December 18, 2006	Monday	Ziqa'ad 26, 1427

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LAHORE, Dec 17: National champion Wajid Ali added another title to his tally, winning the ninth Ameer Abdullah Khan Rokri badminton tournament, crashing Pakistan No 2 Umar Zeeshan in a straight set final on Sunday.

Wajid, the top seed and defending champion, dominated the final as Umar failed to match his speed, before losing 21-15, 21-18 in 45 minutes.

Wajid received a glittering cup from chief guest Punjab Governor Lt. Gen. Khalid Maqbool and a purse of Rs 14,500. Umar pocketed Rs 7,000.

Wajid with his strong smashing, lob shots put Umar under pressure from the very outset to grab 9-3 lead in the first game.

Umar, the only strong contender of Wajid at national level, tried to stage a comeback to avoid a one-sided clash. He engaged Wajid in long rallies to the delight of the crowd.

But once Umar came close to 12-10, Wajid braced his game earning winner after winner to wrap up the first game in style.

In the second game, Wajid was not ready to relent at all .

Accelerating the pace of attack and giving no opportunity to Umar, he forged ahead 8-2. But Umar, who exhibited good blocking roared back with his smashing and fine reach to make it 8-7. Thereafter a point to point struggle was witnessed, as Umar chased Wajid closely. But his efforts to take the final into the third game went in vain as Wajid from 18-16 ahead dropped only two points to come home.

Ayesha Akram claimed the women's singles title, thrashing Asma Butt in an easy final 21-8, 21-17.

Ayesha seemed to be in a hurry to win the first game after conceding only eight points. But Asma exhibited a improved game in the second, before losing the final.

Asma remained in contention till 15-all, before Ayesha geared up to romp home, finishing the final in 37 minutes.

Ayesha received Rs 9,000 while Asma Rs 4500.

Rizwan Rana-Tahir Ishaq annexed the men's doubles title defeating Rizwan-Azam-Atiq Ahmad in the final 21-18, 21-12.

The women's doubles title was notched up by Saima Manzoor and Palwashah Bashir, beating Asma Butt-Uzma Butt 21-13, 21-18.

Waqas Ahmad with Saima Manzoor defeated the pair of Rizwan Rana-Asma Butt 21-19, 21-17 to win mixed doubles event.

Overall 200 men and women took part in the one-week national event.