Grant downs Mansoor to lift CNS squash crown

By Mirza Iqbal Baig

KARACHI: Top seed Adrian Grant of England overcame a tough challenge from Pakistan’s Mansoor Zaman in the final to win the 7th Chief of Naval Staff Squash Championship at the Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex here on Friday.

The London-born Grant, who is world number 17, had some anxious moments before he overwhelmed Mansoor who proved to be a tough opponent. Some brilliant squash was witnessed in the final that lasted for 56 minutes.

Both players played forceful strokes and some dazzling cross and drop shots. Eventually fitness was the winner when Adrian proved himself more fit than his rival, who is ranked 31st in the world.

Mansoor started the match on a good note when he clinched the first game in 12 minutes with a score of 11-7. But Grant roared back and won the next three games 11-6, 11-10 (6-5) and 11-7 to lift the trophy.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Tahir Afzal was the chief guest and presented the winner’s trophy to Grant and runner-up shield to Mansoor.

Former world champion Jahangir Khan, who is president of World Squash Federation (WSF), and officials of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) were also present on the occasion.

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