SPORTS REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Shoaib and Sarah Mehboob have lifted the men’s & women’s Singles titles respectively of the 35th Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships that concluded on Saturday at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad.
In the Men’s Singles Final, 21-year-old, 2nd seed Mohammad Shoaib of PAF claimed an upset victory after thrashing top-seed Aqeel Khan in a thrilling, see-saw match which lasted over 1 hour 35 minutes 7-5, 3-6, (retd) to win the Tennis Championship.
Tennis: Mohammad Shoaib wins men’s title
Shoaib got off to a flying start, taking a 2-0 lead, but Aqeel fought back to draw level, Shoaib again break the 11th game of Aqeel and took the lead 6-5 and by holding the 12 games, finished the set at 7-5.
In the second set, after a few closely fought games, Aqeel took complete control of the game and won 6-3, as the deciding set was expected to see some exhilarating tennis but due to injury Aqeel Khan left the match in favour of Shoaib Khan.
Tennis: Sarah Mehboob women’s title
Earlier in the day, in the Ladies’ Singles, Sarah Mahboob beat Noor Malik 6-2 (Retd.) Although expectations were that the encounter would be closely fought out, but Noor Malik left the match due to her elbow injury. Sarah was awarded a cash award of Rs. 40,000 whereas Noor Malik pocketed Rs. 24,000.
Heera Ashiq pairing with Yousaf Khalil clinched the Men’s Doubles title by defeating Muzammil Murtaza and Mudassar Murtaza in a well contested three sets match with the score-line of 6-7 (4), 7-5, and 10-6.
All the players showed quality tennis and long rallies were witnessed from the baselines. Muzammil & Mudassar won the first set at 7-6(4). In the second set, Heera & Yousaf changed their strategy and start attacking the net and won the second set at 7-5. The match was decided in the super tie break which was won by Heera & Yousaf at 10-6.
Tariq Mehmood Murtaza, President Islamabad Tennis Association awarded a Cash award of Rs.10,000 and a gold medal to Husanian Mehmood who passed his ITF White Badge Chair Umpire this year.
Results (finals):
Men’s Singles (Final):
Mohammad Shoaib beat Aqeel Khan 7-5, 3-6 (Retd)
Ladies Singles (Final):
Sarah Mahboob beat Noor Malik 6-2 (Retd.)
Men’s Doubles (Final):
Heera Ashiq / Yousaf Khalil beat Muzammil Murtaza / Mudassar Murtaza 6-7 (4), 7-5, 10-6
Under-18 Singles (Final)
Sami Zeb Khan beat Bilal Asim 6-3, 6-4
Under-12 Boys & Girls Singles (Final):
Abdur Rehman beat Haziq Arejo 3-5, 5-2, 4-0
