December 15, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 4, 1428

KARACHI, Dec 14: Hosts National Bank and Railways stormed into the team-event final of the All Pakistan Women’s Badminton Championship on the opening day of the four-team contest at Karachi Club courts on Friday.

Formidable National Bank blanked Punjab 3-0 while Railways struggled to overcome Sindh 3-2 in their opening ties which unfortunately turned out to be pre-finals.

Couple of teams including bank’s arch-rivals, Wapda, failed to show up thus snatching some of the charm. However, Wapda will be represented by Shahnaz Shah in the singles as she has managed to arrive from Faisalabad.

The individual matches are due to commence Saturday morning. The Reigning national champion, Ayesha Akram, has been top seeded in the draw of 48. She is followed by Sara Momand, Palwasha Bashir and Shahnaz Shah. This will be followed by the team event final the same evening.

Results: (Semi-finals)

National Bank bt Punjab 3-0. Ayesha Akram bt Faryal 21-6, 21-4; Ayesha/Sara Momand bt Razia/Amina 21-7, 21-3; Palwasha Bashir bt Amina 21-3, 21-6.

Railways bt Sindh 3-2. Anila lost to Monisha Kotia 18-21, 19-21; Sumaira/Yasmin bt Nuzhat/Mahwish 21-16, 21-15; Sumaira bt Sofia 21-13, 21-3; Anila/Humaira retired against Monisha/Mahiya; Faryal bt Mahwish 21-7, 21-11. Saturday’s fixtures:

Individual matches starts at 11.00am; team-event final 6.00pm