Atlas, who has been barred by the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) from using squash facilities and participating in local tournaments, lost in the first round of the low-profile tournament.

“I failed to gain momentum as I did not have enough pre-tournament practice, which led to my first-round exit,’ Atlas told PPI on Friday.

The Pakistan number one faced the backlash of the PSF after openly criticising the federation and breaching its code of conduct. He was subsequently banned for six months on January 20.

“I am losing my form because of the ban,” the Peshawar-based player said, urging the officials to lift the ban.

Atlas, who won individual silver and team gold at the 2010 Asian Games said he will participate in the North American Open where he will face Finland’s Olli Tuominen in the first round.

The tournament begins February 20 in Richmond, Virginia.