ISLAMABAD, Aug 23: Pakistan’s Davis Cup star Hamidul Haq beat Krit Yongkasikij 6-3, 6-4 to clinch the over-35 men’s singles title in the Asian Open Veterans Tennis Championship on Saturday.

Hamid, the only Presidential Pride-of-Performance recipient tennis player of the country, won the final against Yongkasikij of Thailand in two hours,five minutes to clinch what was his 147th title victory, according to reports from Pattaya (Thailand).

The vice president of Thailand Tennis Association presented a glittering crystal winner’s trophy, plus other prizes, to the Pakistani champion Hamid who had made entry for the over-35 category for the first time.

The bearded former Davis Cup captain, already having most appearances for Pakistan, had a double delight when earlier in the morning, he beat no.3 seed Nikornkeait Lueprasitsakul of Thailand 6-0, 6-0 without dropping a single game in the semifinal of over-40 category of the ITF-approved tournament held annually at Bayshore Siam (Pattaya) resort, about two hours drive from Bangkok.

Hamid, the defending champion and no.2 seed in the over-40 category, will take on the no.4 seed Charn Hongpanas in the final at 9.00 a.m. on Sunday.

Charn Hongpanas beat top-seed Suthep Tantong 6-7, 6-0, 6-1 to set a final’s date against Hamid who was ecstatic at winning the over-35 category. “I will be happier if I bring home both the over-35 and over-40 titles”, he said by telephone from Pattaya.

Judging from his form, he may well be on his way to clinching both the titles.—APP