Atlas, Gaultier fight for Malaysian crown

Pakistan’s top squash player faces uphill task in final.

KARACHI:

Pakistan number one Aamir Atlas cruised into the final of the Malaysian Open after a comprehensive win over Australian Cameroon Pilley in Kuala Lumpur.

The game started with long rallies with the Australian dominating the opening minutes with his fast moves. As a result, Pilley edge past the Pakistani 12-10 to secure the lead.  Despite Pilley’s good start, Atlas hit back to clinch the second 11-6. He maintained his ascent, winning the next two games 11-4 and 11-9 to seal his place in the final after just 54 minutes of action.

Former world number one awaits

Atlas now faces an uphill task as he takes on former world number one Gregory Gaultier in the final today. The Frenchman won his match against Alan Clyne of Scotland 11-5, 11-5 and 11-1.

“I’m satisfied with the way I bounced back,” Atlas told a web portal after reaching the final. “I’m allowing easy points to my opponents occasionally and I need to control that because it can be a problem in the final.”

But Atlas, who has shown good temperament after playing his first tournament for Pakistan following the end of his six-month ban, is up for the challenge.

“He’s an experienced and tough opponent. No doubt Gaultier is a former world number one but it’s not impossible to beat him. If I improve my game, there’s no reason why I can’t win.”

Atlas was banned by the Pakistan Squash Federation for six months after violating its code of conduct. With his improved performance in his comeback, the federation has vowed to support Pakistan’s number one player in future by allowing him to use its facilities and courts for practice.





Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2011.