Pakistan, Malaysia champs

Pakistan extended their lease on the Asian junior boys' team championship for the fourth consecutive year when they defeated Malaysia 3-0 while the Malaysian girls retained their title, crushing India by an identical score in the finals of the Asian squash championships, in Madras, on Saturday.

By finishing second, the Indian girls bagged the silver medal for the first time in the history of the championship.

The Malaysian team, spearheaded by world junior champion Nicole David, proved too strong for the Indian girls. Nicole overwhelmed India No. 1 Joshna Chinnappa 9-0, 9-0, 9-4 while debutant Teng Ooiean beat Rachita Vora 9-3, 9-6, 9-2.

In the 'dead' rubber, Vaidehi Reddy lost to Tricia Chuah 6-9, 4-9.

This is the fifth time Malaysia is winning the team championship.

In the boys' final, Shahid Zaman of Pakistan, who won the singles title a few days ago, overcame a fighting Mohd Azlan Iskandar 9-5, 7-9, 9-3, 9-6 in the first match.

Arshad Iqbal Burki defeated Marcus Yeap Y-Choong 9-2, 9-3, 9-2.

In the third match of academic interest, Farrukh Zaman scored over Kelvin Ho Mun Kit 9-7, 9-1.

Pakistan have won the team title nine times.