ISLAMABAD, May 4: Aamir Atlas Khan is now Pakistan’s only hope left in the 17th Asian Individual Squash Championship as he won his semi-final and confirmed his place in Sunday’s final to be played at the Mushaf Squash Complex.

The world No 66 Aamir created trouble for his opponent Asyraf Azan of Malaysia from the very beginning to win the match 11-5, 11-6, 11-6 on Saturday.

Describing his performance minutes after winning the semi-final to Dawn, Aamir said, “I had decided to play quality squash and ensure a win through better stamina and skills.”

He further said, “During all the three games, I knew I had advantage of home glass court and crowd, and I took advantage of both.”

Aamir added, “I scored most of the points on drop shots as Azan could not judge them properly.”

Meanwhile, in the other semi-final at the same court, highly trusted Farhan Mehboob of Pakistan crashed out of the final’s race after losing against Abdullah Al-Mezayne of Kuwait 11-8, 11-3, 14-12.

Farhan was not in top form which helped the visitor and he grabbed the opportunity ensuring a win against Farhan.

According to sports analyst Aamir Bilal, “Aamir’s win in the final will be very satisfying for country’s squash.

“The win will infuse new spirit among the squash players and game’s followers.”

He said it would be a test of nerves for Aamir since he would be under pressure to win the event for the country.

In the women’s first semi-final, Low Wee Wern of Malaysia defeated Joey Chan of Hong Kong 11-7, 4-11, 11-4, 11-9. The match lasted for 48 minutes.

Hong Kong’s Anni Au overcame Delia Arnold of Malaysia in the second semi-final with the score being 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-9.

Former world squash champion Qamar Zaman was the chief guest on the occasion.

Results: Men’s: Semi-finals: Aamir Atlas (Pakistan) bt M Asyraf Azan (Malaysia) 11-5, 11-6, 11-6; Abdullah Al-Mezayne (Kuwait) bt Farhan Mehboob (Pakistan) 11-8, 11-3, 14-12. Women’s: Semi-finals: Low Wee Wern (Malaysia) bt Joey Chan (Hong Kong) 11-7, 4-11, 11-4, 11-9; Anni Au (Hong Kong) bt Delia Arnold (Malaysia) 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-9.