PTF appeals to ITF for decision review

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has again requested the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to review its decision of depriving Pakistan from hosting the Davis Cup tie against China on home soil.

Pakistan face China in the first-round Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I from March 4 to 6 next year and the PTF was hoping to host it in Lahore.

A couple of weeks ago, despite a request by the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) also, the ITF turned down PTF’s request.

“Our appeal is yet to be taken by the ITF and we request it to review our appeal in greater interest of Pakistan’s tennis,” PTF secretary Khalid Rehmani said on Sunday.

“If international matches can held in France and Belgium, which have recently been hit by terrorism, why is Pakistan being singled out,” he questioned.

Rehmani added PTF’s appeal is likely to be heard on January 1 but they had locked down Sri Lanka as a neutral venue in case the ITF’s decision goes against it.

“We were bound to submit name of neutral venue before December 25 so after getting an approval from Sri Lanka, we submitted its name,” he said.

“We’re making continued efforts to convince the ITF but if it doesn’t review its decision, we’ll play in Sri Lanka on clay courts with a heavy heart as our players have better expertise of playing on grass courts.”—Kashif Abbasi

Karachi Gymkhana Super Veterans win sixth title

KARACHI: Karachi Gymkhana won the Seventh PVCA Super Veterans T20 match comprising 60-plus cricketers as they beat Karachi Kings by seven wickets at the Karachi Gymkhana here the other day.

It was the sixth occasion that Karachi Gymkhana has won this title.

Organised by Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), the match saw a number of renowned personalities gracing the occasion including chief guest Zaheer Abbas, ex-selector Salauddin Sallu, Alamgir Ahmed, Brig Salauddin, renowned journalist Qamar Ahmed, PSL’s Quetta franchise owner Nadeem Omar, PVCA chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan and KG president Fawad Salim Malik.

After being put into bat, Karachi Kings scored 139-4 with Fareeduddin (40) and Arif Habib (37) their prominent scorers. Dr Anjum Fazal and Abid Bukhari picked a wicket apiece.

Man-of-the-match Dr Anjum then scored a brilliant 59 with Iqbal Agha adding 36 as Karachi Gymkhana romping to the target for the loss of just three wickets in 18.4 overs.—Agencies

PTF coaches course

ISLAMABAD: Under its Coaches Education Programme, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) will hold a four-day Pre-ITF Level 1 Play and Stay Coaches Workshop at the National Coaching Centre in Karachi from January 6 to 9 next year.

According to a news release issued by the PTF on Sunday, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is supporting PTF for the workshop.

Pakistan’s ITF Level 3 Coach/Tutor Kamran Khalil, PSB’s Deputy Director Academic Shahid Islam and renowned physical trainer Nasrullah Rana will be the resource persons for the workshop.

Practical and written tests will be held on the final day with those who pass will be given a green badge and status of national coach.

Selected school and college physical education directors will also be allowed to attend the workshop.

Only those coaches who like to take tennis coaching as their profession may register their names with Mr. Muhammad Khalid Rehmani, Course Director, at 0300 3607209, or email sindhtennis@gmail.com, latest by January 2.—Sports Reporter

Girls’ throwball team off to KL

KARACHI: A 13-member Pakistan Junior Girls throwball team left here for Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to participate in the Asian Junior Throwball Championship which will be held in the Malaysian capital from Dec 28 to 30. Also, six officials are accompanying the squad.

Five countries including hosts Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the UAE are competing in the prestigious event.

Squad: Sobia Asif (captain), Areeba Ashraf (vice-captain), Afiya Asif, Aisha Arshad, Oksha Satho, Zara Balbari, Ume Salma, Neha Imran, Maheen Jawaid, Maheen Shaikh, Faybia Ali, Inara Hameed, Saman Anwar.

Officials: Rana Sajjad (coach), Raffat Alim (assistant coach), Hummera Kamran (manager), Zanib Asif (assistant manager), Razimana Ali (referee) and Darakhshan Ali (umpire).—Agencies

Kashif, Anop shine

KARACHI: Fine batting by Kashif Habib and Anop Ravi enabled Eaton CC wrap up a crushing eigt-wicket win over Pak Mujahid CC in the 2nd All-Karachi Sharif Khan Memorial Cricket tournament at the Quaid-i-Azam Park Cricket Stadium in Steel Township here the other day.

Summarised scores:

PAK MUJAHID CC 202-9 in 35 overs (Obaid Mangi 61, Nabeel Zahid 33, Saifullah Magsi 30, Hasan Ali 28; Mohammad Irfan 3-31, Osama Hussain 2-43); EATON CC 203-2 in 27.2 overs (Kashif Habib 69, Anop Ravi 63).

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2015