Maria Toor Pakay claims second WSA title
Maria Toor Pakay. -File photo
KARACHI: Maria Toor Pakay of Pakistan defeated two-time finalist American Latasha Khan in the Southwest Squash Open in Tempe, Arizona to win her second WSA (Women’s Squash Association) title.
The fourth seed beat Khan 11-6, 13-11, 4-11, 11-9 in 59 minutes to win the $10,000 event. Pakay took advantage of the second seed’s mistakes to take the first set and just as the American was settling in, the 21-year old from South Waziristan won the second set 13-11.
Khan bounced back in the third set to give herself a fighting chance in the match but Pakay dominated in the fourth to win it 11-9 and claim the title.
Pakay had earlier beaten second seed Lauren Selby 14-2, 17-15, 11-4 in the semi-final and Celia Allamargot 11-6, 11-8, 11-5 in the quarter final.
Pakay is ranked no.52 and has risen over 110 places in 2012 after winning the Liberty Bell Open, which was her first WSA title. She will now feature in the qualifying round of the Carol Weymuller Open in New York this week.
WOW… WHAT A VICTORY MARIA…… WELL DONE. ITS AMAZING TO HEAR THAT YOU BELONG TO S. WAZIRISTAN.. GOOD LUCK FOR FUTURE ENDEAVOR.
HD its squash.
Well done Maria, now you showing your true grit. Don’t look back now.
CONGRATULATIONS and Thank you.
Thank you, because your type of women would show us Pakistanis that girls are (atleaset) as good as boys.
Respect for Womwn Rights is – in my view – one of the essential parameters for development of societies. Please “squash” it in Pakistani Mentality.
you go girl!
A women from South Waziristan, active in sports, wining the International tournament. Unbelievable !
Way to go, Maria! And being from S. Waziristan, it is extra special. With greater opportunities, girls of KP could excel not only in squash, but cricket and tennis. Need to get some private investors interested in the potential of Pakistan as a super sporting nation – men and women alike.
Good to know that women are winning.
Well done Maria, keep it up and all the best in future as well
Bravo! Coming from South Waziristan that’s an added feather in the cap.
Well done and good luck in New York.
Great job Maria. Pakistanis should be very proud of you. Please teach our male squash players how to play the game as well!!
Pardon my ignorance but what sport is this?
Its squash.