KARACHI, Jan 2: Promising Farhan Zaman, a qualifier, gave awesome exhibition of power play imposing straight victory over top seed Kashif Khan in the final of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Open Squash Championship to land his maiden seniors domestic crown at PN Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex on Friday.

The 17-year-old Farhan of the Navy took 32 minutes to emerge 11-7, 13-11, 11-6 victorious against Sindh champion Kashif.

Farhan, a nephew of former British Open champion, Qamar Zaman, was in the best nick and crossed all hurdles one after the other ruthlessly to emerge eventual champion.

After winning the qualifiers, he whipped seventh seed Nousherwan in the first round, fourth seed Aurangzaib Mahmond in quarters and second seed Shaikh Saquib in the semis on course to making the final.

“I have prepared a lot for the event and was confident of starting the New Year on winning note,” a jubilant Farhan told Dawn after the final.

He has already shone in British juniors by landing the U-13 title in 2005 and U-15 in 2006 besides being member of Pakistan team that won the World Juniors Squash Team championship at Switzerland last year.

Farhan said he has overcome strong opponents in the main round and attributed his success to sheer hard work.

Kashif, 21, who has been to Malaysia last year where he lost in quarter-final in a Satellite circuit, applauded Farhan for playing better then him.

It was only in the second set when Farhan faced some resistance from his opponent who extended him to tie-break before surrendering 11-13. Farhan scored winners in the other two sets and his opponent was at his mercy.

Farhan received a winners cheque of Rs30,000 along with a glittering trophy from director general of the CAA, Air Commodore (retd) M. Junaid Ameen. Kashif earned runner up trophy and a purse of Rs19,500.

The final was witnessed among others by squash Legend Jahangir Khan and Base Commander PAF Base Faisal Air Commodore Mohammad Arif.

Final result:

Farhan Zaman (PN) bt Kashif Khan (Sindh) 11-7, 13-11, 11-6.

Opinion

Editorial

Lakki police protest
12 Sep, 2024

Lakki police protest

Police personnel are on thed front line in the campaign against militancy, and their concerns cannot be dismissed.
Interwoven crises
12 Sep, 2024

Interwoven crises

THE 2024 World Risk Index paints a concerning picture for Pakistan, placing it among the top 10 countries most...
Saving lives
12 Sep, 2024

Saving lives

Access to ethical and properly trained mental health professionals must be made available to all.
Dark turn
Updated 11 Sep, 2024

Dark turn

What transpired in Islamabad should give at least the old guard within the more established political parties some pause.
Clearing the air
11 Sep, 2024

Clearing the air

THE rumour mill had been working overtime regarding a purported extension for the chief justice of the country....
Deplorable remarks
11 Sep, 2024

Deplorable remarks

It is a matter of grave concern that Imran Khan reportedly defended Gandapur’s hideous remarks about the Punjab CM and female journalists.