Hopes of All-Pakistani COAS Final Crash In Islamabad

The top two seeds prevailed in today's semi-finals of the COAS International - thereby dashing hopes of a first all-Pakistani final in the PSA Tour event at Mushaf Squash Complex in the Pakistan capital city Islamabad.

But Pakistan's 16-year-old Aamir Atlas Khan, the fourth seed from Peshawar, fully tested top seed Adrian Grant, opening up a two-game lead over the world No15 from England. However, the experienced left-hander from London, winner of the title three years ago, regained the upper hand and after 69 minutes secured an 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-5 victory to notch up his 18th PSA Tour final appearance.

Third seed Mansoor Zaman, also from Peshawar, faced long-time Asian rival Ong Beng Hee in the other semi. The No2 seed, bidding to become the first Malaysian to win the title, took four games to overcome Zaman, winning 11-7, 11-10 (2-0), 3-11, 11-5. Ong Beng Hee is celebrating his 17th PSA Tour final.

Grant and Beng Hee, who first met in the British Junior U16 Open final (won by the Malaysian) in January 1996, haven't played each other since November 2004 when they met in the CNS International semi-finals in Karachi, Pakistan - a five-game battle won by Ong Beng Hee.

Semi-finals:
[1] Adrian Grant (ENG) bt [4] Aamir Atlas Khan (PAK) 8-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-5 (69m)
[2] Ong Beng Hee (MAS) bt [3] Mansoor Zaman (PAK) 11-7, 11-10 (2-0), 3-11, 11-5