Qualifier Aqib Hanif staged the biggest upset of the 2nd FMC Pakistan International Squash Circuit-I beating top seed and world number 29 Aamir Atlas in five-game final on Saturday at PSA complex.
Hanif came from behind to win 5-11, 11-9, 11-9, 10-12, 13-11. Shahid Salim, Head of FMC Asia was the chief guest on the occasion and gave away the prizes. Vice President, Punjab Squash Association, Sohail Khan, Secretary, PSA, Tariq Farooq Rana were also present. Aqibs victory earned him a cash prize of US Dollars 1805 while Aamir got US dollars 1235.
World number 176 Aqib, proved too good for a much-fancied opponent who was dubbed favourite in the pre-final predictions. Aqib won the heart of big gathering with his greater anticipation and agility in a match lasted 69 minutes.
Aqib continued his giant killing run in the US dollars 10,000 tournament by rising from nowhere to shine with the title victory, starting his voyage from qualifying rounds and then making gradual progress in the main round, finally putting up a show in the final which will be long remembered.
After a shaky start of losing the first set, Aqib regained his lost touch by winning the next two sets to send a note of warning to Aamir who was anticipating an easy win like the previous final contested in the previous national ranking tournament.
Aqib was again in trouble when Aamir made his last desperate effort by taking the fourth set exhibiting some good serves and returns plus brilliant placing in both the corners. Aqib though tried to make a come back in the same part of the game but Aamir cut down his all efforts with accurate shots and sizzling serves.
With score read at 2-2 and the match entering in the fifth and decisive set and crowd enjoying a keen tussle between the two players, Aqib started the set on a confident note dominating with cross court shots and clever placing above the tin which shattered the confidence of Aamir who was all out to salvage his pride but failed.
“It was a good match which I fought with best of my abilities and skills and I am glad to win the first title of my career,“ said Aqib from Punjab. He said his controlled shots and balanced foot work from the mid of the court were the plus points of his game.
“Aamir caused problems by taking the first and fourth sets but despite these deserve situation I did not lose the hope and remained focused and my only aim was to go for a victory and to get the title which eventually happened.
Aamir said Aqib played better squash and deserved to win. “It was a bad day for me as I could not make a come back in the match though I was in control on some stages.“
