By IANS
Kolkata : Second seed Malaysian Ong Beng Hee and Mansoor Zaman of Pakistan will renew their Asian rivalry in the final of the three-star Kolkata International Squash tournament after overcoming their rivals in hard fought encounters here Thursday.
In a night of back-to-back thrillers, Mansoor outwitted Omar Mosaad of Egypt in a see-saw affair to reach the final. The Pakistani player won a five-setter 11-5, 4-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-9.
Mansoor showed immaculate touch, especially in fourth and fifth sets, to overcome his opponent. Some drop boasts were simply exquisite. Most importantly, Mansoor took Mossad’s game away by not allowing him play from the back of the court – his brand of hard hitting squash.
The second semi-final saw a near upset. With 1-2 down, Beng Hee had his back to the wall. In the end, however, experience prevailed.
In the second and third games, Aziz used the sidewalls very effectively, but Beng Hee managed to counter the ploy in the final two sets.
“I should have sealed the match in straight sets. But Aziz is a great fighter and in the end, I consider myself lucky to win,” Beng Hee said after the match.
Asked about the final to be played Friday, the second seed and World No.18 said, “Mansoor and I have been playing since 12. We have had a great competition. I have to plan my game to match his play. I hope to play better tomorrow.”
“We have played three Asian Championship finals and this is another final for us. I have to find out something special for his roll-ons and shots with loads of back-spin,” he added.