Pakistan’s hope for U19 title ends

Danish, Nasir fail to enter British Junior Squash Open final.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s dream of winning the under-19 title at the British Junior Open was shattered after Danish Atlas and Nasir Iqbal lost their respective fourth-round matches.

According to details, Danish lost a virtual quarter-final to Egypt’s Marwan Elshorbagy in straight sets. The top-seed enjoyed a comfortable victory as Danish went down 11-7, 11-8 and 11-2 in just 34 minutes. Following the loss, the best Danish can achieve in the event is a fifth spot, subject to wins in the remaining two rounds.

Meanwhile, Iqbal’s chances of winning the title ended when he lost to Egyptian, Mohammad Abou Elghar, 11-7, 12-10 and 11-6 in 30 minutes. He can now end sixth at best.

Hamza Bukhari finished ninth at the event. However, Pakistan stand a chance of winning the U15 and U13 events with Israr Ahmed and Kashif Asif doing well in their respective categories. The event is being played on a full monrad basis with each player required to play all
scheduled matches.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2012.