PESHAWAR, July 12: Saira Khan had to work hard to overcome a battling Saima in the opening match of the First NWFP Women Squash Championship, which started at a indoor hall of National Sports Training and Coaching Centre (NSTCC) Friday.

Upcoming and talented Saira tough faced resistance at the hands before winning in three hard-fought sets encounter.

Although Saira lost the first set 12-15, but she came back strongly by winning two consecutive sets 15-10 and 15-13 to win the thrilling match.

It was for the first-time, that a Women Squash Championship, is being organised in which almost 32 females participating from schools girls of the District Peshawar.

The first set was tied twice at 7-all and 12-12 but Saira, who was showing a little-bit laziness while picking the drop shots of Saima, failed to win the set.

Saira was excellent in the remaining two set despite having some tough resistance from Saima winning the second sets at 15- 10.

Saira was also excellent in her footwork in the third and decisive set which she won by 15-13. Tough battle was witnessed in the third set as it was tied at 5-5, 6-6, 7-7, 8-8, 9-9, 12-12 and 13-all but later on Saira won the match by 2-1. Bakhshas Khan was conducted the match as referee.

In the second match Marukh beat Fatima in straight sets 15-7, 15-12, 15-12 while Saira Gul outplayed Sadia 2-0. The score was 15-4, 15-8.

In the boys in which 32 players participating Naveed Nasir of the PAF Academy, outclassed Tahir Iqbal in one-sided affairs. The score was 15-9, 15-9.

In the other matches Fawad Noorani downed Arshad Khan 15-12, 15-3, Ali Ameen upstaged Gul Khan 15-12, 15-13, Fahim defeated Abdur Rehman 15-7, 15-6, Amir Khan blitzed Saad Khan 15-7,15-9, Adil overwhelmed Sheran 15-7,15-10, Riaz Khan whipped Jibran 15-10 and 15-7.—APP