ISLAMABAD: Pakistan have been placed in a tough pool for the Men’s World Team Squash Championship starting in the French city of Marseille on November 26. The former world champions have been ranked No 17 in the 24-team event and are grouped in Pool A along with current world champions Egypt and sixteenth seed Switzerland.Two teams from each of the eight groups will play the pre-quarter-finals set to be held on November 30. The quarter-finals will be held on December 1. Pakistan are unlikely to beat the No 1-ranked Egyptians but have a good chance of beating Switzerland and reaching the pre-quarter-finals.The team rankings for the World Team Championship are: 1. Egypt; 2. England; 3. France; 4. Australia; 5. Hong Kong; 6. New Zealand; 7. Germany, 8. India. Meanwhile, Pakistan have finalised a four-member team comprising Farhan Zaman, Asem Khan, Shah Jahan and Ammad Fareed for the world meet.The team is currently undergoing extensive training at the Mushaf Ali Mir Squash Complex under the watchful eyes of former British Open champion Qamar Zaman. Qamar called on his players to stay focused while facing the toughest of challenges. “Working hard on your fitness and staying focused on your game will earn you success. It will help you beat even tough opponents,” Qamar told the players. He asked the players to continue working hard on their fitness. “If you are giving five hours to training, double it. The competition at the international level is becoming tougher with each passing day.”
