Kolkata, Feb 9: Pakistani squash player Mansoor Zaman clinched the title of Kolkata Open Squash Tournament by defeating Ong Beng Hee of Malaysia. Mansoor Zaman won the final 11-5, 11-6, 5-11, 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.


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 added, "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 Professional Squash Association (PSA) points, while Beng Hee got $3000

President Pakistan Squash Federation Air Chief Marshal, Tanvir Mehmood announced Rs100,000 and the Vice President Rs50,000/- for the winner.

OneIndia News