The Hashim Khan Championships, a $40,000 Platinum event, returned in full force at The Denver Athletic Club, reaffirming its status as a major stop on the professional squash circuit. Held in Denver, the Mile High City, the tournament brought a unique challenge with its 5,000 ft elevation, requiring players to adapt to the specialized altitude ball used in high-altitude conditions. The event was more than just a professional showdown—it was one of the largest adult squash tournaments in the country, featuring a robust lineup of amateur doubles and singles draws. This year’s tournament marked a significant return to form, spearheaded by new DAC Head Pro Michael Woods, who took over from longtime pros John and Anne Lesko following their retirement in 2024. Woods, a former player at Hobart, orchestrated an event that blended tradition with new energy.
Top seeds James Stout and Scott Arnold, the #1 ranked team, entered the event as favorites but suffered a shocking quarterfinal loss to the Canadian duo of Justin Todd and Cole Osborne. In a dramatic five-game battle, Todd and Osborne edged out the world’s best team 15-14 in the fifth, sending ripples through the competition. Their victory cracked open the top half of the draw, allowing rising stars Josh Hughes and Tor Christoffersen, the 6th seeds, to capitalize. They took down 4th seeds Adam Bews and Kyle Martino in another tight contest, where Bews and Martino staged a comeback from two games down but ultimately fell short. Hughes and Christoffersen then rode their momentum to a semifinal win over Todd and Osborne, securing their spot in the final.
On the bottom half of the draw, first-time pairing Sam Khalifa and Cameron Pilley proved to be the team to beat. They dominated their matches, dropping just one game to DAC Head Pro Michael Woods and squash legend Preston Quick en route to the final. The championship match saw Khalifa and Pilley come out firing, securing the first game comfortably. The pivotal moment came in the second game, a tense battle that ended in another razor-thin 15-14 win for Khalifa and Pilley. With Hughes and Christoffersen running out of steam, the third game was a formality, ending in a quick 15-3 finish to crown Khalifa and Pilley as Hashim Khan Champions. The win marked Khalifa’s second title of the season, elevating him back to World No. 1. Meanwhile, Pilley secured his first-ever Platinum win, propelling him up the rankings from No. 11 to No. 7. With its blend of high-stakes professional battles and a thriving amateur scene, the Hashim Khan Championships once again delivered an unforgettable event, showcasing the depth and excitement of squash at all levels.