ISLAMABAD: Keeping his supremacy intact, top-ranked Aqeel Khan on Sunday won the title of Serena Hotels Asian Tennis Tour after defeating Muzammil Murtaza here at PTF Tennis Complex.

The junior player through quality game gave tough time to Aqeel in the first set which lasted for one hour and 15 minutes but he could not match up to the expertise of his rival in the second set.

In the first set, Aqeel took a 1-0 lead breaking first game of Muzammil who levelled the score one-all by breaking Aqeel’s second game.

Then Aqeel took a 4-3 lead by breaking seventh game of his opponent who managed to level the score four-all before breaking Aqeel’s eighth game.

The score went up to six-all with both players holding their respective services. Later on, the set was decided at tie break which was won by Aqeel 7-4 by playing powerful winners at a crucial stage.

In the second set, Aqeel was in full command and did not allow Muzammil to settle down through his powerful forehand and backhand drives and thus succeeded in winning the second set 6-0.

Meanwhile, Mahin Aftab clinched the National Championship after winning three-set games in the best of three final with Mahin stunning her rival with outstanding performance outclassing her 6-0 in the first set.

However, she could not maintain her tempo in the second set where Sara made a strong comeback defeating Mahin 6-2. Then in the next set she kept the supremacy and finished 6-4.

In the U-18 singles final of National Championship, Muzamil won the title after defeating Aman Atiq in straight game 6-1, 6-2.

Aqeel was awarded cash prize of $900 along with a trophy for winning the Asian Tennis Tour while Muzammil pocketed $600.

State minister for Capital Administration and Development Division Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was the chief guest on the occasion who distributed prizes among winners and runners-up.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Tennis Federation president Salim Saifullah Khan appreciated efforts of the government for improving security situation in the country.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2016