Farhan, Israr in squash final

ISLAMABAD: Farhan Mehboob and Israr Ahmad will play for the $ 10,000 men’s squash Circuit I title following contrasting wins in the semi-finals Saturday at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex.

Women’s final will see two sisters Madina Zafar and Faiza Zafar fighting for the trophy Saturday.

It was all too easy for fit again Farhan Mehboob against Pakistan No 1 Farhan Zaman as he raced away with relatively easy three game 11-8, 11-9 and 13-11 victory. Some lose display of squash from Zaman where he was seen hitting tins too often turned out to be the main reason of his down fall. On other hand after missing the competitive squash for well over three months, Farhan Mehboob was seen playing his usual best squash. He was brilliant with his wrest work, earning numerous points with this wily effort.

His opponent in the final would be none other than former Asian Junior champion Israr Ahmad who struggled hard to beat Amaad Fareed 8-11, 11-5, 4-11, 13-11 and 11-9.

Even after trailing 1-2 and sensing defeat in the fourth game, Israr recovered well to win the semis. Amaad played well but was seen lacking the ability to finish the match and that was where Israr looked good.

Israr consistent approach and his ability to cover the court well turned out to be his winning recipe at the end.

In $ 5000 women singles final two sisters Madina and Faiza Zafar would be in action Sunday.

World No 193 Madnia Zafar got better of local player Zoya Khalid in a well contested semi-finals11-9, 11-7 and 11-7.

The second women semi-finals turned out to be really exciting one as both Faiza and Amna Fayyaz who are in their early teen gave good account of themselves. Both seems to be having bright squash future ahead of them. World No 170 Faiza Zafar used her recent international experience well to emerge victor even after losing the first game 5-11, 11-8, 11-9 and 11-5.

Amna Fayyaz played some brilliant shots during the match but she lacked experience and true technique to finish the point which ultimately turned out to be her downfall.