The Hindu : Pakistan wrests crown

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002

Sport

Sport - Squash

Pakistan wrests crown

By S.R. Suryanarayan

CHENNAI DEC. 14. Down in the dumps for a while Pakistan announced its return to world squash by winning the team title after a gap of two decades in the 12th edition of the World Junior men's championship at the TNSRA-SDAT complex on Saturday.

For one whose legendary status should have attracted a thousand talents to squash in his time, Jehangir Khan was witness to the historic moment brought about by his young countrymen as he graced the occasion on the final day.

It was a show of collective strength that was remarkable for the depth in talent in the Pakistan ranks as against the deposed holder England which was looking for its fourth straight win and fifth overall but with just one class player in James Willstrop, incidentally the only unbeaten player in the whole of the championship.

Where Peter Barker was a class above the rest, barring Willstrop, in the individual competition that preceded the team event, a groin injury was to dash his hopes as also England's.

Barker presented a sorry sight, an indignant bundle against the sharp moving and fine-tuned Majid khan in the deciding third match of the tie.

Majid's backhand worked magic when Pakistan wanted it most and some of the steeply-angled drops he executed were breathtaking, let alone winners. His forehand too worked well and in all he was a player who was pumped up for the occasion and no amount of distraction that Barker tried, including the occasional obtrusive methods could put down the thin player.

And the final moments provided a study in contrast. As Barker banged the ball into the tin at 7-8 down, Majid exulted, removed his headgear even as his team-mates and officials rushed on to the court for a quick namaz and a round of hugging and victory cries. On the other side, Barker, red in disappointment and anger stomped out, smashing his eye-protection glass on the way.

Barker looked a much-disturbed man over the Referee's calls but then the Essex lad too did no any good to his cause with his poor touch. Majid played to a perfect plan.

"I advised Majid to keep Barker away with high lobs and then try to effect the kills with low drops", said a happy Rehmat Khan, who has been credited with recent turn around in Pakistan squash. England Coach David Campion admitted Majid played a great game.

"Barker had missed out a few matches because of groin injury and that showed", the Coach added.

Except in the third game when Barker led 5-2 at one stage, he had more moments of despair than inspiration thanks to Majid's splendid touch. The way he used the trickle boasts and the cross court drives, the Pakistani had taken away much of the fight in the English player. Then came the question of reaching for his rival's returns and Majid looked adept there too notwithstanding the way Barker at times used his hips to gain advantage.

Earlier Willstrop was all class as he put England ahead with a stand out performance against Khayal Muhammad who had to accept that his opponent was in a different league. But there, as England bench feared, the country's dominance ended. Jon Harford, with a heavily bandaged right thigh had straightaway sent the wrong signal against Khalid Atlas. The Pakistani seized the opportunity to lay the path for Majid to do the rest.

India finishes fifth

Another moment of importance in the day came for host India, which recorded a creditable win over Mexico to finish fifth overall, an incredible finish in Indian squash history. "The performance of the boys has made everyone proud and augurs well for Indian squash in the seasons to come", said Maj (retd) S. Maniam, the Consultant Coach.

At the prize distribution function, Mr N. Ramachandran, president, TNSRA referred to the top quality squash feast in the city and thanked the World Squash Federation for giving the championship to India.

The result: final: Pakistan bt England 2-1 (Khayal Muhammad lost to James Willstrop 2-9, 0-9, 1-9; Khalid Atlas bt Jon Harford 9-4, 9-7, 9-5; Majid Khan bt Peter Barker 9-2, 9-3, 9-7.

Final placings: 1. Pakistan 2. England 3. Egypt 4. Australia 5. India 6. Mexico 7. USA 8. Canada 9. Malaysia 10. Kuwit 11. New Zealand 12. Switzerland 13. Netherlands 14. Wales 15. Hong Kong 16. Scotland.

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