Thierry Triumphs In Karachi

Top-seeded Frenchman Thierry Lincou survived a hard five-game final against Australia's No2 seed David Palmer to win the Bank Alfalah Pakistan Open in Karachi.

The world number one and world champion from Marseille was given a tough ride throughout the PSA Super Series Silver event - being taken to two tie-break games in his first round victory over England's Bradley Ball; having to come back from behind twice in his five-game win over Pakistan No1 Shahid Zaman in the second round; prevailing in two tie-break games in his quarter-final defeat of seventh seed Karim Darwish; then overcoming a first game loss to fourth seed Anthony Ricketts before beating the Australian in a 69-minute semi-final.

The other semi-final saw David Palmer, the world No3 from Lithgow in New South Wales, edge out surprise opponent Gregory Gaultier, the No8 seed from France, 3-11 11-10 11-6 6-11 11-4 in 58 minutes.

But Lincou held his nerve in the final, beating Palmer 11-9 8-11 11-1 4-11 11-7 in 60 minutes to win the Pakistan Open crown for the first time - and, surprisingly, claim his first PSA Tour title of the year. It was the eight-times French national champion's 14th career PSA title - and British Open champion Palmer's 34th appearance in a PSA climax.

Final:
[1] Thierry Lincou (FRA) bt [2] David Palmer (AUS) 11-9, 8-11, 11-1, 4-11, 11-7 (60m)