PESHAWAR, May 11: Former national junior champion Abdul Salam of Pakistan Military Accounts Department (PMAD) and Hayatullah booked berths in the men’s singles final of the NWFP badminton tournament organized by Staff Welfare Association on Wednesday.

In the first semifinal, Abdul Salam defeated Sadaqatullah of Police in straight sets. He took no time beating Sadaqat 15-12, 15-13.

Sadaqat though gave him some anxious moments in the second set. He came from behind many times to level the set at 5-5, 6-6, 8-8, 10-10, 12-12 and 13-13.

The second semifinal saw Hayatullah beating Irfan Afridi 12-15, 15-13, 15-10. Irfan won the first set but Hayat soon roared back into the game winning the second and decisive sets.

In the doubles quarterfinals, Salam and Saeed defeated Irfan Khan and Khalid 15-9, 8-15, 15-13.

Irfan Afridi and Najeeb defeated Hayatullah and Murad Khan in straight sets 15-10, 15-12 in the second quarterfinal. Akmal and Saud Khan outplayed Kamran and Kashif Khan 15-12, 15-12 in the third quarters while the last match saw Tariq and Sadaqat thrashing Babar and Javed Khan 12-15, 15-10, 15-10.

The men’s singles final will be played on Thursday and the doubles final on Friday. More than 60 players are taking part in the tournament.—APP