Top-seed Yasir Butt struggled past unseeded Ovais Khan as he limped into the semi-finals of the Pakistan International Squash Circuit-1 at Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad.
Wapda’s pre-tournament favourite had to struggle in a full-fledged contest stretched to five games against his opponent from Pakistan Air Force. Ovais lost the first two games 8-11, 9-11 but fought back and leveled the match, winning the next two games 9-7 and 11-5. However, Yasir showed better stamina and strong nerves in the decisive game, claiming it 11-8 to win the quarter-final in 52 minutes.
In longest match of the day, experience prevailed over talent as former national champion Mansoor Zaman overcame youngster Danish Atlas in other last-eight encounter decided in five games. Mansoor, after winning the first game 12-10, lost the next two 11-8 and 11-5 before making a comeback to win the final two games 11-7, 11-9. The match lasted 79 minutes and was one of the longest match of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Nasir Iqbal and Waqar Mehboob also cruised into the semi-finals following victories in their respective quarter-finals. Nasir quashed Waqas Mehboob 11-5, 11-4 and 11-3 in 25 minutes while Waqar defeated Arshad Iqbal Burki 11-7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-3.
Yasir will face Mansoor in the first semi-final while Waqar and Nasir will lock horns in the second.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2011.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