April 29, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 22, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 28: Pakistan squash players Mansoor Zaman and Amir Atlas Khan are to battle it out in the main round and Farhan Mehboob in the qualifying rounds of the forthcoming British Open squash championship scheduled to be played in Liverpool, England, from May 8.

The 33rd ranked Amir Atlas Khan will be playing his first match in the main round against the 4th ranked James Willstrop of England.

Meanwhile, Mansoor Zaman will meet last year’s British Open Champion Gregory Gaultier of France who is ranked 3rd.

While speaking to Dawn here on Monday, an official of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) said that the federation was taking all necessary steps to ensure Pakistan squash players get international exposure.

“But in return,” he said, “the PSF also looks forward to getting good results from its top-ranking national players.

“Amir Atlas Khan and Farhan Mehboob haven’t yet turned up for their training sessions under Coach Fahim Gul, which is rather disappointing matter for us,” he added. It, according to the official, demonstrates a non-serious attitude on the players’ part and the PSF might need to review its policy of sponsoring these players for future international events if such lack of commitment continues.

Meanwhile, Farhan Mehboob, who is competing in the qualifying round of the British Open, leaves for England on May 4.

The British Open Squash Championship carries US $82,500 prize money.