Squash: Khans deny England duo: Jahangir faces Jansher in World Open final

JAHANGIR KHAN, in only his sixth competitive match after nine months out of the game, reached the final of the World Open here yesterday. The legendary Pakistani beat the England No 2 Chris Walker, 15-7, 15-9, 9-15, 15-4 to earn another showdown today with the other great Khan, Jansher, the world champion.

Jansher won more easily, 15-5,

15-6, 15-8 against Peter Marshall, the England No 1 and fourth seed, ending the slight hopes of a first British finalist in the competition. Nevertheless, it was the first time two Englishmen had reached the semi-finals and there was enough in their efforts to suggest England will win a medal in the team events that start tomorrow.

Many thought Jahangir unwise to return after the lengthy absence, caused by a back injury - and he has confirmed he will not risk aggravating it beyond next week - but he looked sprightly in overwhelming Walker, the eighth seed, and might well have won in straight games had his concentration not uncharacteristically slipped while he was leading 6-2 in the third. However, his performance did more than enough to confound his critics.

Jahangir has beaten three seeded players in a row quickly enough to hide his lack of condition. Whether he can cope with a longer match against Jansher is questionable.

Marshall's result was disappointing after his splendid performance in taking Jansher the full distance in the Qatar International last week, but he has been suffering from a slight fever here and did not look likely to test the favourite. Jansher will remain favourite today, though local sentiment will undoubtedly be with Jahangir.