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Shahid downs Mansoor for International Squash Circuit crown

Staff Report

LAHORE: Shahid Zaman sealed a stylish 15-6, 15-9, 15-9 victory over Mansoor Zaman in the final of the Pakistan International Squash Circuit at the Punjab Squash Association (PSA) Complex on Saturday.

Shahid pocketed $1,900 for his magnificent victory. Runner-up Mansoor received $1,300 while semi-finalists Majid Khan and Farrukh Zaman were given $850 each.

It was not that Mansoor did not play well in the final. He played to his potential throughout the event and the final was no exception. Mansoor remained unconquered till the semis. Phenomenal Shahid was also on song. He had defeated Farrukh in straight games 15-10, 15-13, 15-11 in the semi-final. Obviously the final started as a highly charged affair.

Mansoor went for a quick 2-0 lead. But Shahid showed an imperious form.

With Shahid quickly going for his magical shots world number 19 Mansoor lost his rhythm in the very first game. Trailing 10-5 midway the game, he stumbled and found himself floored in front of a packed crowd.

Shahid controlled the second and the third game as well. He played a forceful but calculated game. Time and again Mansoor froze in his tracks, watching helplessly the unplayable drop shots of Shahid.

The rivals entered the third game with a killer’s instinct. Mansoor reduced 7-2 lead to 10-8 before Shahid started playing his well-timed and accurate shots again. Standing his ground calmly, he checked, paused and then hit the ball at will. In the blink of an eye, he raced to 14-9. The rest is history.

It was the first victory for the 22-year-old in the professional circuit.

“I feel it was not my day. Shahid played great today. He deserved this victory,” Mansoor reflected after the 41-minute match.

“Winning the first two games gave me a clear edge,” chuckled an upbeat Shahid in post-match remarks. “Mansoor put in a brave performance in the third, but I knew the late fight back was not going to work for him. Everything went my way. I feel elated. It was probably my best-ever victory.”

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