June 01, 2007	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 15, 1428

KARACHI, May 31: Top seed Aqeel Khan added another feather to his cap when he got past Nomi Qamar in straight sets to win the men’s singles title in the 11th Anti-Tobacco Day tennis tournament at the Karachi Club on Thursday.

He took less than an hour to emerge 6-3, 6-2 victorious against the second seed opponent.

Contrary to their title clash in the Pakistan Open for Nazim Cup held at Lahore earlier this month, the final fell short of expectation. Aqeel had to sweat for three hours to romp home 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 6-0 at Lahore.

Seher Khawaja, who dominates local circuit in the absence of leading stars, claimed the ladies’ singles title after beating Shahrukh Khan 6-1, 6-0 in a tame affair.

Davis Cupper Aqeel enjoyed an edge over Nomi in the final and built up a commendable 4-0 lead in the first set. Nomi stormed back by breaking Aqeel’s serve and then held it to reduce the deficit 2-4. Aqeel surged 5-2 ahead before conceding a point and finally went on to win 6-3.

After a neck-and-neck battle until 2-2, Aqeel raced on to wrap up the match by taking the second set 6-2.

The triumph enabled Aqeel to annex double crown since he had also won the men’s doubles title while pairing up with younger brother Jalil to defeat Adnan Khan and Khalid Ali Nazar 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday night.

The executive doubles title went to the pair of former national champion Altaf Hussain and Idrees Kodvavi who accounted for Zahid Hussain and Akbar Hayat Khan 6-4, 7-6.

Aqeel was rewarded Rs10,000 and a glittering cup for winning men’s singles title while Nomi received Rs5,000.

Seher Khwaja picked up a similar purse of Rs10,000 along with a cup while Shahrukh earned Rs5,000.

The juniors’ under-18 and boys’ under-14 winners took home Rs5,000 and Rs2,000 respectively besides the trophies.

Results of finals:

Men’s singles:

Aqeel Khan bt Nomi Qamar 6-3, 6-2.

Ladies singles:

Seher Khwaja bt Shahrukh Khan 6-1, 6-0.

Men’s doubles:

Aqeel Khan/Jalil Khan bt Adnan Khan/Khalid Ali Nazar 6-3, 6-4.

Executive doubles:

Altaf Hussain/Idrees Kodvavi bt Zahid Hussain/Akbar Hayat Khan 6-4, 7-6.