ISLAMABAD: Top-ranked players Aqeel Khan, Nofil Kaleem and Huzaifa Abdul Rehman on Tuesday won Subh-e Nau Earth Day Clay Court National Championship in their respective categories here at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Complex.

In men’s single, Aqeel Khan after a three-set tough fight lasting more than two-and-a-half hours managed to defeat Shahzad Khan 6-4, 3-6 6-2 with both players playing fine strokes to give tough time to each other.

Experienced Aqeel made things harder for Shahzad with his powerful service while Shahzad surprised his experienced opponent with a number of volleys, baseline shots in addition to excellent drop shots.

Aqeel got lead in the first set while using his experience as Shahzad who was playing aggressively lost several easy points by throwing the ball outside the lines. However, in the second set the latter managed to overcome his mistakes and succeeded in defeating his tough top-ranked opponent. In the decider, however, Aqeel maintained his supremacy.

Earlier, Nofil managed to maintain his dominance in the U-18 category by defeating Pakistan No. 2 Mohammad Muzamil in the three-set clash.

The final battle between the two top youngsters lasted over two hours with top-ranked Nofil winning the first set 7-6 (4) on tie-break. Muzamil, however, gave tough time to his rival in the second set and won the set 6-4 before being dominant in the third set to outclass his rival 6-3.

Also, Pakistan No, 1 in the U-14 category Huzaifa outclassed his opponent in final match. The winner took just 35 minutes to beat Shoib Khan in straight sets 6-1, 6-0.

PTF president Salim Saifullah Khan graced the occasion as chief guest in addition to Subh-e-Nau chairperson Shahida Farooq and former PTF president Syed Kal­e­em Imam who were also present.

The PTF president distributed prize money and shields among winners besides appreciating quality tennis played by Aqeel and Shahzad.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2015

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