RAWALPINDI: After defeating their opponents in contrasting fashion at the semi-finals, Pakistani star Maria Toorpakai Wazir and South African Siyoli Waters reached the final of the second Bahria Town International Women Squash Championship.

The championship, which carries a prize money of $10,000, is being played here at Safari Club Squash Courts. On Friday, in a 45-miute battle, Maria defeated Malaysian Teh Min Jie in five games.

In the first game, Maria convincingly overcame Jie with 11-7. However, in the next two games, Jie made good come back by playing aggressive strokes and defeated Pakistani 9-11, 9-11 respectively.

The crowd at the Safari Club really enjoyed the battle as Maria after being two down and experiencing a twisted ankle, took a short breat but came back strongly to win the fourth game 11-3 by playing superb drop shots and powerful forehand drives.

While, in the final game, Jie made good comeback, but 24-year-old experienced Pakistani player, world number 62 number player (WSA ranking) defeated young Malaysian player, world number 80, 12-10. In the final game, at one stage when the score was 4-5, the crowed got tense because Maria after colliding with opponent fell down in court.

However, after taking a few minutes break she against starting game and brought the happiness on the faces of crowd. She was looking in pain, but kept playing and won the crucial semi final.

Earlier, top seed of the tournament Siyoli Waters in three games overcame Hong Kong’s Liu Tsz-Ling. In a 27-minute match, the top seed remained dominated and kept her opponent under pressure, winning the match 11-3, 11-9, 11-4.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2015

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