Squash: Pakistan's Aamir Atlas becomes Asian champion
06 May, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan number one Aamir Atlas Khan became Asian champion after routing Abdullah Al Mezayen of Kuwait in the final of the 17th Asian Individual Squash Championship at Mushaf Squash Complex here on Sunday.
The 23-year old Aamir, who remained outstanding throughout the tournament, outwitted the classy Kuwaiti player in straight sets 11-9, 11-3, 11-8. “I needed this win badly. My country needed this win. I am proud of myself today. The win has made me a stronger person now,” said Aamir after the match. The win also ended Pakistan's 14-year long hiatus to secure a top slot in Asian Individual Squash Championship. Last time Pakistan won the title in 1998 when Zarak Jahan Khan defeated Kenneth Low in Kuala Lumpur. Zarak was also the winner in 1994. Besides him squash legend Jahangir Khan, Qamar Zaman and Mir Zaman Ghul each clinched the title twice. In the women's category final, top-seed Malaysian Low Wee Wern was shocked by Hong Kong's Annie Au in the four-setter. After losing the first set Annie came from behind to finish the match 5-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-1 in 44 minutes. President Pakistan Squash Federation, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt gave away trophies and medals to the winners and the runner-ups of the event. End. |