Iqbal Wins PSA Karachi International Trophy
by Howard Harding
15 March 2013 - Pakistan's Nasir Iqbal celebrated his career-first win over the country's number one squash player in today's final of the DHA Karachi International Squash Championship to win the inaugural PSA World Tour Challenger 10 event at the Asif Nawaz Squash Complex in the largest city in Pakistan.
The No2 seed from Bannu went into the match against favourite Aamir Atlas Khan 4/0 down in Tour clashes going back to 2008.
But 18-year-old Iqbal was determined to make a breakthrough. The world No69 took the opening game and was 9/5 up in the second when Khan, struggling with an adductor injury, called time on the match.
"I worked very hard for this event and am pleased to have won," said Iqbal afterwards. "I look forward to the Asian Championships in May - and my goal is to win there."
Peshawar-based Khan was disappointed with his performance. "I tried hard to play with my niggling adductor but it was too much to handle," said the world No51. "I couldn't keep up with the match and I am disappointed with it.
"I hope to be injury free soon and do well in the next tournament."
It was a disappointing end to the tournament which had brought international squash back to Karachi after a long gap.
Jahangir Khan, not only the city's greatest squash player but also the world's greatest player, was delighted to see top squash being played in Karachi.
"I welcome the PSA & WSA players at the 1st DHA Karachi international Squash Championship. I am really happy to see the revival of the PSA Tour at Karachi after an eight-year gap and feel happier that it is being played at DHA Asif Nawaz Squash Complex where I played my last World Open in the year 1993 and won the World Team Championship," said the record ten-time British Open champion.
"It is the same venue where I announced my squash retirement and due to that I have an emotional attachment with this venue.
"I personally thank the DHA Creek Club management for the revival of the prestigious venue which has a long history of major events organized at Asif Nawaz Squash Complex and will assure my full support for organizing more events in future at DHA.
"Hopefully I will see top squash in my city once again."
RESULTS: PSA Challenger 10 DHA Karachi International Championship, Karachi, Pakistan
Final:
[2] Nasir Iqbal (PAK) bt [1] Aamir Atlas Khan (PAK) 11-9, 9-5 ret. (20m)
Back To Main
