2025 AST | Hong Kong’s Toby Tse and Pakistan’s Muhammad Ashab Irfan clinch Swarmer SA Open titles
Published Mon 26 May 2025
Article courtesy of Squash SA.
The crowd was electric, the intensity was palpable, and the players knew there was no room for hesitation. With a place in the finals on the line, every shot was laser-focused, every rally a battle of nerves and skill.
Women's Semi-Finals: Risa Sugimoto from Japan was simply unstoppable, proving too strong for the ever-energetic Ella Lash from New Zealand. Despite Lash’s best efforts, Sugimoto sealed the deal in straight games, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s dynamic duo took centre stage in a match dripping with professionalism and precision. Toby Tse dazzled the crowd with her grit and finesse, securing a hard-fought victory over her compatriot Sze Wing Wai, 11-8, 12-10, 11-9.
Men’s Semi-Finals: The showdown between Pakistan’s finest had the crowd on the edge of their seats. It was squash at its most electrifying—attack-minded play, jaw-dropping retrievals, and pinpoint accuracy that made every rally a spectacle. As Jason Mudge put it: "It was high-octane squash, just what our squash-starved community needed!"
After a fierce contest, Muhammad Ashab Irfan surged ahead, outplaying Hamza Khan with clinical precision, winning 11-3, 11-8, 11-7.
On Saturday 24th May, the Next Generation squash courts were once again sizzling as the 2025 Swarmer SA Open finals delivered squash of the highest calibre! Local fans packed in to witness world-class talent.
Women’s Final – A Masterclass in Precision
Japan’s Risa Sugimoto and Hong Kong’s Toby Tse played with grace, flair, and accuracy ruled the rally as these two warriors left nothing behind. Saving their best squash for last, they pushed each other to the brink, with Toby Tse ultimately edging out the win in a thrilling five-game battle: 9-11, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8, 11-8.
Men’s Final – A Showdown of Sheer Determination
Pakistan’s Muhammad Ashab Irfan and Malaysia’s Duncan Lee treated fans to a clash where “impossible returns” became routine. Both players refused to back down, sending shockwaves through the crowd with their relentless play! In the end, Muhammad Ashab Irfan powered through with a 11-8, 12-10, 11-9 victory, proving why he’s one to watch!
A Celebration of Squash Greatness! Squash SA extends heartfelt thanks to all PSA players who graced our courts. It’s been a privilege to host such an electrifying tournament, and we cannot wait to welcome you back next year for another unforgettable tournament!
