MARSEILLE - World No 6 Egyptian Marwan El Shorbagy expressed his delight over participating in the $50,000 Pakistan Open starting from December 17 at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad.

Talking to The Nation, Marwan, who is younger brother of world number 3 Muhammad El Shorbagy and will be a top seed for Pakistan Open, said: “I am very excited as I have heard a lot about Pakistan. Off course, it will be my very first visit to the land of champions, but my fellow Egyptians, who have visited Pakistan many time to play tournaments there, fully praised the countrymen for their love, care, hospitality and the massive support, they received from the squash-loving Pakistani spectators.”

When asked the reason of playing Pakistan Open in the country, Marwan said: “I always wanted to experience Pakistan, as it got so much history in squash, as this country had ruled the squash world for around four decades and it would also provide me with an opportunity to meet with legends like Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan, Qamar Zaman and also help me interact with a lot of international and local players there. We are all squash family and we have spent a lot of time outside our countries and homes, so the players are now our family. Pakistan, being former superpower of squash, deserves better treatment and we all want to contribute in the best possible fashion.”

Marwan said he would love to travel to different places of the capital of Pakistan, as he had heard so much about the beauty of Islamabad and its adjoining areas. “Off course, being a top seed, it will add more pressure on me, so I will be completely focusing on my game. Visiting Pakistan for me will be like dream come true, as I have long thinking about travelling to Pakistan since long and finally, I got that opportunity. I will meet with Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) officials as well, while upon my return, I will talk about my experiences with my countrymen and fellow players.”

He said: “I have played against Farhan Mehboob in 2011 in Rotherham, Netherlands. He is a very talented player, who is a tough nut to crack, but unfortunately, he got injured and couldn’t finish the match. Farhan Zaman, Shahjahan, Ammad and Asim are also very good players. I think not only local but also international players would also be very tough and all would be eyeing to win the mega event for the respective countries.

“I am focusing on task ahead, which is winning the Pakistan Open. I am going to win the hearts and minds of Pakistanis and will return with a feeling that I have another home in Pakistan. It would be tough competition and all players would be fully prepared. My main task would be to play my natural game and forget about the results and whom against I am playing. I am now very eager to reach Pakistan and play Pakistan Open there,” Marwan concluded.