Pakistan Air Force (PAF) defeated Pakistan Army in the thrilling final to clinch the Inter-Services Squash Championship trophy here at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex on Friday. Pakistan No 2 Farhan Zaman chalked out the victory by denting top seeded player Abbas Shoukat in the hotly contestant final. The score was 11-8, 11-8 and 11-9.
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Athar Shams, Air Officer Commanding, Northern Air Command, was the chief guest on this occasion and witnessed the final. Acting Base Commander Peshawar, Director Sports PAF Sports Control Board Group Captain Asghar Awan, players, officials and large number of spectators were also present and enjoyed the thrill-packed final.
In the first singles, Farhan Zaman faced tough resistance against Army's Sadam Ul Haq in the 3-1 battle, as the match lasted for 48 minutes. The score was 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9. Both Farhan and Sadam gave each other a tough fight with some beautiful strokes were also witnessed. In the second singles Waqas Mehboob of PAF beat Bilal Zakir of Army by 3-1, the score was 10-12, 11-8, 11-6 and 11-9.
In the reverse singles of the league round Sadam Ul Haq beat for Asian Junior Safeer of PAF by 3-0, the score was 11-8, 11-7 and 11-9 while Waqas beat Bilal Zakir by 3-1, the score was 12-10, 11-13, 11-7 and 11-9 and Farhan beat Abbas Shoukat twice in a thrilling match. The score was 11-8, 11-9 and 11-9 while in the second match Farhan beat Abbas Shoukat by 3-0, the score was 11-8, 11-7 and 11-9. Thus PAF beat Pakistan Army by 2-1.
PAF and Army also recorded victories against Navy, the third team in the Championship hosted by Pakistan Air Force Sport Control Committee. At the end, the chief guest gave away trophies and medals to the position holders.
Speaking on this occasion, AVM Muhammad Athar Shams, Air Officer Commanding, Northern Air Command, lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and host Pakistan Air Force for their active participation in various Inter-Services tournaments of different games. He also congratulated the winners and runners-up team for their good show in the final.