ISLAMABAD: Top ranked Aqeel Khan won the men’s singles title while emerging youngster Talha Zubair lifted U-18 crown at the fourth Syed Tajammul Abbas Memorial National Ranking Tournament that ended here at the Pakistan Tennis Complex on Monday.

In the men’s final, top seed Aqeel overcame third seed Shahzad Khan 6-3, 6-3. In the first set, Aqeel built winning lead 4-2 by breaking eighth game of his opponent.

In the second set the score went up to 3-3 all, as both the players displayed quality tennis, exhibiting some excellent baseline, serve and volley game. Aqeel eventually took the set 6-3 by breaking the seventh and ninth game of his opponent.

Meanwhile, in the U-18 final, eighth seed Talha, who had recorded several upset wins earlier in the tournament, defeated fifth seed Arham Atiq in a well contested three-set match which witnessed some long rallies.

Arham grabbed the first set 6-0 without conceding a single game. However, the fast improving Talha made an impressive comeback and took the second set 6-2. In the final set, Talha showing some fine skills played several strong strokes to claim the set 6-4 and the match.

In the U-14 decider fourth seed Saqib Omer outclassed third seed Mir Shahzaib 6-1, 6-2.

PTF patron Syed Dilawar Abbas, PTF president Syed Kaleem Imam and Mrs Shahida Farooq distributed prizes among the winners and the runners-up at the closing ceremony.

Results (finals):

Men’s singles: Aqeel Khan bt Shahzad Khan 6-3, 6-3.

Boys U-18: Talha Zubair bt Arham Atiq 0-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Boys U-14: Saquib Umar bt Mir Shahzaib 6-1, 6-2.

Published in Dawn, October 21st , 2014