Abbas Wins Battle Of Egyptians In Islamabad

Three years after finishing as runner-up, Mohammed Abbas clinched the title in the COAS International in Pakistan after beating fellow Egyptian Ramy Ashour in the final of the PSA Tour event at the Roshan Khan Squash Centre in Islamabad.

The two Cairo-based Egyptians had dashed local interest in the event with victories over cousins Shahid Zaman and Mansoor Zaman, the favourite and third seed, respectively, in the semi-finals.

After 22-year-old Abbas took the opening game of the final, his 18-year-old opponent - the reigning world junior champion - drew level. But the more experienced Abbas regained control of the match to secure his 11-4, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5 victory.

It was Abbas's sixth appearance in a PSA final - remarkably, all but one of which has featured Egyptian opponents - and his first title success since winning his maiden Tour trophy at the El Ahly Open in Cairo in January 2000.

Final:
[2] Mohammed Abbas (EGY) bt [4] Ramy Ashour (EGY) 11-4, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5