Jahangir to train juniors ahead of World Squash C’ship

ISLAMABAD: Squash legend Janhangir Khan has agreed to train World Junior Championship bound Pakistan players prior to their departure for Chennai (India) on July 14.

A Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) official has confirmed to The News that that Jahangir will train junior for almost five days before team’s departure to India. “The World Championship bound juniors currently training in Islamabad will have a second round of training session in Karachi starting from Monday July 9 before leaving for India to compete in the event. Jahangir very graciously has accepted the request to train juniors for almost five days ahead of their departure to India. Before departing for the important event, former world and British Open champion Jahangir Khan’s guidance and help would be of vital importance for the juniors,” the official said.

A nine-member Pakistan squad including six players is to leave via Lanka Airline to Chennai where the event starts from July 23.

“Jahangir has not only conquered the world at senior level he was also world junior champion as such would be knowing well what is important during such competition. His guidance would help boost team’s morale ahead of departure.”

Meanwhile, the organizers in Chennai have released draws of individual event with one of the leading juniors Abbas Zeb having comparatively easier first and second round matches.

Abbas is to play against South African Murray Shepers in the first round and most probably would take on winner of New Zealand Thomas and Canadian Darosham Khan match.

Abbas would not be playing against seeded player till the third where his expected rival would be from No 9 to 16 seed.

No Pakistan player has been seeded in the individual event of the World Open mainly because of their lack of international exposure at junior level.

Another leading player Uzair Shoukat would be seen playing against Malaysian Hafiz Zhafri in the first round.

Asadullah will be up against Indian Utkarsh Baheti. Three more Pakistanis have been drawn in the lower half with Farhan Hashmi would be seen locking horns against Qatri Mohammad Al Murakhi in the first round. Harris Qasim has a tough opening round match against Australian Ethan Eyles while Mohammad Uzair would play New Zealander Leo Fatlolafa in the first round.

Egyptian Marwan Tarek who is part of senior circuit has been seeded No 1 for the World Championship with his countryman Mostafa Asal seeded No 2 in the event.