Alex Eala breaks into world top 20 after superb Washington title run

Pakistan continued their impressive run at the World Junior Squash Team Championship, securing a place in the pre-quarter-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-0 in their second group-stage match. The national junior side delivered another dominant performance, with all three Pakistani players winning their respective matches in straight games. The comprehensive victory followed Pakistan’s successful opening fixture, giving the team two wins from two matches and ensuring qualification for the knockout stage. Pakistan started the contest with confidence, taking control of the opening match from the outset. Their first player maintained a consistent tempo throughout, comfortably defeating his Swiss opponent without dropping a game. The momentum continued in the second match as Pakistan once again displayed superior skill, movement, and composure on court. The Swiss player struggled to match the pace and precision of the Pakistani representative, who wrapped up the contest in straight games to give his team an unassailable 2-0 lead. With the tie already secured, Pakistan’s third player completed the clean sweep in equally convincing fashion. Producing another composed display, he claimed victory in straight games to seal a 3-0 triumph for the team. The result highlighted Pakistan’s strong form in the tournament, with every player contributing to back-to-back victories during the group stage. Winning all three individual matches against Switzerland also underlined the team’s depth and consistency. Having already registered a victory in their opening group fixture, Pakistan finished the group phase with a perfect record of two wins from two matches. The unbeaten run has earned the team a place in the pre-quarter-finals, where the competition is expected to become even more challenging. Pakistan has a rich history in squash and continues to produce promising young talent through its junior development system. Performances such as these offer encouragement that the country’s next generation of players can continue the legacy established by former world champions. The team will now shift its focus to the knockout rounds, where stronger opposition awaits. Maintaining the same level of discipline, consistency, and confidence will be crucial as Pakistan aims to progress deeper into the championship. With two commanding victories and every player contributing positively, Pakistan enters the pre-quarter-finals with growing momentum and hopes of extending its impressive campaign on the world stage.

LISBON: Cristiano Ronaldo has given his clearest indication yet that the end of his extraordinary football career could be approaching, saying the upcoming season may be his final one as a professional. The 41-year-old Portugal captain, however, appears determined to make his final chapter memorable. Ronaldo is chasing the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 goals and wants to leave the sport with a legacy that reflects more than two decades at the highest level. “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview published on Sunday. Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting CP in 2002 and has since built one of the most decorated careers in football history. He has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before continuing his career with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also become one of international football’s most prolific scorers with Portugal. Ronaldo currently has 976 goals for club and country, leaving him just 24 goals short of the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. Reaching that figure before retirement would add another remarkable achievement to a career already filled with records. Yet one major prize remains missing from his collection: the FIFA World Cup. Portugal’s failure to win the 2026 tournament means Ronaldo will likely finish his international career without lifting football’s biggest trophy. Despite his latest comments, Ronaldo has not announced a specific retirement date, leaving open the possibility that he could continue beyond the coming season. The veteran forward has also begun thinking about life away from football. He said he has plenty of interests that could keep him occupied once he finally steps away from the game. Ronaldo mentioned travelling more, playing padel and enjoying the rewards of a career built on years of discipline and sacrifice. For now, though, his focus remains on football — and perhaps the most eye-catching target of all: becoming the first player to reach 1,000 career goals.