turk beat Jason Sano Herring 3-0; 11-7; 13-11; 11-5 (28 min)

Quarter Finals

Chatham

• Liam Marrison beat Maximillien Godbout 3-0 – 11-7;11-6;11-7 (29min)
• Wasey Maqsood beat Elliott Hunt 3-0 – 11-7; 11-7; 11-9 (39min)

Sarnia

• Abbas Nawaz beat Taylor Carrick 3-1 – 11-7; 11-7; 7-11; 11-9 (45 min)
• Connor Turk beat Mohammadreza (Barbod) Jafarzadeh 3-0 – 11-9; 11-7; 12-10 (42min)

Court 2    4:00     [1] Sabrina Sobhy (USA; pc20) V [7] Nardine Garas (EGY; 53)

Sam Todd (ENG) vs. Matias Knudsen (COL) – Men’s Quarterfinal – 5:00 PM – Court 2

In what was arguably the most anticipated quarterfinal of the evening, Sam Todd continued his comeback from injury, facing off against seventh seed Matias Knudsen.

Game 1 began with both players warming up through a 20-shot rally down the left wall. After several exchanges, a let was called—perhaps a sign of the long, grueling rallies to come. Five minutes in, the score was tied at 2–2. Todd appeared comfortable targeting Knudsen’s backhand, and it paid off as he jumped to a 6–3 lead. Knudsen responded with two quick points, but Todd pushed the pace and closed out the game 11–7 to take a 1–0 lead.

In Game 2, Todd hit two early tins, giving Knudsen a 2–0 advantage. Todd responded with strong length and a few winners to level the score at 5–5. A loose shot from Todd allowed Knudsen to hit a cheeky drop and take a 6–5 lead. The players traded points to 7–7, with Todd continuing to favor the backhand and Knudsen mixing up his play. A few quick points gave Knudsen game ball at 10–7, and a tough no-let call against Todd handed Knudsen the game 11–8, tying the match at 1–1.

Game 3 started with a mishit winner from Knudsen, followed by a tin and a well-read shot that Knudsen turned into a winner. With a 3–0 lead, Knudsen looked to carry his momentum. Todd fought back to 5–6, but two tins and a poor return gave Knudsen a 9–5 lead. A winner and another Todd tin sealed the game 11–5 for Knudsen, who now led 2–1.

As Game 4 began, a spectator remarked, “Sam has way too many errors right now.” Todd promptly hit tin on the first rally. Knudsen continued to move Todd corner to corner, building a 7–3 lead. A tin from Knudsen gave Todd a lifeline at 4–7. A Todd winner, a disputed no-pickup call, and two lets brought the score to 6–7. A stroke against Todd and a mid-court boast winner brought it to 7–8. A tin and a Knudsen winner gave the Colombian match ball at 10–7. Todd saved one point with a no-let call, then won an epic rally to reach 9–10. But a front-court nick winner from Knudsen ended the match.

Knudsen wins 3–1, with a 17-minute fourth game finishing 11–9, and advances to tomorrow’s semi-finals.

Zaman (PAK) vs. Palomino (COL) – Men’s Quarterfinal – Court 3

Zaman started strong, jumping out to a 2–0 lead. The crowd, energized and divided in support, wondered if Palomino could continue his upset run. Zaman extended his lead to 6–2, applying pressure with punishing lengths and deceptive holds. At 9–4, a straight drive past Palomino brought up game ball, and a rolling front-court boast sealed the game 11–4 in just six minutes. As one observer noted, “Palomino didn’t hit a single winner in that game.”

Palomino needed to shift momentum quickly. He responded early in Game 2, leveling at 2–2. Trading points through the next few rallies, the score reached 5–5. Zaman’s court positioning and holds kept everyone guessing, but a few errors allowed Palomino to stay in it. At 7–7, Palomino gained confidence. A stroke, a boast, and a drop gave him game ball at 10–7. Zaman fought back to 10–10, but two consecutive tins handed Palomino the game 12–10, tying the match at 1–1.

Game 3 began with a let and two strokes against Zaman, giving Palomino a 3–2 lead. The consensus was clear: if Zaman could cut down on errors, he’d win; if Palomino kept applying pressure, he’d stay in the match. Zaman settled in and jumped to a 7–4 lead. A few free points brought him to 10–6, and he closed out the game 11–6 to take a 2–1 lead.

