May 07, 2007	Monday	Rabi-us-Sani 19, 1428

LAHORE, May 6: Top seed Aqeel Khan upstaged fourth seed Nomi Qamar in a gruelling 3-hour encounter to grab men's singles title of Pakistan Open tennis for Nazim Cup at Royal Palm Club on Sunday.

Aqeel lost the first set, but displayed a superb performance in the remaining two sets to complete his win with the final score 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-0.

Nomi, a seasoned campaigner succeeded in forcing Aqeel to play baseline game and involved him in long rallies.

Aqeel broke Nomi's serve in the fourth game to go up 3-1 in the first set. But Nomi retaliated in the next breaking Aqeel and then holding his own making it 3-3.

Thereafter, both held their serves to go into the tie-breaker. Aqeel started with a double fault and could not recover as Nomi eventually took the set after dropping four points.

But that proved the last laugh for Nomi as Aqeel decided to play in a different style, playing short shots Near the net, leaving Nomi completely stranded.

In fact, the second set was full of breaks as Aqeel broke Nomi thrice while his serves were broken twice. But at the end Aqeel heaved a sigh of relief as he made the score one-all.

The third set was colourless as Nomi was nowhere near Aqeel who was in peak form.

Aqeel was honoured with a glittering trophy and a cash prize of Rs50,000. Nomi received Rs30,000.

Sara Mansoor won the ladies singles title defeating Sarah Mahboob in one-sided final 6-2, 6-4.

Sara, earned Rs25,000 while the loser received Rs10,000.

Pairing with ageing Rashid Malik, Aqeel also won the men’s double beating Asim Shafik and Jalil Khan in three set final. The score was 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Overall 200 players took part in seven events of the tournament. Cash prizes amounting to Rs600,000 were at stake.

Results (finals):

Men's singles:

Aqeel Khan bt Nomi Qamar 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-0.

Ladies' singles:

Sara Mehboob bt Sarah Mansoor 6-2, 6-4.

Men's doubles:

Rashid Malik-Aqeel Khan bt Asim Shafik-Jalil Khan 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.