Squash: Israr crowned U15 British Open champion

Pakistani overcomes Egypt’s Soliman to win squash title.

KARACHI:

In an event heavily dominated by Egypt, Israr Ahmed defied the odds and gave Pakistan something to cheer about after being crowned the British Junior Open under-15 squash champion.

Ahmed overcame the stiff challenge put up by Egypt’s Youssef Soliman but managed to overcome him 11-4, 6-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-7 for the title.

Ahmed had got off to a bright start in the hour-long battle, flattening Soliman in the first set but the Egyptian made a good comeback, registering an equally convincing win in the second. The third set saw tough competition with Ahmed prevailing 11-8 in the end.

However, the Pakistani was not able to close out the match in the next set with Soliman winning it with an identical scoreline and the decided saw another close battle before Ahmed triumphed 11-7 to be crowned champion.

In the U13 final, Egypt’s Ziad Sakr beat Pakistan’s Kashif Asif in just 38 minutes to be crowned champion, winning 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-8. Egypt’s Marwanel Shorbagy beat compatriot Mohammad Abouelghar 11-3, 11-2, 11-7 in the U19 final, while the U17 event was won by another Egyptian Shehab Essam.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2012.