Squash: Atlas crashes out of Qatar Classic
Pakistan’s campaign in squash event ends after player’s loss to Matthews.
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s campaign at the Qatar Classic Squash Championship ended after Aamir Atlas suffered a 11-9, 11-4, 11-4 defeat to world number one Nick Matthew in the first round of the tournament in Doha.
According to details made available, the tournament’s top seed was given a run for his money before finally prevailing over Atlas to advance to the next round.
Atlas won several points with his pace, displaying impressive volleying during the contest. After being ahead in the first game, Matthew hit back hard, keeping his nerve to clinch the opener 11-9.
Atlas, the world number 25 from Peshawar, seemed to lose focus as Matthew found it easier in the second and third games, winning them 11-4, 11-4 to seal the result in his favour.
However, Atlas, serving a one-year ban imposed by the Pakistan Squash Federation in the aftermath of the team’s poor show at the World Team Championship in Germany, was pleased with his performance.
“I gave my best,” said Atlas after the match. “I’m happy with my performance. I could have won the first game and had I succeeded, things may have stood differently at the end.”
Matthew admitted it was a tough match but was relieved after pulling through.
“I didn’t feel comfortable against Atlas,” said the world number one. “He’s like lightning, he’s so fast.”
Atlas’ loss in the $147,000 event follows the exit of Farhan Mehboob earlier in the tournament. Mehboob lost in the qualifying finals to an Egyptian opponent.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 18th, 2011.
Pakistan’s campaign at the Qatar Classic Squash Championship ended after Aamir Atlas suffered a 11-9, 11-4, 11-4 defeat to world number one Nick Matthew in the first round of the tournament in Doha.
According to details made available, the tournament’s top seed was given a run for his money before finally prevailing over Atlas to advance to the next round.
Atlas won several points with his pace, displaying impressive volleying during the contest. After being ahead in the first game, Matthew hit back hard, keeping his nerve to clinch the opener 11-9.
Atlas, the world number 25 from Peshawar, seemed to lose focus as Matthew found it easier in the second and third games, winning them 11-4, 11-4 to seal the result in his favour.
However, Atlas, serving a one-year ban imposed by the Pakistan Squash Federation in the aftermath of the team’s poor show at the World Team Championship in Germany, was pleased with his performance.
“I gave my best,” said Atlas after the match. “I’m happy with my performance. I could have won the first game and had I succeeded, things may have stood differently at the end.”
Matthew admitted it was a tough match but was relieved after pulling through.
“I didn’t feel comfortable against Atlas,” said the world number one. “He’s like lightning, he’s so fast.”
Atlas’ loss in the $147,000 event follows the exit of Farhan Mehboob earlier in the tournament. Mehboob lost in the qualifying finals to an Egyptian opponent.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 18th, 2011.