KARACHI, Aug 16: Former National Champion Farjad Saif and reigning national champion Ghazala Roohi retained their Masters Cup table tennis titles when they overpowered their opponents in the five games thriller at Islamia Club Indoor Gymnasium Thursday night.

Veteran Farjad Saif of Allied Bank Limited (ABL) twice came from behind to topple national champion Asim Qureshi also from ABL 9-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8.

Lanky Farjad, who dominated Pakistan’s table tennis scene for over 15 years, dropped the opening and third game before chalking out a spectacular triumph.

Asim started confidently by taking the first game 11-9 with some fine smashing and service. Farjad took the second with same score.

Asim Qureshi took the third game to forged 2-1 ahead. However afterwards gritty Farjad using his vast experience took the last two games with brilliant display to snatch victory.

Like men’s final, ABL’s Ghazala Roohi was also taken to full distance by her team-mate Rahila Kashif before winning the title.

Ghazala enjoyed the upper hand having 2-1 lead. Rahila pulled back the fourth game to draw abreast 2-2 to set-up exciting finish.

Ghazala and Rahila battled hard in the decider but playing better brand of display former sealed the fate of the final winning the fifth game 11-9.—APP