February 1, 2006	Wednesday	Muharram 2, 1427

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LAHORE, Jan 31: Pakistan No 1, Wajid Ali, survived a scare before winning the men’s singles and doubles final while Asma Butt captured the ladies singles title in the 49th National badminton championship at Iqbal Park Sports Complex, on Tuesday.

In fact, Wajid earned three crowns as he was also the member of Wapda team which won the team event final and became second player after Tariq Wadood to achieve the feat.

Wajid faltered before recovering to beat Ahsan Qamar in the men’s final 10-15, 15-2, 15-11.

He failed to exhibit strong smashing effectively in the first to lose it. Ahsan led 9-5 at one stage before Wajid tried to stage a comeback but could only catch the rival at 9-9.

From thereon, Ahsan raced to the target as Wajid’s smashing had been hitting the net.

Wajid came back for the second game with a different game plan and played like a real champion as Ahsan could not reply properly. Wajid levelled the score 1-1 after dropping only two points.

Wajid remained in front in the third game and sealed the fate of the final to capture the crown.

The winner received a cash prize of Rs 15,000 and a glittering cup while runners-up pocketed Rs 8,000.

“I was a little upset in the opener as I failed to execute my favourite smashing shots properly but the task of winning became easier once it clicked,” Wajid said.

He said that he was not expecting three titles before the start of the event adding that his hard work had been well rewarded.

The rivals (Wajid and Ahsan), however, came on the court as a pair to win the men’s doubles final after a nail-biting 9-15, 15-12, 15-12 win against upcoming pair of Rizwan Ahmed - Atiq.

Asma dominated the final as Ayesha Akram failed to exhibit her true game losing the final 11-4, 11-9.

Asma’s fine court coverage and blocking played vital role in her easy win. The final lasted only 30 minutes.

Waqas and Saima won the mixed doubles final beating Tahir Ishaq and Sara 15-6, 15-8.

Results: (Finals)

Men’s singles:

Wajid Ali bt Ahsan Qamar 10-15, 15-2,

15-11.

Women’s singles:

Asma Butt bt Ayesha Akram 11-4, 11-9.

Men’s doubles:

Wajid Ali-Ahsan Qamar bt Rizwan Ahmed-Atiq 9-15, 15-12, 15-12.

Mixed doubles:

Waqas-Saima bt Tahir Ishaq-Sara 15-6,

15-8.