ISLAMABAD - Majestic Aamir Atlas Khan saved match point to beat younger brother Danish Atlas Khan 3-2 in the semifinal of the Serena Hotels-Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship here at Mushaf Ali Mir Squash Complex on Wednesday.
Top seed Egyptian Omar Abdel Meguid brushed aside fifth seed Qatari Abdullah M Al Tamimi 3-0 in the second semifinal. Aamir, who was not fully fit, even then he proved his critics, especially Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), wrong by displaying mind-blowing squash. His powerful volleys and reading of the situation amused the pack to capacity crowd, who gave a standing ovation to the great lad, who despite being match-point down, never lost his composure and staged a remarkable comeback, when almost down and out. Through his superb show, Aamir has shown he is a true champion.
Aamir started the semifinal as highly underdog and never showed any signs of emotions while playing against younger brother. He took the first game 11-9 in 11 minutes, but it was all Danish in the second game, who first took 7-2 lead and then won it 11-5. Aamir took a comfortable 7-4 lead in the third game, but Danish then bounced back and played aggressive game to took the game 13-11.
At this stage, Aamir looked down and out, as he was clearly showing signs of weakness. Danish started the fourth game on a very fast pace and raced on to take a decisive 7-2 lead and then serving for the match at 10-7, but Aamir was not in a mood to give up and he staged a remarkable comeback to first level the game 10-10 and then went onto take it 14-12.
The fifth game saw Aamir taking 5-0 lead and then finished off Danish with a series of match winners both sides of the wall and wont the game 11-5.
Aamir splendid triumph has sent a very clear message to not only his rivals, but also to the PSF that he is not finished yet, rather deserves much better treatment and due respect from the federation. Not even 40 percent fit, Aamir is more than capable of surviving five hard fought games, think if he is fully fit, what he cannot achieve for the country. The time is ripe when the PSF president should finally interfere and ensure justice being provided to Atlas brothers, as they deserve to get lime share of the PSF expenditures as they are the proven stuff unlike of other so-called self-proclaimed champions to whom the federation is showering with countless benefits.
Aamir will take on top seed Omar Abdel Meguid in the final today (Thursday) starting at 4pm. PSF chief Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of Air Staff, will grace the occasion as chief guest.
In the other semifinal, Omar Abdel Meguid was just too good for fifth seed Abdullah M Al-Tamimi of Qatar 3-0. Omar took the first game 11-8 after some tough resistance, same was the case in the second game, had Abdullah used commonsense and played long rallies, Omar could have easily trapped, but Abdullah played the game best suited to Omar, which helped the top seed grab the second game 11-8. In the third game, for the first time helped by some strong advices by coach Geoff Hunt, Abdullah started the game in different frame of mind. Despite at one stage down 2-7, Abdullah staged mini recovery by winning seven straight points in a row to take 9-7 lead, but he spoiled the advantage with some casual strokes and committing too many unforced errors. It was duly obliged by Omar who won next four points in a row to take the game 11-9, thus booked a berth in the final.
Hunt said Abduallah committed hell lot of mistakes. “He should have played his own game rather than trapping to his opponents’ style. He played throughout the event well and I hope he would learn from these mistakes and would turn out to be a better player in near future.” Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General Air Marshal (r) M Yousaf was the chief guest on the first semifinal and presented cash award to runners-up and trophy to the winner.