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

Islamabad march
Updated 27 Nov, 2024

Islamabad march

WITH emotions running high, chaos closes in. As these words were being written, rumours and speculation were all...
Policing the internet
27 Nov, 2024

Policing the internet

IT is chilling to witness how Pakistan — a nation that embraced the freedoms of modern democracy, and the tech ...
Correcting sports priorities
27 Nov, 2024

Correcting sports priorities

IT has been a lingering battle that has cast a shadow over sports in Pakistan: who are the national sports...
Kurram ceasefire
Updated 26 Nov, 2024

Kurram ceasefire

DESPITE efforts by the KP government to bring about a ceasefire in Kurram tribal district, the bloodletting has...
Hollow victory
26 Nov, 2024

Hollow victory

THE conclusion of COP29 in Baku has left developing nations — struggling with the mounting costs of climate...
Infrastructure schemes
26 Nov, 2024

Infrastructure schemes

THE government’s decision to finance priority PSDP schemes on a three-year rolling basis is a significant step...