ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Open squash has returned to the country following a wait of 10 years and after renewed efforts by the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) to convince world bodies regarding security arrangements made for players and officials. The Serena Pakistan Open and the Chief of Air Staff Women Open will be held simultaneously from December 17-24 at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex here.“Following the recent ‘dharna’, the World Squash Federation (WSF) and Professional Squash Association (PSA) were reluctant to honour their commitment. Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi (senior vice president PSF) and former British Open champion Qamar Zaman pleaded Pakistan’s case during recent AGM meetings of the two bodies in France. They successfully persuaded them that Pakistan is safe to host any international event,” PSF Secretary Group Captain Tahir Sultan said in a media briefing on Wednesday. The PSF secretary also thanked the sponsors ‘Serena Hotels’ and Aziz Boolani (CEO) for coming forward and supporting the federation to host the event.Some leading international players from Egypt, Hong Kong, Malaysia, England, Australia, France, Spain, Wales, Portugal, Switzerland and Iran are to compete in the event. “Pakistan Open was one of the major events on the international circuit almost ten years back. We have been given permission to hold $50,000 event this fall. The PSF hopes that in a couple of years, it would be in a position to hold bigger prize money events. During the WSF’s AGM, we also pleaded our case of more international circuit events for the next season.” Sultan said that all these steps were taken to help leading players improve their international rankings.“This effort is for the national players. We are trying to provide the best of facilities and opportunities to Pakistani players in an effort to see them climbing on the PSA rankings.” Egyptian world No 6 Marwan El Shorbagy is the top seed of the event with his countrymen Mohammad Abouelghar (13th) and Zahed Mohammad (25th) and Hong Kong’s Leo Au (26th) are the other top players. Pakistan has given wildcard to Israr Ahmed while Farhan Mehboob, Farhan Zaman and Ahsan Ayaz are the other local players who succeeded in getting main round places.In CAS Women Open with a prize money $25,000, world No 11 Annie Au (Hong Kong) is the top seed while women from Egypt, Australia and Malaysia are also in run for the title. Sadia Gul has been given wildcard for the event.On the occasion, Pakistan Open and CAS Women Open trophies were also unveiled.
