KARACHI, Aug 4: Pakistan tennis prodigy Syed Nofil Kaleem has retained his top slot in the under-14 category of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) latest rankings released recently.
The Islamabad-based Nofil, who is the first Pakistani ever to become Asia under-14 champion, has amassed 1,365 points by featuring in eight tournaments, winning two ATF singles titles, became runner-up in three besides capturing three doubles titles.
Nofil is way ahead of Alberto Jr Lim of Philippine, who has secured 1,060 points while Thailand’s Vorachon Ragpuongchon is placed third with 783 points.
Two other Pakistanis who are trailing in rankings are Sahibzada Ali (417 points) ranked at 15, Abdal Hyder (324 points) ranked at 23 and Muhahid Ali Khan (305 points) ranked at 27.
“I’m now eyeing the ITF juniors circuit and intend to feature in Jordan, South Africa, Kuwait, Bahrain and Colombo,” a jubilant Nofil told Dawn from Islamabad.
He said he had stopped featuring in under-14 and has started appearing in juniors and men’s events. The duo of Nofil and Dawer Rehan recently clinched the juniors’ doubles title in a tournament held at Islamabad.
Commenting on his performance, country’s top player Aqeel Khan said that Nofil has talent and is likely to climb on the ladder if he continued with same zeal.
