Ahsan qualifies for Seattle Squash Open main round

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airline’s Ahsan Ayaz qualified for the main round of the $10,000 Seattle Squash Open in Seattle, USA, on Wednesday.

He defeated Micah Franklin of Bermuda 5-11, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 in the final qualifying round.

He had beaten Tommy Mullaney of US 11-9, 11-5, 11-9 in the first qualifying round.

He will face fifth seed Shahjahan Khan in the main round.

Ahsan is currently getting training from Mexico’s renowned squash coach Felipe Trujano.

“We are very thankful to Felipe for providing free training to Ahsan and getting him play in such big events with improved performance,” said PIA’s Assistant Manager Sports Amir Khan.

Amir, who is also secretary Sindh Squash Association (SSA), added that Ahsan had improved his game under the training of Felipe, so they were thinking of sending another talented player from Sindh.

“Huzaifa Ebrahim is Asian number one in under-11 age category from Sindh. We would like to send him to Felipe so that he too can better his game and register big wins in international circuit,” added Amir.

Felipe in an email to Amir stated that Ahsan was a very talented player and could have a great future if he got adequate training. “Ahsan can develop his skills at 100%. I would want to offer him the choice of having what he needs,” said Felipe.

He added that they had a very good programme at México City where they supported players like Ahsan by offering training and a nutritional and physical programme so they could reach their goals.

Felipe has introduced Ahsan to a programme where they had talented players like World No 35 Alfredo Avila and World No 29 Cesar Salazar.