KARACHI, Oct 12: Pakistan squash legend Jansher Khan’s comeback bid has been given a further boost by an agreement with the board of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) that he be given a “local” spot in the qualification of the $140,000 Qatar Classic in Doha sheduled at the end of the month.

In order to compete in this Super Series Platinum event, and to fulfil his membership criteria to participate outside Pakistan, the PSA Board have also agreed that Jansher’s membership be upgraded from provisional to full, free of charge.

The former world No 1 and record eight-times world champion announced his surprise comeback from retirement in August - and made his PSA Tour debut in Karachi last month, beating the world No 14 Omar Elborolossy on his way through to the quarter-finals. His next scheduled appearance will again be in Pakistan, at the CAS International in his hometown of Peshawar. Victory in this event would give him his 100th PSA Tour title.

“Jansher is one of the sport’s living legends, and we are keen to support his comeback initiative on the PSA Tour,” said PSA Tour Director Sheila Cooksley.

“The Qatar Classic organizers were extremely keen for him to compete in their event, as he has a tremendous following in Doha, and made a special request for his participation in this Super Series Platinum tournament.”

The 2002 Qatar Classic will take place in Doha, where Jansher Khan won the Qatar International title for five consecutive years up to 1996, from Oct 28 to Nov 2—PPI