ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: Unseeded Saeedul Haq sprang a surprise Thursday putting the brakes on fourth seed Kamran Khalil to advance to the men’s singles semifinals of the 18th Federal Cup Tennis Tournament at the Islamabad Club courts.
In what was a well-contested match, Saeed, younger brother of former Davis Cup player Hameedul Haq, won 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 and will now face Rashid Malik, a 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3 winner over 10th seed Mahmood Khan.
The tournament top seed Asim Shafik also moved into the pre- finals after defeating Hameed 6-4, 6-0 where he faces Nomi Qamar who knocked out Younis Khan 6-0, 6-1.
In the women’s singles Mariam Rahim set up a semifinal clash with her younger sister Nida after both scored straight set victories.
Mariam outplayed Huma Ajam 6-0, 6-0 while Nida outplayed Suhair Khan 6-0, 6-2.
Also making the last four were Nosheen Ehtisham and Mehvish Chishtie, both comfortable quarterfinal winners. Nosheen’s victim was Maria Rahim whom she hammered 6-1, 6-0 while Mehvish Chishtie showed little mercy to Zahra Omer 6-2, 6-1.
Nosheen will now take on National Games gold medallist Mehvish in the semifinals.
Results:
Men’s singles (quarterfinals) Asim Shafik b Hameedul Haq 6-4, 6-0; Nomi Qamar bt Younis Khan 6- 0, 6-1; Saeedul Haq bt Kamran Khalil 5-7, 6-1, 6-2; Rashid Malik bt Mahmood Khan 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3.