Aqeel and Sana grab titles

Published June 1, 2002

KARACHI, May 31: Aqeel Khan retained the anti-tobacco day tennis tournament title when he defeated Nomi Qamar 6-0 4-6 6-3 at the Karachi Club Friday.

Country’s top ranked player Aqeel started his title defence with confidence and style when he closed the opening set without conceding a game. The one-sided first set was laced with power shots and an ace in the fifth game by Aqeel.

Nomi, however, got his acts together and broke Aqeel’s serve in the eighth game before claiming the second set at 6-4 to level the match.

Aqeel, a Davis Cup player, nevertheless, lifted his spirits in the deciding set when he broke Nomi’s serve in the second game that proved decisive as the champion won the set 6-3 in the energy-sapping heat.

Sana Bhagat celebrated her comeback after a two-year layoff due to a slip disk injury with a 6-1 5-7 6-1 victory over Salma Khan to grab the women’s crown.

Aqeel and Sana pocketed Rs10,000, while Nomi and Salma got a Rs5,000 a runner-up cheque.

Results: (final)

Men: Aqeel Khan bt Nomi Qamar 6-0 6-4 6-3

Women: Sana Bhagat bt Salma Khan 6-1 7-5 6-1

Under-18 boys: Adnan Khan bt Yasir Khan 6-1 6-1

Under-14 boys: Yasir Khan bt Danish Ahmad 6-3 5-7 7-5.

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