ISLAMABAD - Asim Khan became the crowned champion of the $5000 Malaysian Tour-II 2018 as he registered came from behind 3-2 victory against Malaysian world number 94 Mohd Shafiq Kamal in the final played on Saturday.
It was third title on trot for the youngster as year 2018 started with a big bang for the Pakistan’s senior team member. He had won $10,000 event last month in Iran and $5000 last week in Malaysia and now he added yet another title. It was by highly wonderful performance shown by Asim as the entire crowd was right behind the local lad but Asiam kept his cool and played his natural game without taking any pressure.
While talking exclusively to The Nation Saturday Asim said that after 1-2 down, he was feeling the pressure. “I had a habit of throwing away when I am not enjoying my game but luckily, I woke up when it matters most. I want to once again thank Pakistan Squash Federation for trusting in my abilities and providing me with opportunities to play at international level.”
He rubbished the claims made by some certain quarters regarding he should participate in high money tournaments. Asim said his critics must understand that he was not winning titles and he didn’t have any even a minor title under his belt.
“I don’t care what others are thinking. The thing that matters for me is my performances and as long as I am winning titles I never mind whether it is $5000 or more. I am satisfied and these titles will definitely boost not only my confidence but also help me improve my PSA rankings. I want to know, the so-called pundits and former players when they had started to win big prize tournaments? Off course not at first attempt as it takes them a while before they produced what they achieved at the end. Everyone is not Jahangir, Jansher or Qamar Zaman. It was different time and circumstances were different and they all were truly world class and born champions, while we had to work hard. I belong to completely non-squash background family. It was my passion and desire, which forced my parents to let me play squash or else, I could have like others adopted some other sports and could have focused on my studies. I am working hard and people and above all self-proclaimed champions must remember one thing in mind that I had to fight against a lot of deceases as I never enjoyed best of health. But even then, I never make lame excuses and accept my responsibility. I should have performed much better especially in the world team championship in France but it is past now. Let me assure all and especially the federation that I am a much changed player now and if provided with opportunity to play for country, I will not disappoint the federation and the country. I was lacking international titles under my belt and after third title in last one month, my confidence levels are sky high and I am ready to face any given opponent.”
Asim started the first game on a very high note and took the first game 11-5 with utmost ease. Second game was also going well for Asim, but he lost his momentum and lost the game 9-11. Same was the case in the third game. Asim managed to save two game points before making a childish mistakes and gifted third game 10-12 to Shafiq. But he stayed in the match by winning the fourth game 11-6. Winning the fourth game so easily boosted Asim’s confidence and he did not let Shafiq off the hook in the deciding game and won it easily 11-5 to seal the title in around 1-hour.
