March 28, 2006	Tuesday	Safar 27, 1427

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LAHORE, March 27: Top seed Aqeel Khan annexed the Haroon Rahim Trophy while Sarah Mehboob claimed the Parveen Sheikh Trophy winning the men and ladies’ finals of the All-Pakistan Open tennis championship at the Bagh-i-Jinnah ground on Sunday.

In the men’s final between the two members of the Pakistan Davis Cup team, Aqeel thrashed Asim Shafik in 55 minutes with the final score 6-4, 6-4, 6-1.

Besides the trophy, Aqeel pocketed Rs72,000 as cash prize while Asim received Rs40,000.

Aqeel appeared to be in hurry as Asim failed to exhibit any resolute fight. In fact the championship failed to produce any tough competition, reflecting the deteriorating standard of the game in the country.

Aqeel played baseline game and his forehand helped him to earn many points on crucial stages.

Aqeel won the first set, breaking Asim’s serve in the second game. He forged ahead by winning the second set, breaking Asim in the third game.

Aqeel wrapped up the final in more aggressive style as he dropped only one point to win the third set to complete win.

The women’s final was no difference to the men’s final as Sarah, who earned double crown, was an easy winner against Natasha Afridi.

Sarah completed her victory with score being 6-0,6-2.

Sarah, besides the trophy also received a cash prize of Rs40,000 while Natasha was honoured with a prize of Rs22,000.

Sarah also won the U-17 title, brushing aside Sara Manzoor 6-0, 6-2.

Ushna Sohail beat Mehreen Izhar in the off-set final 8-3 to lift the girls U-14 title.

Hameedul Haq pairing with Rasheed Malik won the Senior (Over-40 ) final beating Khalid-Asif Feroze 6-1, 7-5.

Asad Niaz-Khalid Ikram won the veteran (over-50) final beating Ali Akbar-Shahid in tough final 3-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4).

Results:

Men’s singles (final): Aqeel Khan bt Aasim Shafik 6-4, 6-4, 6-1.

Ladies’ singles (final): Sarah Mehboob bt Natasha Afridi 6-2, 6- 1.

Girls U-17 (final): Sarah Mehboob bt Sara Manzoor 6-0, 6-2.

Girls U-14 (final): Ushna Sohail bt Mehreen Izhar 8-3 (one-off set).

Senior (Over-40)final: Hameedul Haq-Rasheed Malik bt Khalid-Asif Feroz 6-1, 7-5.

Senior (Over-50) final: Asad Niaz-Khalid Ikram bt Ali Akbar- Shahid 3-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5).