Atlas goes down fighting in final
Pakistan squash ace defeated at the Jena International.
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s top squash player Aamir Atlas’ impressive run at the Jena International Squash Championship ended after he was defeated by Germany’s Simon Rosner in a closely-competed final in Kuwait.
According to the details made available, the battle lasted for 68 minutes as the third-seeded German became the champion after five games.
Atlas, the top seed of the event, started off well by winning the first game 11-3, courtesy to a combination of drop shots and lethal nicks. However, Rosner fought back and levelled the score by winning the second game 11-5. The German then went on to take the lead by winning the third game 11-6.
Atlas refused to succumb to pressure and held his nerves well in the tense penultimate game, dominated by long rallies to win the fourth game 11-9. However, it was Rosner who won the battle of nerves and emerged as the eventual winner by claiming the fifth and decisive game 11-9 to claim the title.
Atlas was satisfied with his overall performance in the tournament.
“I am happy with my form,” said the Pakistani after losing the final. “My performance has boosted my confidence and this will help me to improve my rankings in the upcoming events,” said Atlas who is currently ranked 29 in the world.
Shuja clinches South Australian Open
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Kashif Shuja, a former Pakistan player, claimed the South Australia Open title after beating a local opponent in a marathon final.
The New Zealand number one defeated Australia’s Mike Corren 11-7, 4-11, 13-15, 11-5, 12-10 in 75 minutes to clinch the title.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 20th, 2011.
Pakistan’s top squash player Aamir Atlas’ impressive run at the Jena International Squash Championship ended after he was defeated by Germany’s Simon Rosner in a closely-competed final in Kuwait.
According to the details made available, the battle lasted for 68 minutes as the third-seeded German became the champion after five games.
Atlas, the top seed of the event, started off well by winning the first game 11-3, courtesy to a combination of drop shots and lethal nicks. However, Rosner fought back and levelled the score by winning the second game 11-5. The German then went on to take the lead by winning the third game 11-6.
Atlas refused to succumb to pressure and held his nerves well in the tense penultimate game, dominated by long rallies to win the fourth game 11-9. However, it was Rosner who won the battle of nerves and emerged as the eventual winner by claiming the fifth and decisive game 11-9 to claim the title.
Atlas was satisfied with his overall performance in the tournament.
“I am happy with my form,” said the Pakistani after losing the final. “My performance has boosted my confidence and this will help me to improve my rankings in the upcoming events,” said Atlas who is currently ranked 29 in the world.
Shuja clinches South Australian Open
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Kashif Shuja, a former Pakistan player, claimed the South Australia Open title after beating a local opponent in a marathon final.
The New Zealand number one defeated Australia’s Mike Corren 11-7, 4-11, 13-15, 11-5, 12-10 in 75 minutes to clinch the title.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 20th, 2011.