Saqib clinches maiden squash title

Pakistan player upstages Egypt’s Hawas in Doha.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Mohammad Saqib Yousaf claimed his maiden Tour title as he clinched the inaugural $5000 Men’s Doha Bank PSA Challenger, defeating Egypt’s Ahmed Hawas in a four-set thriller.

Saqib, who won the 54-minute final 11-8, 11-9, 9-11, 13-11 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, was ecstatic and said that he was looking forward to bagging more titles for the country. The victory also improved his world ranking as he climbed nine places to be placed 134th.

“Hopefully, there’s more to come,” Saqib told The Express Tribune. “I’m pleased that I was able to register a few upsets and this has given me the confidence that I can defeat better players.”

Earlier, Saqib beat Spain’s Alejandro Garbi 3-2 in the semi-final after he upstaged compatriot and third-seed Waqas Mehboob in the quarters.

Saqib, who will leave for Iran today to take part in the 4th Kish Persian Gulf Cup, was hopeful of his chances in the upcoming tournament.

Coach pleased with Saqib’s victory

Meanwhile, Saqib’s heroics pleased Pakistan head coach Jamshed Gul, who conducted a training camp before the players left to participate in international events. Gul said Saqib’s game impressed him during the camp and the win was a result of his hard work.

“He gave it his all during training,” said Gul. “It’s a good feeling when you work hard with players and one of them wins a title straight away.” Gul said that he spotted Saqib in 2004 during a talent hunt programme in Lahore, adding that similar initiatives will also be undertaken in other provinces.

The head coach, however, said that he was not worried over Mehboob’s failure after the 20-year-old Saqib upstaged the tournament’s third-seed in their last-eight encounter, saying the player had the ability to bounce back.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2012.