ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Open Squash returns to country following ten years of relentless wait and renewed last gasp efforts by Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) to convince world bodies on the security arrangements made for the leading players and officials. Now the Serena Pakistan Open and Serena Chief of Air Staff Women Open would get under way simultaneously from December 17-24 at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex. “Following recent ‘Dharna’, the World Squash Federation (WSF) and Players Squash Association (PSA) were reluctant to honour their commitment. Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi (Senior Vice president PSF) and former British Open champion Qamar Zaman pleaded Pakistan case during recent world bodies AGM meeting in France, successfully putting up national cause that country is safe to host any international event and Pakistan open is no exception,” Secretary PSF Group Captain Tahir Sultan said in a media briefing held Wednesday. Secretary PSF thanked sponsors ‘Serena Hotels’ and Aziz Boolani (CEO) for coming forward and supporting the federation to host the event.Some leading international players from Egypt, Hong Kong, Malaysia, England, Australia, France, Spain, Wales, Portugal, Switzerland and Iran are to compete in the event.“Pakistan Open was one of the major events on the international circuit almost ten years back. We have been given permission to hold $ 50 thousand event this fall. The PSF hopes that in a couple of year time, it would be in a position to hold bigger prize money Open. During the WSF AGM meeting we also pleaded our case of more international circuit events next season. Hopefully we would be in a position to hold even lesser prize money events in years to come.” Group Captain Tahir Sultan said that all these steps were taken to help leading Pakistan players improve their ranking at international level. “This effort is all for Pakistan players. We are trying to provide the best of facilities and opportunities to Pakistan players in an effort to see them climbing on the PSA ranking.” Egyptian world No 6 Marwan El Shorbagy is the top seed of the event with his countrymen Mohammad Abouelghar (13th) and Zahed Mohammad (25th) and Hong Kong’s Leo Au (26th) are the other top players in the event. Pakistan has given wild card to Israr Ahmad while Farhan Mehboob, Farhan Zaman and Ahsan Ayaz are the other local players succeeded in getting main round places. In ladies CAS Open of worth $ 25000 world No 11 Annie Au (Hong Kong) is the top seed while women from Egypt, Australia and Malaysia are also in run for title. Sadia Gul has been given wild card for the event. On the occasion, Pakistan Open and CAS Open trophies were also unveiled.
