-Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) secretary Irfan Asghar is optimistic that Pakistan young and talented outfit can finish among top teams at the World Team Squash scheduled later this month.

“Our boys have undergone real hard work and are in good shape. They are fully capable of beating any team in the event,” Irfan told newsmen.

The event will be held from Aug 21-27 in Paderborn, Germany with 32 teams from around the world set to take their chances for podium glory. The PSF has already announced a four-member team comprising Aamir Atlas, Yasir Butt, Nasir Iqbal and Waqar Mahboob for the event.

But Pakistan are pinning high hopes in country’s top player Aamir Atlas, who recently took part in Malaysian Open Squash Championship where he toppled high-ranked Aussie Cameron Pilley in the event before going down to France’s Gregory Gaultier.

“Aamir is at the peak of his career at present and the way he performed in Malaysian Open is remarkable. We are expecting some good results from him this time also,” said Irfan.

He said other players were also in good form and were capable of defeating best players in the world.

“The championship will also be a great opportunity for our boys to learn and perform under pressure,” he said.

According to the draws revealed by the World Squash Federation, England have been named as top seeds for the Championship. Led by world number one Nick Matthew, England are four times winners of the title since 1995. But in the 2009 championship in Denmark, they finished a lowly fourth after Matthew suffered an ankle injury during an early qualifying tie against Germany.

The top seeds will again line up against hosts Germany, the 16th seeds, in the Pool A qualifying group with Spain and Ireland.

Egypt, winners of the title for the second time two years ago, are the No 2 seeds.

Expected to be led by Ramy Ashour, the world No 2, Egypt will line up against 15th seeds New Zealand, Hong Kong China and Sweden in Pool B. France, runners-up in 2009, have been named as third seeds and will head Pool C while Australia, winners of the title for a record eighth time in 2003, are the No 4 seeds.—APP