Farhan beats Israr to clinch men’s title in style

ISLAMABAD: Farhan Mehboob, the most versatile local player, clinched $10,000 Pakistan Squash Circuit I men’s title in style at the Mushaf Ali Mir Squash Complex here Sunday.

In what turned out to be a one-sided final, Farhan looked like teaching squash lesson to young Israr Ahmed with 11-7, 11-7, 5-11, 11-4 victory within 36 minutes.In $5,000 women’s final, Faiza Zafar tamed her younger sister Madina Zafar 11-7, 15-13, 9-11, 11-6 inside 26 minutes to earn the title.

It was resurgence of Farhan Mehboob that is expected to come as a good omen for Pakistan squash. Farhan was seen at his usual best in the final, giving no room to young Israr to come out of his pressure. After winning the first game easily, Farhan exerted the same tactics on his opponent with exhibition of some quality overhead and cross court winners to take the second game.

It was only in the third game that Israr seemed to have been picking his game up. Some leniency on the part of Farhan also contributed to the cause. Former world No 14 Farhan played some reckless shots and was seen hitting tin couple of times to concede the third. He was also seen back to his usual best in the fourth and started dictating terms throughout to emerge the winner.

“In between, Israr played better game. Though I made some mistakes in the third, I recovered well to take the fourth, match and with it the title,” Farhan said.He hoped that Circuit-I title would just be a beginning. “Pakistan will host many international events in future and I am looking forward to do well in all these events. A good performance here in the circuit would help me improve my rankings”, Farhan added.

The women’s final also turned out to be a mere one-sided affair as Faiza easily defeated her sister to win the title. She proved nimble footed and also showed her skills in much better way. Faiza’s court coverage backed by her better fitness and ability to meet the ball at right place help her win the crown.

Faiza dominated the first game, easily winning it. The second game was a

close affair. Faiza stayed cool to win it. Madina came back strongly in the match by winning third and taking the final to fourth. Faiza again was seen dictating terms as she clinched the title winning the fourth.

Former British Open champion Qamar Zaman was the guest of honour and distributed cash prizes and trophies among the winners.Also present on the occasion were Mansoor Ahmed (DDG ADM) Pakistan Sports Board and Group Captain Tahir Sultan, secretary Pakistan Squash Federation.