Squash
Former world No 35 Kashif Shuja beat New Zealand squad member Evan Williams in a tightly contested men's open final at the Wellington Squash Open hosted by the Masterton Squash Club over the weekend.
The clash between Shuja and Williams was billed as the likely highlight of an event attracting some 120 players in various grades and it did not disappoint with Shuja winning 6-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-4, 11-5.
Shuja, 33, had been happy with his preparation leading into the event and was confident of a strong showing, although he conceded the energetic Williams was always going to be a tough rival.
Winner of the national men's title on five occasions, Shuja relied on his tactical nous and calm temperament to outlast the top seed Williams, 23, who did not have the patience of his older opponent. This was evident in the fourth and fifth sets where Shuja's retrieving skills and ability to play the right shot at the right time were apparent.