Eltorky topples defending champion Christina

ISLAMABAD - World number 54, Heba Eltorky of Egypt toppled defending champions Christina Mac of Hong Kong in straight games 3-0 in women's event final of the Pakistan Open Squash Championship 2008 here at Mushaf Squash Complex on Friday. The score-line was 11-7, 11-8, 11-9. In the opening game of the match, both the players displayed excellent skills of the game and Heba was leading 6-3. However, Heba hit couple of strokes on the tin that helped Christina to level the game score 6-6 but she (Christina) could not settle in the court. Egyptian girls played some classic drop shots and cross courts shots to clinch the game at 9-7 to lead in the 1-0. However, the second game of the final went up neck-to-neck, as it was leveled at 2-2, 3-3 and 5-5. World number 54 Heba played some powerful forehand and backhand strokes to edge out world number 33 Christina in the second game at 11-8 to make game score 2-0. Top seed lady remained behind her (Heba) till the end of game. In the third game, loser Christina gained the lead 3-1 by playing couple of powerful strokes but she could not maintained her score making pace and her opponent, who had also bit support from the crowed, bounced back in the game by clinching two points in a row to make the game score 3-3 all. Christina kept her under pressure and got once again lead but Egyptian girl succeeded to level secore at 8-8. Finnaly game finised 11-9 in the favour of Heba, who colleted the trophy and cash awards of $1600 from the hands of chief guest later on. While the loser of the final Christina collected $1120, as tournament was pursuing total prize money of $10,900. Heba said in his post-match commitments that it was nice day for him. "It is my second victory in the Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) fixture. I am very happy and got a pleasant atmosphere for the competition. Foreign players should come in Pakistan because the security arrangements were also excellent, "she added. Christina said that Heba played well and it was her day. "I tried my best to come back in the match but my all efforts went in vain. Heba was playing good strokes and excellent drop shots. Also, there was a big difference in the age of her and mine. The arrangements were brilliant, "she said after the match.

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