ISLAMABAD: Maintaining his supremacy, top-ranked Aqeel Khan overwhelmed second seed Shahzad Khan in straight sets to claim the men’s singles title of the Serena Hotels Open here at the PTF Complex on Saturday.

In the U-18 decider, Aman Attique outclassed Haris Irfanul Haq 6-3, 6-3 while Shoaib Khan beat Hamza Bin Rehan 6-1, 6-3 in the U-14 final.

Earlier in the day, Sara Mansoor, country’s top-ranked female player, outplayed Sarah Mahboob Khan 6-3, 6-3 in the ladies’ singles final.

The final between between Aqeel and Shehzad was exciting as Shahzad played with pinpoint precision in the opening set, and at one stage he was leading 5-2. But Aqeel showing his class eventually levelled it 5-5, and went on to win the set 7-6 after saving a point in the tie-break.

Aqeel then did not give any chance to a tired-looking Shehzad as the former comfortably claimed the second set 6-3 and the match.

The title victory also earned him a cash prize of Rs1,30,000.

Tennis ace Aisamul Haq graced the occasion and played a one-set exhibition match against Aqeel which was won by the former 5-3.

Punjab Governor Rafique Rajwana graced the occasion as chief guest and distributed awards among the winners at the event carrying a total prize money of Rs700,000.

On the request of PTF president Salim Saifullah, the Governor gave his assurance to support the federation in sanctioning a piece of land for the Aisamul Haq Tennis Academy in Lahore.

“I would invite Aisam and his family to the Governor House for further discussion on the academy project,” Rafique said.

President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation retired Brig Khalid Khokhar, PTF patron Dilawar Abbas and several diplomats were also present at the occasion.

Results (finals):

Men’s singles:

Aqeel Khan bt Shahzad Khan 7-6 (7), 6-3

Ladies singles:

Sara Mansoor bt Sarah Mahboob Khan 6-3, 6-3

Juniors 18 & Under singles:

Aman Attique bt Haris Irfan-ul-Haq 6-3, 6-3

14 & Under singles:

Shoaib Khan bt Hamza Bin Rehan 6-1, 6-3

Seniors 45-plus doubles:

Rashid Malik/Hameed-ul-Haq bt Israr Gul/Irfanullah Khan 6-2, 6-2.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2015