Game 4 started with error-free squash from Zaman, who raced to a 5–0 lead. Drops, drives, and sharp pickups showed he had found his rhythm. At 7–0, Palomino went down with a knee injury—unclear if it was caused by a racket—but a several-minute break followed. After the pause, Palomino fought back to 5–8, but Zaman regained control. He reached match ball at 10–6 and finished the game 11–7.

Zaman wins 3–1 and advances to the semi-finals.

Court 3    6:00     [6] Saran Nghiem (ENG;  51) V [4] Torrie Malik (ENG; 43)

It’s worth noting this is the 7th match between these two! Also worth nothing this author missed the first game, but was told it was an incredibly high level with great athleticism and smooth movement. Malik took it 11-9. 

In the second game, Saran jumped out to a quick 4-2 lead. The players impress with tough rallies, but trade points. Torrie dives and can’t convert, but then goes short with a deft crosscourt up front in the next rally. The next 2 points showcase some hard hitting jump volleys and a quick stroke drawn by Malik before Saran tins twice  to bring it to 7s. Someone in the crowd says ‘Good Squash’ and we must agree. Torrie keeps on her path and picks up 2 quick points and a No Let. A quick tin follows, as does 2 calls, the last being a No let which seals the 2nd for Malik 11-9

Game  3 sees a quick start from Saran, 3-1. Torrie answers with a wickedly deceptive backhand boast, a beautiful backhand drop picked out of the sky, and a vicious backhand kill into the front left. We are seeing more calls compared to previous games, as the stakes seem elevated. Saran holds her shot at 5-4 and Malik backs up hard into the rear glass, but seems ok shortly after catching her breath. Saran pushes with 3 quick points, but Malik answers back with a serve winner to break the momentum (briefly) before an error and a drop that lands too short. 10-6 Nghiem, but Malik delivers a crosscourt nick on the serve, before Saran strikes deep on the forehand corner to take the game.

Game 4 follows suit on quick starts before the players settle in. Saran is up 5-2 before some quick points from Malik bring it closer at 5-4 and some points are traded but a piercing boast put Saran up 9-5! Up against the wall, Malik answers back with force, pace, and determination bring it back to 9-9! Saran pulls a winner out of the air and pumps her fist. Torrie powers the ball into the back to force a tiebreak, but 2 straight strokes give Saran the game, and we are going to 5!!!

The 5th begins with some contact In the front, both players hit the floor but appear ok. The next 3 points are won by Malik who gets in front, stays in front, and goes short with precision. She continues to win points at the front by pushing her opponent deep, and then cutting it in short. 7-1 is a big lead to come back from in the 5th but a couple quick points were exchanged, and a couple calls were made to put Malik well ahead at 9-3. She actually falls in the next rally but recovers to win the point, much to the pleasure of the packed house watching. Unfortunately after all the effort put in to get here, the match ends with a stroke off a bad kick from the corner to the middle, but the crowd erupts at the effort given by both players. The crowd are the real winners tonight – Malik is through to the semis, but all respect to Nghiem for an incredible effort this tournament!

Court 2    7:00     [3] Lucy Beecroft (ENG; 38) V Sin Yuk Chan (HKG;77)

While we have no write up on this quick match (26 minutes) it’s worth noting that Simmi Chan is the only remaining unseeded player in the tournament. She will face Marie Stephan Friday at 7pm.

Veer Chotrani (IND) vs. Irfan (PAK) – Men’s Quarterfinal

Fourth seed Veer Chotrani (IND) looked to continue his strong form and book a spot in the semi-finals, but faced a gritty challenge from Irfan (PAK), known for his relentless style.

Game 1 began with Chotrani showcasing impressive court coverage and a smooth style, quickly jumping to a 3–0 lead. Irfan settled in with solid retrieving but hit a few tins, allowing Chotrani to maintain a 7–4 lead. Irfan fought back to 7–8, but another unforced error on a backhand drop halted his momentum. Chotrani followed up with a winner to reach game ball at 10–7. Irfan kept the pressure on, closing the gap to 9–10, but a tough stroke call handed Chotrani the game, 11–9.

AI-generated content may be incorrect.In Game 2, Irfan aimed to reduce his errors, but Chotrani came out strong again, taking a 3–0 lead. More unforced errors from Irfan extended the lead to 5–1. Both players showcased incredible retrieving, but Chotrani’s smooth shot-making brought him to 10–4. A quick tin from Irfan gave Chotrani the game, 11–4.

