November 7, 2001	Wednesday	Shaba’an 20, 1422

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KARACHI, Nov 6: Seventh seed and former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik was stretched to the limit by Amir Khan before the 42-year-old veteran moved into the men’s singles quarterfinals of the fifth UBL Salma Noorani Tennis Tournament Tuesday at the Karachi Club hardcourt.

Former national grasscourt champion Rashid, the runner-up at the Federal Cup, brought all his 15-year experience into play to overcome the challenge of 11th seed Amir, who is almost 21 years younger, to win the hard-fought encounter 6-7 (5-7), 6-4,6-4.

Rashid was made to work hard by his young challenger on the fast hardcourt. But the veteran showed his physical fitness which he had acquired through his commitment to the game.

Amir, unquestionably, gave a demonstration of an attacking game as he met the attack with an equally strong offensive in a close and thrilling match.

Rashid went 3-1 ahead by breaking Aamir’s serve in the first set by slamming several blistering crosscourt shots. Amir staged a magnificent comeback when he hit back by slamming powerful backhand and forehand winners to forge into the lead 5-3.

Both held their serves till it was 6-all. The tie-breaker followed and Rashid was soon 5-3 up but turned erratic with unforced mistakes. Amir winning 7-5 the tie-breaker and the opening set 7-6.

Rashid, mixing up length and direction, fired aces and took a commanding 4-0 lead in the second set as Amir made mistakes unexpected of him. However, he regained his rhythm and touch and twice broke Rashid to be 4-5. It was anybody’s game at this stage. Rashid then made a second vital break as Amir faltered with his strokes. The veteran triumphed 6-4.

The decider turned out to be more absorbing and enthralling as both the players displayed an aggressive game, holding their serves till it was 4-4. After holding his serve in the ninth game, Rashid unleashed a series of fierce groundstrokes and when Amir’s return landed into the net Rashid was victor at 6-4.

Fourth seeded Tahir Iftikhar was also fully extended by 13th seed Inam Gul before he entered the last eight. After taking the openin