PESHAWAR: The third National Red Crescent Women Squash Championship featuring prominent players from across the country started here at the PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex on Wednesday.

Hira Aqeel of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa defeated Punjab’s Sabghat 11-9, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9 in a thrilling opening match of the championship.

In the second qualifying round matches, Zohra defeated Minahil Durrani of Punjab 11-4, 11-7, 11-3; Sana Sher Bahadar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Mehwish of KP by 11-2, 11-6, 11-7; Tayyaba Abbas of Punjab blanked Wareesha of KP 11-4, 11-7, 11-6 and KP’s Kulsoom overcame her province-mate Sundas 11-7, 11-3, 11-4 to reach the main round starting on Thursday.

Earlier, in the first qualifying round, Minahil, Zohra, Sana, Mehwish, Wareesha, Tayyaba and Kulsoom recorded victories against their respective rivals.

Kulsoom overwhelmed Aysia Imaan 11-5, 11-6, 7-11, 11-7; Tayyaba downed Minahil Aqeel 11-4, 11-8, 11-9; Sana outplayed Aiman of KP 11-6, 11-7, 11-8; and Zohra beat Ifsa Yousaf 11-3, 11-7, 11-9. Sundas, Wareesha and Mehwish got byes.

Last year’s winner Amna Fayyaz would be defending her title at the championship featuring top contestants. Besides Amna, international player Muqaddas Ashraf, Madina Zafar, Saima Shoukat, Roshna Mehboob and Komal Khan will also compete in the championship carrying a prize money of Rs100,000.

Earlier, Farah Hamid, Begum retired Lt Gen Hamid Khan, inaugurated the championship. Azra Jamshed, president of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries KP, Vice Chairperson Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, squash legend Qamar Zanman, Pakistan Squash Federation’s chief referee Munawar Zaman, executive member Wazir Gul, Sher Bahadar and Nazim Nawa Khali Sajjad Khan were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2019