Shahid stuns Mansoor to annex title

Published May 9, 2004

LAHORE, May 8: Excellent court coverage, nick and drop shots helped second seed Shahid Zaman stun top-seed Mansoor Zaman to annex the International squash tournament title in straight games at the Punjab Squash Complex on Saturday.

Shahid won 15-6, 15-9, 15-9 to register his first victory against his cousin. Mansoor, the world No. 19, was off colour against Shahid, the world No. 35, whose blistering fore and backhand strokes were a treat to watch.

Hitting six nick shots and four drops, Shahid was the easy winner in the first game which lasted only 14 minutes.

Mansoor had taken 2-0 lead, but Shahid hit three nick shots in a row to gain 3-2 lead. From then on he continued increasing the lead and finally clinched the game-point with a drop shot.

Maintaining the pace of attack, Shahid forged ahead winning the secondgame in only 11 minutes.

He led till finish after Mansoor could only level the score at five-all. Six more nick shots were registered by Shahid which played a key role inhis victory.

He wrapped up the second game with aforehand shot.

The dejected Mansoor finally gave up struggle after coming close to Shahid at 9-8 in the third game.

A drop shot and two winners through a forehanded shot gave Mansoor 12/9 lead. But Shahid romped home after conceding only a point.

Shahid was awarded a cup and a cash prize of US $2,000.