10 October 2004	Sunday	24 Shaban 1425

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LAHORE, Oct 9: Shahid Javed guided Pakistan to a three-stroke victory over arch-rivals India in the five-nation international team championship as part of the 44th amateur championship of Pakistan at Lahore Gymkhana on Saturday.

Shahid, who produced an excellent card of five-under-67 on first day of the two-day event, maintained his form coming up with one-under-71, to help Pakistan team including Shahid, Dr Aimal Zaman, Vaqas Ahmed, aggregate two-under-430 to win the title.

Although Shahid did not match the brilliant performance of the opening day, he was the leader. He started badly registering three bogeys and a birdie to finish the first nine holes at two-over-par-39. But later gave an impressive performance at the back nine, carding three-32 in a tense situation when the fortunes were fluctuating between India and Pakistan.

Aimal, though was not as impressive as Shahid, he supported with a card of two-over-74, while Vaqas had a bad day and could produce a card of four-over-76.

India, who conceded two-stroke lead on the first day, gave tough time to Pakistan but eventually crumbled as the lead increased to three strokes.

Vikrant Chopra and Amarbir Singh, who produced identical card of two-under-70 on Friday, again handed over similar cards of one-over-73. Jaideep Patwardan's card of two-over-74 was included as Jaskirat S Dullet disappointed his side with a poor nine-over-81.

Sri Lanka secured third place with two-day aggregate of 440. At 454, Bangladesh finished fourth, while Iran at the bottom with 506.

In the individual event, Shahid retained his first spot with two-day aggregate of six-under-138 (67, 71). India's Vikrant Chopra and Amarbir Singh slightly improved the position from third to be bracketed at the second spot along with Pakistan's Aimal, all having identical score of one-under-143.

One stroke away, Tissa Chandardasa of Sri Lanka was at third spot followed by compatriot Mithun Perera (148) and two Pakistanis Wasim Rana and Vaqas (149).

India showed domination on the first day of two-day women competition when Shruti Khanna finished the first round at par-72.

The lone Indian woman was ahead of Pakistan's Jamila Jabbar (83), Tehmina Ahmed (85) and Yasmin Mubarik (92).

Three Iranian women Firozah M Mamani (99), Layla Sarbazi (111) and Behnaz Sarbazi (115) were far from the top position contest.

Results:

International Team Championship.

430- Pakistan (Shahid Javed Khan 67, 71, Aimal Zaman 69, 74, Vaqas Ahmed 73, 76).

433- India (Vikrant Chopra 70, 73, Jaskirat S Dullet 71, Jaideep Patwardan 76, Amarbirg Singh 70, 73).

440- Sri Lanka (Tissa Chandardasa 72, 72, K Prabagaran 73, Amarapadma 75, Mithun Perera 72, 76).

454-Bangladesh (M Milon 71, 79, M Sohel 75, 78, M Hussain 74, M Suraj 77).

Individual category.

138- Shahid Javed Khan (Pak) 67,71.

143- Dr Aimal Zaman (Pak) 69, 74; Vikrant Chopra (Ind) 70,73; Amarbir Singh (Ind) 70,73.

144- Tissa Chandardasa (Sri) 72,72.

148- Mithun Perera (Sri) 72, 76.

149- Wasim Rana (Pak), 74, 75, Vaqas Ahmed (Pak) 73, 76.

Ladies event.

72- Shruti Khanna (Ind).

83- Miss Jamila Jabbar (Pak).

85- Mrs Tehmina Ahmed (Pak).