Recorder Report

PESHAWAR: Promising second seed Noor Zaman lifted the trophy of the National Junior Age Group Squash Championship after upsetting seeded Hammad in the thrilling final of Under-13 category played here at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex, here on Thursday.

Director PAF Sports Control Board Committee Group Captain Asghar Awan was the chief guest on this occasion and before the start of the final between Noor Zaman and Hammad Khan, the two finalists of the Under-15 categories Muhammad Saqib Iqbal and Hamza Sharif were also introduced to him.

The final between Noor Zaman and Hammad produced good attacking game with some beautiful nick, drops and forceful smashes were also witnessed in the hotly contestant encounter.

It was challenging task for Noor Zaman who lost the opening set at 10-12 before leveling it at 4-4, 5-5, 7-7, 8-8, 9-9, and 10-10. Noor Zaman after conceding a set, managed his position and stated a strong comeback.

Noor Zaman took the second set by 11-9 which was tied at 5-5, 9-all before he marched into victory. When Noor took up the lead he did not look behind and raced up to the victory by taking two more sets at 11-6 and 11-8.

In the Under-15 final Saqib Iqbal defeated Hamza Sharif by 3-1, the score was 7-11, 11-9. 11-6 and 11-9. Saqibn Iqbal lost the first set with Hamza Sharif exhibited a good show but later on Saqib dominated and succeeded in toppling Hamza by winning three consecutive sets.

Earlier, in the semi-final Hamza Sharif beat Rashid Daulat by 3-2 after a marathon final. Both Hamza and Rashid Daulat provided great thrill for the spectators who cheered them all the time. The score was 11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 6-11 and 11-6 while Saqib Iqbal registered victory against Ali Sher, the score was 12-14, 11-1, 11-2 and 11-7.