KARACHI, Nov 22: Former Davis Cupper Rashid Malik, who was the livewire in the walkovers-marred AJ Mirza Pharma Pakistan-ITF seniors’ world ranking tennis championship, lived up to his billing while landing a double crown at Karachi Gymkhana on Friday.

Top seed Rashid, who led Pakistan to numerous victories in the past, displayed his acumen by getting the better of Israr Gul 6-2, 1-6, 6-4 to retain the 45 singles title.

Rashid together with Imran Ahmed had already retained the 45 doubles crown inflicting 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 defeat on the pair of Karachi-based former Davis Cupper Altaf Hussain and Israr Gul in the final played on Thursday.

Playing in front of a sizeable crowd, Rashid was stretched to limits by Israr, an employee in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, before turning the tables on the latter due to his vast experience.

Another top seed Mohammad Manzar, who serves as tennis coach in Karachi Gymkhana, captured the 35 singles title brushing aside second seed Ali Bhagat 6-4, 6-2 in the title clash.

Veteran Jamil Khan of Modern Club, a respected figure in the circles of the game, notched up a convincing 6-0, 6-1 victory over Akbar Hayat Khan to claim honours in 55 singles.

The 55 doubles event was scratched for want of entries.

Ahmed Jamal Mirza, sponsors of the event, who graced the closing ceremony, gave away the prizes. Rashid Malik received Asghar G Habib running trophy for 45 singles triumph. According to organisers, the trophy has been donated by the family of the deceased and previously it used to be given to the 55 singles champion.

Mirza expressed his dismay over lack of participation of players in the event, which is grade four competition of world body.

Final results:

35 singles: Mohammad Manzar bt Ali Bhagat 6-4, 6-2.

45 singles: Rashid Malik (Lahore) bt Israr Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

55 singles: Jamil Khan bt Akbar Hayat Khan 6-0, 6-1.