ABBOTTABAD, June 10: Seventh seed Farrukh Zaman claimed the inaugural President PSF Open National Squash Cup after defeating fourth seed Shams-ul-Islam 12-15, 15-4, 15-13, 15-5 in the final at PSF Squash Complex Monday.

Farrukh, who overcame the loss of opening game, emerged a worthy champion after outlasting the experienced Shams in a 65-minute encounter.

Shams, however, should blame his lack of stamina as he struggled against a talented youngster from the famous Zaman family.

Shams dominated early play and was soon 4-1 up. Farrukh hit back to draw level thrice before Shams hit a couple of deft drops to take the first game 15-12.

The second game was just an eyewash as Farrukh levelled the tie by finishing off his opponent 15-4 in just nine minutes.

In the third game, which was highlighted by long rallies, Farrukh kept the seasoned Shams guessing with a series of superb strokes. The young lad neutralised Shams’s attempts and proved his worth as the best retriever in the court.

Farrukh took lead of five points before Shams attacked furiously to draw level at 5-5, 9-9, 12-12 and 13-13 in the longest game of the match. Farrukh then somehow managed to outplay Shams to win the third game at 15-13.

The fourth game saw Farrukh in complete command as Shams, looking tired, struck the tin seven times. The game lasted only eight minutes with Farrukh winning 15-5.

Farrukh, who recently won the Qatar Open, received the winner’s cheque of Rs 52,000 from president of the Pakistan Squash Federation, Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir, who was chief guest on the occasion.

Shams had to be content with Rs32,000.

The Pakistan Senior Asian team members were awarded Rs50,000 for winning the team event.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Chief Marshal also announced the construction of additional two squash courts at PSF Abbottabad Squash Complex. The project, for which the land will be provided by Cantt Board, is expected cost approximately 4.2 million rupees.