KARACHI, Feb 21: Defending champion Malaysia and hosts Kuwait have advanced to the final of the 14th Asian Team Squash Championship after recording identical 2-0 victories over India and Pakistan in the semi-finals, according to message received here on Thursday.

Kuwait, coached by Rehman Khan, stunned the last championship’s runners-up Pakistan after a gruelling five-set battle in both the matches.

Yasir Ali Butt went down to Salim Fayeeza 7-9, 5-9, 9-3, 9-4, 7-9 in a marathon encounter that lasted one hour and 18 minutes.

After losing the first two games, Yasir fought back to level with his rival by grabbing the followed two, but lost on the decider.

Shahid Zaman also fought in a similar fashion before bowing out to Abdullah Kh. Al-Mezayen 9-6, 9-5, 3-9, 5-9, 2-9 after a 67-minute contest.

Meanwhile title holders Malaysia faced little problem in disposing off India. Ong Beng Hee beat Ritwik Bhattacharya 10-9 10-8 9-3 and Mohammad Azlan Bin Iskandar edged past Saurav Ghosala 6-9 9-5 9-0 9-4.— APP