Tayyab hopes to make winning start in World Open squash

ISLAMABAD: Tayyab Aslam, Pakistan No 1 and lone local competing in the World Open Squash, hopes to make comparatively easier first round count following the hard training he has gone through in the run-up to the mega event.

World No 55 Tayyab is pitted against Frenchman world No 80 Victor Crouin in the opening match of the main draw.Talking to ‘The News’ on the eve of his departure for New York enroute to Chicago (USA) where the Open starts from February 23, Tayyab admitted getting relatively easier first round.

“Yes, luckily I am enjoying much easier first match against Crouin. I have the experience of playing against the Frenchmen once, where he emerged winner on a match point in Malaysia. Since then his ranking fell to 80 and mine has gone up. I am hopeful and expect to make a winning start in the Open.”

The 24-year old Lahore-based Pakistani termed the Open as the biggest chance to excel at international level. “This tournament holds immense importance for me as even a win in the first round would ensure improvement in my ranking. I, however, would try to go further. I have trained hard for the event and hopefully would be in a better shape to put up a resolute show.”

Tayyab is planning to stay in New York for five days for training plus friendly competition against other Open participants. “We are to gather in New York where we have planned some matches with other Open participants before heading for Chicago. Hopefully these matches would help me get required acclimatisation.”

Tayyab, however, was unhappy at Pakistan Squash Federation’s (PSF) reluctance to support him in any way for the Open.‘The PSF has nothing to do with my trip to Open. Though Punjab Squash Association has promised me of ticket, I would be bearing all the expenses at my own,” the winner of the recent $20,000 event and runner-up of two back-to-back international events said.

The world No 55 also plans to travel to Canada for Canada Cup at the conclusion of the Open. “A good performance here would help me a lot for rest of the year. World’s best are also competing in the Canada Open.”

When ‘The News’ approached PSF secretary Group Captain Tahir Sultan, he said the federation would only support those players who train at the centre here in Islamabad.“Secondly, some of the players including Tayyab and Israr Ahmed themselves were adamant to compete in international events on their own or with the backing of Punjab Association. Even in the Board’s meeting, Punjab Association president expressed his desire to support Lahore-based players.”

PSF secretary said Tayyab’s cash incentive for winning international event and then ending up as runner-up in another was still pending with the federation.“He is free to collect his incentive any time. SVP Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi has always extended full cooperation and support to the players and we would continue to support them provided these players are willing to stay in the ambit of the federation.”