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ISLAMABAD Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) officials have shown happiness over the emerging squash player Nasir Iqbal's unexpected appearance in the semi-final against match winner Aamir Atlas in the eighth Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Open Squash Championship.
“Come on Nasir,” cheered a fan but his voice failed to lift the player's spirits.
Inside the glass court of Mushaf Squash Complex, Nasir seemingly played under pressure against the championship top seed Aamir to lose the match 3-1.
Nasir, who displayed the potential of being different, gained a few quick points 0-1, 0-2 in the first game but luck was obviously not on his side.
Aamir lifted the first game 11-9 and played in the same fashion in the second, too, winning it by 11-9 mainly due to having far better experience and exposure as compared to Nasir.
However, Nasir put up good resistance in the third game by playing some good back hand and drop shots, edging past Aamir 10-12.
The senior is currently ranked 20th on the international squash ranking table.
For Amir Atlas “experience and far better exposure” confirmed his berth in the final against Farhan, as the top ranking player lifted the fourth game 11-5 against the ambitious Nasir.
In the second semi-final, Farhan Mehboob dismissed Yasir Butt, who was lacking in confidence, during his short 25-minute stint. Farhan defeated Yasir 11-7, 11-7, 13-11.
Meanwhile, in the girls' event Maria Toor and Muqaddas Ashraf would test their mettle against each other in the final.
Maria defeated Saima Shaukat 11-6, 11-4, 11-2 while Rushna gave a tough time to Muqaddas.
However, Muqaddas's confidence helped her against Rushna as she [Muqaddas] clinched the match 11-5, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9.
Results
Boys Aamir Atlas (Wapda) bt Nasir Iqbal (PAF) 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 11-5; Farhan Mehboob (Wapda) bt Yasir Butt (Wapda) 11-7, 11-7, 13-11.
Girls Maria Toor (Wapda) bt Saima Shoukat (Wapda) 11-6, 11-4, 11-2; Muqaddas Ashraf (Wapda) bt Rushna Mehboob (ZTBL) 11-5, 11-5, 10-12, 11-9.