Game 3 was more balanced, with both players trading winners and errors. At 5–5, the match was finely poised. Chotrani hit out at 7–6, leveling the score at 7–7. A stroke, a winner, and a tin gave Irfan the game 11–8, pulling him back into the match at 1–2.

Chotrani looked rattled at the start of Game 4, making several errors and falling behind 0–3. A tin and a stroke against him extended Irfan’s lead to 5–2. Chotrani responded with a couple of winners to reach 4–6, but Irfan answered with two perfect forehand drops to go up 8–4. Chotrani closed the gap to 8–9, but a no-let call and a tin gave Irfan the game 11–8. We were headed to a fifth!

In the decider, Chotrani started strong, capitalizing on Irfan’s early mistakes to take a 4–1 lead. A few more solid rallies gave him a 7–1 advantage. Irfan responded with two points, but Chotrani extended his lead to 8–3. Then came the comeback—winner, stroke, and a tin from Chotrani brought Irfan to 6–8. A no-let and a boast winner leveled the score at 8–8. Irfan hit another winner to go up 9–8, and a tin from Chotrani followed by a crisp drive sealed the match.

Irfan completes an incredible comeback from 0–2 down and 1–7 in the fifth to win 3–2 and advance to the semi-finals. A thrilling match from both players.

Hollie Naughton (CAN) vs. Marie Stephan (FRA) – Women’s Quarterfinal

As the match settled in, both players traded points evenly, reaching 4–4, 5–5, and then 8–8. At 9–9, Naughton earned game ball with a strong drive and closed out the game 11–9 after a long rally.

Game 2 began with long rallies, and Stephan took control early at 3–1. A tough call from the referee unsettled Naughton, allowing Stephan to jump to a 6–2 lead. Naughton responded with gritty squash, leveling the score at 8–8. Stephan earned game ball at 10–9, and a tin from Naughton handed her the game. The match was tied 1–1.

Stephan carried her momentum into Game 3, racing to a 6–1 lead as Naughton struggled to find her rhythm. A few solid rallies brought Naughton to 3–6, but Stephan responded with a front-court winner, a strong drive, and a Naughton tin to reach 10–4. Another error from Naughton gave Stephan the game 11–4 in just five minutes, and a 2–1 lead.

Game 4 began with Stephan jumping to a 2–0 lead. Naughton responded with solid length and winners to level at 3–3. Stephan then rattled off two points and continued to trade rallies with Naughton. At 7–4, Stephan hit a dead drop in the front right to go up 8–4. She maintained her momentum to reach 10–5. Naughton fought back to 8–10, but Stephan found the stroke she needed to win the game 11–8 and the match 3–1.

Stephan advances to the semi-finals after a composed and clinical performance.

Court 2    8:00      [6] Melvil Scianimanico (FRA) V [2] Moustafa Elsirty (EGY)

The players in the 2025 NASH Cup have been wonderful. Billets have had nothing but positive things to say and their interactions with members have added to the tournament experience. It means a lot. As we enter the Finals weekend it’s sad to see so many leave and we can only hope they will return in 2026. JN

Thank you to tonight’s writers Mark McLean and Jeremiah Rusznyak…and to photographers Julia Nash (pictured below) and Rael Wienburg (who took her picture and the crowd shots above)

We would also like to say a big thank you to Dan VanMoorsel, Rory Bradd, and all the supporters at the Maple City Squash Club (Chatham) and Sarnia Riding Club  who have hosted the opening 3 rounds of the 2025 Jack Fairs Open.

Friday’s Semi-Final Matches

• 5pm  [1] Sabrina Sobhy (USA; pc20) V [4] Torrie Malik (ENG; 43)
• 6pm [7] Matias Knudsen (COL; 61) V [5] Noor Zaman (PAK; 58)
• 7pm Sin Yuk Chan (HKG;77) V [5] Marie Stephan (FRA;49)
• 8pm [8] Muhammad Ashab Irfan (PAK;59) V [2] Moustafa Elsirty (EGY)

Jack Fairs Open

• 5pm     [7] Abbas Nawaz v [2] Connor Turk
• 6pm     [1] Liam Marrison v [6] Wasey Maqsood

Also…..52 players will begin competition in the LSFC NASHionals Softball Classic singles tournament at noon.