ISLAMABAD: Brilliant Egyptian players Mostafa Asal and Farida Mohamed won the men’s and women’s titles here at the Chief of the Air Staff-Serena Hotels International Squash Tournament that concluded at the Mushaf Squash Complex on Friday.

In the mens title decider, which carried a bumper prize money of $30,000, Mostafa Asal defeated compatriot Youssef Soliman in a fighting five-game contest.

Asal, who is going to celebrate just his 18th birthday next month, overcame stiff resistance from Youssef who was the the defending champion to win the title in style.

Asal, ranked 41 in world ranking, proved too good for his opponent who is world number 30, in a 70-minute clash. 8-11, 7-11, 11-2, 11-1, 11-7. Soliman suffered a hand injury during the second game after which he couldn’t maintain his early domination.

Earlier, in the final of Serena Hotels-Condor International Squash Tournament for women carrying $10,000, Farida Mohamed of Egypt outclassed Cindy Merlo of Switzerland 11-8, 9-11, 11-9, 11-5 in the 33-minute final.

It is relevant to note here Pakistan Squash Federation has been regularly organizing international events for the past few years, which are being constantly participated in by top ranked international players from around the world which is seen as a major a step for the game’s revival in the country. The former squash greats as well as sports community in general have highly appreciated the PSF efforts.

Another international squash tournament — the Serena Hotels-Huawei International for Men carrying handsome prize money of $20,000 will commence today at the same venue.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2019