LAHORE - Oan Abbas set a showdown with Haris Qasim in the Under-19 final of All-Pakistan National Junior Squash Championship after winning their respective semifinals here at the PSA international complex Tuesday.
Oan from Punjab spent 40 minutes in the courts and made short work of Muhammad Juniad Khan 9/11,11/5,15/13,12/10. Oan seemed sluggish in the opening set which Juniad won after showing excellent squash skills. The loss served as a big lesson for Oan, who bounced back with undying spirit and all round performance to win the coming three sets. He entertained the audience with lovely fore and back hand shots.
Haris Qasim (Pb) beat M Uzair Rasheed (Pb) in a similar fashion with a score line of 7/11,11/3,6/11,11/9,11/9 after 64 minutes struggle. Haris was not in proper colour and touch in the opening set as Uzair exhibited brilliance coupled with superb serves and aggressive returns to take lead in the match by winning the set. The remaining part of the play proved a nightmare for Uzair, who failed to show consistency and Haris appeared master of the situation with flawless game, taking the next three sets with ease and comfort.
In Under-17 category, Farhan Hashmi (SNGPL) and M Saqib Iqbal moved into the final after winning their respective semifinals in identical manner by losing their opening set. Farhan outpaced Hamza Sharif (KP) 10/12,11/9,11/7,11/7 in 26 minutes. Saqib (KP) routed M Hassaan Raza (Pb) 2/11,11/7,11/7,11/7 (28 minutes). Today (Wednesday), Haris Qasim will take on Oan Abbas in the Under-19 final at 5pm while Farhan Hashmi will vie against Saqib Iqbal in Under-17 final at 4pm. Provincial Minister for Sports Jahangir Khanzada and former Pakistan hockey captain Khawaja M Juaid will be the chief guests on the occasion.