Atlas snubbed for world championship trials

Pakistan squash ace desperate to play the global event.

KARACHI:

In a surprising move, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has overlooked the country’s number one ranked Aamir Atlas for the trials underway to select the national team for next month’s World Team Championship.

The trials, being held at the Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad, feature all the top-ranked players apart from the in-form Atlas whose six-month ban imposed by the PSF on disciplinary breach expires on July 15.

The world number 28, who recently showed his class by reaching the finals of the Jena International Squash Championship in Kuwait, was disappointed with the snub for the world event to be played in Paderbon, Germany from August 21 to 27.

“I was expecting a call as I will be eligible to play for Pakistan in the world championship,” Atlas told The Express Tribune.

“I feel I can help the national team as I am fit and having a good run.”

Atlas, who also missed the Asian Individual Championship, earlier this year due to the ban, said he was desperate to play for Pakistan.

“I am available and I want to represent my country.

“I have not let the PSF down while representing the national team,” said Atlas, who was part of the national team that won the gold medal at the Asian Games in China.

Atlas said he was trying to contact the PSF but was still waiting to get a response from the body.

“I will be ready to compete even if I get a late call. So far I haven’t received any response from the federation.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2011.