ISLAMABAD: The second Serena Hotel-Chief of Air Staff International Squash Championship will be staged here at the Mushaf Squash Complex from Oct 3 to 6.

Egypt’s world No.31 Omar Abdel Meguid will defend the title, which he won last year defeating Pakistan’s prolific player Aamir Atlas Khan in a nail-biting final here at the Mushaf Squash Complex.

However, Aamir, due to his international engagements, will not represent Pakistan at this year’s championship carrying a US$25,000 prize money.

“Aamir is in the US, and is not participating in the event,” Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) secretary Amir Nawaz told Dawn on the sidelines of the championship trophy unveiling ceremony held here at the Serena Hotel.

The PSF secretary, during the press conference at the championship unveiling ceremony, said players from Austria, New Zeland, UAE, Egypt and the US would feature in the event.

Former world champion Qamar Zaman, Air Commodore Syed Mohammad Ali, sports diplomacy director of Serena Hotel Syed Shahryar and GM Serena Michel A. Galopin were also present on the occasion.

Highlighting the federation was providing extensive support and the best available facilities to players, the PSF secretary said all necessary arrangements had been made to hold the event successfully.

The pre-qualifying round of the championship is underway with a draw of 16 players whereas the qualifying round will be held on Oct 1 and 2. The main round, featuring 16 players in all including four qualifiers, will start on Oct 3.

Omar Abdel Meguid is the tournament top seed while Egypt’s Mohamed Abouelghar (world No.38) and his compatriot Karim Ali Fathi (No.42) are second and third seeds, respectively.

Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal (No.47) is the fourth seed followed by his compatriots Danish Atlas Khan (No.79), Tayyab Aslam (No.82) and Shehab Essam of Egypt (No.89). Pakistan’s Shah Jahan Khan is the eight seed.

The four other players, who will participate in the main round are New Zealand’s Lance Beddoes, Austria’s Aqeel-ur-Rehman, Abbas Maniar of the US and Pakistan’s Israr Ahmed (wild card entry).

Speaking on the occasion, Qamar Zaman questioned the fitness level and dedication of contemporary Pakistan players.

“We used to practise five hours daily in court whereas the present lot of national players are unable to spend even three hours in court. This is unfortunate that after Jansher Khan none of our players could win any major international title,” Qamar lamented.

“These players to meet success need to work hard and this can be done by undergoing tough training in court.”

Published in Dawn October 1st, 2015

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