Zaman lifts squash title

Kolkata, Feb 8 (UNI) Mansoor Zaman of Pakistan pulled off a stunner winning the Third Kolkata International Squash Championship today defeating Ong Beng Hee of Malaysia 11-8, 11-7, 4-11, 11-8.

The final was by and large a lopsided affair and it was the higher-ranked player who bowed to the deftness and aggression of young Zaman.

For most part of the match the Pakistan player played from the front court and did not allow Beng Hee play his natural game.

The second seed Malaysian was pressed to the hold court and could not attack.

Apart from the third set, Zaman was in his elements.

Son of former world champion Qamar Zaman, squash runs in his veins, and on the night his delicate drop boasts, power volleys, and a series of roll ons were too much for Beng Hee.

Later the Malaysian admitted that he was outclassed. '' I had no answers to his delicate shots. I played below par. But he (Zaman) is a great player. If he can continue with this form, very soon he would break the top 10 barrier, '' Beng Hee said after the match.

Zaman, currently ranked 35 in the world, was ecstatic after winning the title. He now eyes the British Open to make a mark in the world circuit.

'' This is a big occasion winning this tournament. Perhaps I am in the best form of my career. At the moment my prime target is to break into top 10 and probably I will reach there by the year end, '' he said.

He said, '' My next target is the British Open. A few great Pakistani players have their names in the honour list there and I want to emulate them. '' With this win, Zaman got richer by $ 4873 and earned 487 PSA points, while Beng Hee got $ 3000 and 330 PSA points.

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