KARACHI, July 29: Reigning world champion and top seed, Thiery Lincou of France, on Friday clinched his first title of the year when he overcame world No 3 and second seed, Australian David Palmer, in five games of the 21st Pakistan Open squash championship at the DHA Asif Nawaz squash complex. Lincou romped home 11-9, 8-11, 11-1, 4-11 and 11-7 in the epic final which lasted exactly one hour.

By accomplishing the feat, he became the first Frenchman and fourth foreigner to win the US$ 85,000 Pakistan Open the previous three winners being Peter Marshal (Eng) in 1999, Jonathan Power (Can) in 2002 and James Willstrop (Eng) in 2004.

Lincou received winner’s cheque of US$11,375 while Palmer took home US$7,475.

“The triumph in Pakistan Open meant a lot to me as it is the land of so many legends,” a jubilant Lincou said after prize distribution.

“I was seeking victory in this tournament right from the word go as titles have eluded me since crowning the World Open at Doha in December last,” said the Frenchman

Recording his impressions the top seed said he entered the final with the sole aim to make efforts till the last point to grab the trophy in Pakistan as well as justify the top billing. “I am happy with my win,” he said.

About Palmer he said the Australian had lost his concentration in the final.

Palmer said he was obviously disappointed for losing a couple of points at crucial stage after coming so close in the match.

“I was not comfortable in my movements due to sore back but was happy to have made it to the finals,” he said.

The 29-year-old Lincou who overcame Australian Anthony Ricketts in the pre-final the other day, went on to earn commendable 10-5 lead in the opener by getting two strokes (2-1) and (7-4) and through his winners. He then conceded four points by committing unforced errors as Palmer narrowed the lead 9-10. Lincou won the game 11-9 in 15 minutes after being awarded third stroke.

Despite slipping in the court twice, the tall and athletic Palmer remained in the second game being tied at 2-2, 3-3, 5-5, 7-7 and 8-8. He then managed to earn three points in a row, the last being a stroke, to win the game 11-8 and level the match one-all. Palmer who, in all, got three strokes could have won the game rather easily.

The trend of the match was completely changed in the third game as Lincou conceded only one point by hitting the tin before winning 11-1 in just six minutes to earn 2-1 lead. Palmer lacked interest and at times did not even try to play the ball.

Trailing 1-2 down, Palmer surprisingly fought back in fourth game. He shot into 4-0 lead and conceded only four points before wrapping up the game 11-4 in six minutes to neutralize the lead two-all.

The two players fought aggressively in the decisive fifth and last game which could have gone either way. Palmer took the initiative taking 2-0 lead before conceding two points. First he hit the tin and then referee awarded a stroke to Lincou. Palmer again got two points including one stroke (3-2) to lead 4-2.

Lincou executed a couple of good strokes and raced on to earn five points to make the score 7-4 in his favour. While attempting to return the ball, Palmer slipped in the court twice, first to see the score levelling at 4-4 and then trailing at 4-7.

Palmer reduced the lead 5-7 capitalizing on his opponent’s errors. Lincou picked up three points including one stroke (8-5) to enjoy 10-5 lead. Palmer received a warning from referee Fahim Gul for pushing his opponent. Lincou needing match point conceded two points before hitting the winning stroke to clinch the battle 11-7. While trying to return the ball, Palmer once again fell in the court.