ISLAMABAD - Nasir Iqbal lifted the $15,000 Challenger 15 11th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Squash Championship title after defeating Danish Atlas in hard-fought five-game thriller at Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Karachi on Tuesday.
It was purely a clash of two best players of the country who amused the spectators by displaying high-quality squash as both players showed tremendous fighting spirit, speed, agility and stamina. Nasir took the first game 11-9 after long rallies and neck-n-neck fight, but Danish bounced back in style to take the second game 11-4 completely outplaying Nasir in all departments. Danish kept same pressure in the third game and won it 11-9, but after playing two back-to-back absolving games, Danish just ran out of steam and had to pay a very heavy price as Nasir bamboozled Danish in the fourth game to take it 11-2.
It was completely different Danish in the fifth and final game as he matched fire with fire and kept Nasir on the run. Danish was playing one of the best games of his life and was at par with Nasir but all of a sudden when things were completely in his favour, Danish twisted his right leg and was badly injured, the score at that time was 8-8. After taking medical treatment, Danish bravely decided to complete the match. The crowd gave him standing ovation for his courage and supporting behaviour, but injury had taken its toll, as Danish was hardly able to stand, he was just standing his ground and let Nasir collect next three points to win the title 11-8 in 100 minutes of highly-entertaining and the best match of the entire championship.
Talking with The Nation, dejected Danish said: “I have almost won the match, but it was my fault that I lost my concentration when it mattered the most, as I could have easily won the match, had I was focused and not got relaxed. Anyhow it was a great match and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately, the injury prevented me from lifting the title, but I will return strongly in the next event scheduled to be held in Lahore and will take sweet revenge of this loss, if I get an opportunity to play against Nasir.”
For the very first time players, spectators and others present on the occasion looked completely satisfied with the refereeing as Pakistan's top international referee Tahir Khanzada was the referee who performed his duty very honestly. Imran was the side referee. The federation must ensure top referees should conduct top matches to ensure no biased refereeing or any favour to their blue-eyed players.
Sharing his views, PSF secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz lauded both the players terming the final as highly entertaining, competitive and breath taking. I appreciate both the players for producing sensational squash. Nasir played with offensive and defensive approach, it was his stamina, fitness and physical toughness, which helped him win the title. I had planned back-to-back PSA events to give maximum match practice to all the major players keeping in mind Asian Senior Individual Squash Championship early next month. I am sure competitive match practice will boost my players’ chances in the prestigious event.”