ISLAMABAD: Pakistan have been placed in tough pool for the Men’s World Team Squash starting from November 26 in French city Marseille. Former world champions have been ranked No 17 in the 24-team event and are grouped in Pool A along with world champions Egypt and sixteenth seed Switzerland. Two teams from every Group (A to H) would go on to play the pre-quarter-finals set to be held on November 30 with the winners making it to the quarter-finals to played on December 1. Though Pakistan are unlikely to beat powerful Egyptian side that is ranked No 1 in the Team Championship they have good chances of making it to pre quarters in case the selected team go on to beat Switzerland in pool engagements. Top eight teams have been placed at the top of their respective pools. The ranking of the teams for the World Team Championship is 1: Egypt; 2: England; 3: France; 4: Australia; 5: Hong Kong; 6: New Zealand; 7: Germany and 8: India. Indian and 9th ranked Malaysia have been placed in Group H in the competition. Meanwhile, Pakistan has already finalized four-member team for the world meet. The team is Farhan Zaman, Asem Khan, Shah Jahan and Ammad Fareed. The team is currently undergoing extensive training at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex under the watchful eyes of former British Open champion Qamar Zaman. The former champion involved players in pip-talk ahead of their journey to France. Qamar’s motivational speech called on the players to stay mentally focused while facing toughest of challenges. “Working hard on your fitness and staying focused on your game would earn you success. You can beat the toughest of opponents if you are physically fit and mentally focused,” Qamar told the selected players.
