Haris wins National Junior Squash title

LAHORE: Living up to the expectations, Haris Qasim exhibited high quality squash to win the U19 title of the All Pakistan National Junior squash championship beating Oan Abbas 11/3, 11/9, 11/6 in the final here on Wednesday at PSA complex.

In an all-Punjab final Haris seemed in hurry in wrapping up the one-sided match spending just 22 minutes in the court. Haris thrilled the audience with his agility and vast reach in far corners of the court, especially close to the tin by by picking up some some low balls.

Oan tried to engage Haris in rallies but the winner cut down all such efforts with aggressive shooting with mid court play. “It was a easy win, I was expecting a tough challenge from him (Oan) who could not sustain the pressure which I mounted with my aggressive approach”, said a jubilant Haris while talking to APP after the match.

He said he is confident to show consistency by producing good results in coming national junior squash events. Farhan Hashmi of SNGPL won the U17 title by routing Saqib Iqbal of KPK in straight sets 11/9, 11/3, 11/7.

Farhan labored for 31 minutes to sniff a weaker challenge of Saqib who fell short of expectations in the ultimate showdown. Farhan was ahead in all departments of the game underling his squash talent with anticipation and commitment. He displayed ssuperb back and fore hand shots to leave his opponent helpless on occasion.

Saqib adopted a defensive approach which let him down in the match and he was never on right path in the match to prove himself a visible threat to his rival.

“It was a one sided final but I enjoyed playing it and the win has made me happy,” said Farhan after the match. He said his strategy to keep Saqib under pressure right from the beginning was the key factor of his victory.