Iqbal took home not only the trophy and the prize money, but also the welcome tidings of an expected rise in his world ranking. PHOTO: NNI
Iqbal, who is ranked 44th in the world, assumed control of the match right from the word go, beating his 61st-ranked opponent 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 in just 25 minutes to wrap up the match.
Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain was the chief guest at the occasion, while Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and former world champions Jahangir Khan, Qamar Zaman and Jansher Khan were also present at the final.
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Bannu-based Iqbal said he was ecstatic to win the $25,000 competition in Pakistan as it will help him achieve a career-best ranking. “It was important to win today and I’m delighted with the result,” Nasir told The Express Tribune. “This title will help me earn around 400-450 points and hopefully that would be enough for me to get somewhere close to the top 35.”
The 21-year-old added that once a player enters the top 40 in world rankings, it requires winning events like these to ensure noticeable progress towards the pinnacle.
However, Iqbal may be out for a few weeks as his doctors have advised him to rest due to internal weakness. “The doctors told me to take it easy after this event, so it’s good that a break will come with some important points achieved,” he said. “As things stand right now, I may not be able to participate in the World Open later this month in the USA.”
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Iqbal further said that he is confident of making a full recovery before the World Team Championship in Kuwait next month.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2015.
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