Serena-Huawei International Squash: Pakistan’s Mujtaba downs Brits in a thriller

ISLAMABAD: Syed Ali Mujtaba Bukhari (PAK) got better of Jean-Pierre Brits (RSA) in a five-game thriller as $ 20,000 Serena Hotels-Huawei International Squash Tournament got under way at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex Saturday.

Bukhari won 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5 in 48 minutes following neck and neck battle. Pakistani youngster was seen in top gear in the fifth game hitting some sizzling down the court and backhand nicks to settle the matter.

Farhan Zaman’s bad form continued as he made yet another early exit from the tournament. Omar Elkattan (EGY) beat Farhan Zaman easily 11-2, 11-5, 7-11, 11-4.

Apart from 11 Pakistani players, a group of 13 international players from Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Kuwait, South Africa, Spain and Zimbabwe are competing in the tournament.

First round results: Karim Ali Fathi (EGY) got bye; Yannik Omlor (GER) bt Israr Ahmad (PAK) 11-1, 11-1, 11-8 (16 Min); Sean Conroy (IRL) bt Zahir Shah (PAK) 11-8, 11-9, 11-2 (29 Min); Asim Khan (PAK) got bye; Ahmad Hosny (EGY) got bye; Ammar Altamimi (KUW) bt Ahmed Hassan (ZIM) 11-6, 11-6, 11-7 (20 Min); Syed Ali Mujtaba Bukhari (PAK) bt Jean-Pierre Brits (RSA) 8-11, 11-8, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5 (48 Min); Farhan Mehboob (PAK) got bye; Shehab Essam (EGY) got bye; Amaad Fareed (PAK) bt Danish Atlas Khan (PAK) 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 (43 Min); Joeri Hapers (BEL) bt Haris Iqbal (PAK) 11-2, 11-5, 18-16 (40 Min); Carlos Cornes Ribadas (ESP) got bye; Mohamed ElShirbini (EGY) got bye; Chi Him Wong (HKG) bt Haris Qasim (PAK) 11-3, 11-3, 3-11, 11-1 (35 Min); Omar Elkattan (EGY) bt Farhan Zaman (PAK) 11-2, 11-5, 7-11, 11-4 Abdul Mohi Shah