RAWALPINDI: In a thrilling battle, Pakistan’s top-ranked player Maria Toorpakai defeated South Africa’s Siyoli Waters to clinch the second Bahria Town International Women Squash Championship at the Safari Club Squash Court here on Saturday.

Maria, who was seventh seed in the championship, defeated the top seed Siyoli 3-2 in the nail-biting final.

The final score-line was 11-9, 11-7, 6-11, 10-12, 12-10 after a pulsating 46-minute contest.

Both the players started the first game with confidence and played some good strokes, trying to put pressure on each other.

At one stage the score was level at 5-5. Then again, the score levelled at 9-9.

At this stage, Maria, who was enjoying full support of the packed crowd, played some classic drop shots, outclassing her opponent and won the first game 11-9.

While in the second game, top seed Waters, who is world number 34, made good comeback and earned 3-1 lead. But the Pakistani girl, world no 62, who was in fine touch, bounced back and got some vital points. Then again, the score levelled at 7-7.

However, Maria started playing more aggressive game and finished 11-7. After getting leads, she was looking comfortable in the third game.

She hit tin several times, while her opponents played powerful strokes and won the game 11-6.

In the fourth game, Maria made good comeback and played brilliant shots, which were responded by the African girl in befitting manner. In a neck and neck clash, Waters finally managed to win 12-10.

In the decider, Maria played some classic drop shots and didn’t allow the top seed to get significant lead. The score was 2-2, 7-7, 8-8 and 10-10.

At this crucial stage, the guest player made major mistakes and hit the tin twice, losing the final game and the championship as Maria finished 12-10.

“I’m happy to win this championship because it has brought laurels for my country,” said the jubilant Maria.

She further said she would try hard to win more such events for Pakistan.

While, in her brief post match talk, Waters said that the Pakistani player played superb game and deserved to win the title.

Talking about her stay in Pakistan, she said that she didn’t face any problem and played her natural game.

Maria received the winner’s prize money of US$1,444 while the runner-up received US$988.

Air Marshal Saeed Khan, acting Vice Chief of Air Staff, was the chief guest on the occasion and gave away the trophies.

Others present at the prize-distribution ceremony were South Africa’s Ambassador Mpendulo Jele, retired Commodore Mohammad Ilyas, Air Vice Marshal Razi Nawab and Amir Nawaz.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2015

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