Egypt outclass Pakistan in final

KARACHI: Pakistan lost its Men’s World Junior Squash Championship 2010 team title to top-seed Egypt after a close 2-1 finish in Quito, Ecuador.

The dramatic tie began with junior individual champion Amr Khaled Khalifa beating Pakistan top-seed Danish Atlas 11-3, 11-9, 11-3 in 43 minutes before Nasir Iqbal leveled the score when he beat Ali Farag 8-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-2, 8-11 in a 65-minute showdown and brought an end to his winning streak in the tournament.

However, Egypt clinched the decider as Marwan El Shorbagy defeated Farhan Zaman 11-5, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9.

Former Pakistan number one and eight-time world champion Jansher Khan was disappointed with the performance and called players to show more passion for the game.

“The Pakistani players were provided with the best facilities that are present today,” Jansher told The Express Tribune.

“But they still couldn’t defend the title successfully, despite the fact that they are more skilled than the Egyptians, Britons and Americans. They need to work hard on disciplining themselves and there is no excuse for the lack of dedication.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2010.