Tayyab becomes junior Asian champion

Pakistan squash player outplays India’s Kumar 3-2 in final.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Tayyab Aslam became the third consecutive Pakistani to win the Asian Squash Junior Individual U19 tournament as he beat top seed Kush Kumar of India 3-2.

It was a contest between the top players of the event, with Tayyab seeded second. The Pakistani went on to triumph with scores of 11-6, 7-11, 9-11, 11-9, 16-14.

In the last edition of the tournament, Tayyab ended up as a losing semi-finalist, while compatriot Ali Bokhari went on to became the junior Asian champion.

However, in this year’s last-four round, Tayyab drew victory after thrashing Malaysia’s Mohammed Syafiq Kamal 3-0 within 28 minutes with an emphatic scoreline of 11-3, 11-2 and 11-5. Meanwhile, Kumar brushed aside Pakistan’s Israr Ahmed in straight frames.

Pakistan coach Jamshed Gul said he feels vindicated after putting Tayyab through gruelling practice sessions, and that he is proud of the youngster as he overcame the top seed of the tournament.

“Tayyab’s victory is more significant for me as he is the third successive squash player from Pakistan to become the junior Asian champion after Danish Atlas and Bokhari under my guidance as the national coach,” Gul told The Express Tribune.

“Tayyab had what it takes to become a champion, and in the end, the one who handled the pressure won. I was confident right from the start that he will triumph.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2014.

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