ISLAMABAD, May 7: Defending champion Aqeel Khan swept into the final of the National clay court tennis championship on Saturday and not even his younger brother Jaleel Khan could put the brakes on him. Although Aqeel dropped a set in a tie-break but bounced back in characteristic style to score a 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-0 victory at Islamabad Club.

In Sunday’s final, Aqeel will face in-form Asim Shafik who ended the run of second seed Nomi Qamar, carving out a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 win.

The final promises to be an engrossing affair and although Aqeel is clearly the favourite, Asim would be no push over as he has shown good form all through the tournament.

Aqeel following his singles brilliance, then got together with his partner Rasheed Malik to dispatch the pair of Mehmood Khan and Jalil Khan 6-2, 6-3, advancing to the doubles final.

They will now take on the team of Asim and Shahzad Khan who were just too hot to handle for Nomi and Muhammad Shafique and blew them away 6-4, 6-0 in quick time.

Meanwhile, Naumanul Haq claimed the under-17 crown with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 defeat of Khurrum Nazir, while Sadanul Haq bagged the under-13s title, his victim being Yousaf Ajam whom he beat 4-2, 5-4 (7).

Results:

Men’s singles semifinals: Aqeel Khan bt Jaleel Khan 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-0, Asim Shafik bt Nomi Qamar 4-6, 6-4, 6-0

Men’s doubles semifinals: Aqeel Khan-Rasheed Malik bt Mehmood Khan-Jaleel Khan 6-2, 6-3, Asim Shafik-Shahzad Khan bt Nomi Qamar-Muhammad Shafique 6-4, 6-0

Under-17 final: Nauman-ul-Haq bt Khurrum Nazir 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

Under-13 final: Sadan-ul-Haq bt Yousaf Ajam 4-2, 5-4 (7)

Ladies singles quarterfinals: Natasha Afridi bt Fatima Mansoor 6-0, 6-0, Quratulain bt Mehak Khokhar 6-4, 6-4.