PESHAWAR, Oct 12: Rushna Mahboob stunned top seeded Zoya Khalid in a marathon five-set final of the National Women’s Squash Championship here at the PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex on Saturday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Sports Mehmood Khan was the chief guest on the occasion.

Playing at high pace, Rushna of ZTBL and Zoya, also of ZTBL, exhibited their class in the final that lasted 58 minutes.

Rushna won the opening set 11-9 in a seesaw battle against Zoya as both of whom displayed excellent drop shots during long rallies.

Rushna led the first set 5-1 but Zoya tied the tally first at 5-5 and then at 9-9 before the former claimed the set. It was the second set when Rushna really showed her class as she outgunned Zoya 11-3.

After conceding two sets, Zoya managed to stage a comeback with some beautiful nick and drop shots while securing the third set 11-9. Zoya was leading the set right from the start amid strong resistance from Rushna who tied it twice at 5-5 and 9-9 before Zoya finally overpowered her opponent in an interesting battle.

In the fourth set, both the players continued to fight hard as the scoreline stretched to 12-14. Zoya was always in the lead but Rushna tied it at 4-4, 7-7, 8-8, 9-9, 10-10 and 12-12 before Zoya seized the set 14-12.

Unlike Zoya, Rushna did not lose her temper and played with determination to win the last and decisive set 11-4. They were tied at 4-4 before Rushna took seven consecutive points to make it 11-4.

At the end, the Provincial Minister for Sports Mahmood Khan gave away trophies and cash prizes to the winners and runners-up. Former world champion Qamar Zaman and secretary Ehsanullah Khan were also present.

Speaking on this occasion, Mahmood lauded the efforts of the KP Squash Association in holding fourth straight national championship for women. He announced full government support to the association for organising international events for both men and women in the province.—APP