KARACHI, May 26: Aqeel Khan's run in the Indian F-I Futures tennis tournament came to an end when he was beaten by the local player in the quarterfinal after a thrilling battle in New Delhi on Thursday.
Pakistan’s top-ranked player who earlier shocked two of his stronger counterparts in the world ranking event was brought down to earth by New Delhi-based youngster Vivek Shokeen in a marathon encounter 6-4,3-6, 6-3.
Shokeen, 19, who is ranked 777 in world ranking overpowered Aqeel 6-4 in the first set making less mistakes than his rival.
Aqeel bounced back in the match with 6-3 win in second set to remain in contention for a place in the semifinals.
Yet, it was Shokeen who dominated the decisive set with a 6-3 win after a tough fight to confirm his berth in the semifinals.
Results (quarterfinals): Henry Adjei-Darko (GHA) bt Sunil-Kumar (IND) 6-4, 7-5; Karan Rastogi (IND) bt Yaoki Ishii (JPN) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4; Nick Monroe (USA) bt Dmitri Makeyev (KAZ) 0-6, 6-3, 6-2; Vivek Shokeen (IND) bt Aqeel Khan (PAK) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.—Agencies