ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top women shuttlers made an impressive start to the Yonex Sunrise Pakistan Series International Badminton Tournament here at the Rodham Hall of the Pakistan Sports Complex on Thursday.

In the women’s singles round-of-16 phase, Pakistan’s Palwasha Bashir defeated Anu Maya Rai of the Maldives 15-21, 21-10, 21-8.

Bushra Qayyum of Pakistan edged passed compatriot Rida Hanif 21-16, 21-8 while another Pakistani Sehra Akram overcame compatriot Ghazala Saddique 23-21, 21-16. Top-ranked Mahoor Shahzad overwhelmed Nepal’s Amita Giri 21-11, 21-3.

Anila Arshad, however, suffered a 11-21, 11-21 defeat at the hands of Fatima Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq of the Maldives.

Meanwhile, In the men’s doubles round-of-16, Pakistan’s Ali Mehdi Syed and Mohammad Muqeet Tahir trounced the Afghan pair of Said Mohammad Kabir and Emran Rahim 21-12, 21-11.

In another men’s doubles match, R. Haider and A. Zahid overpowered Said Shahabudin and Sayed Naweed of Afghanistan 21-8, 21-17.

Similarly, Murad Ali and Hashir Bashir beat another Afghanistan pair 21-12, 21-10.

Another Pakistani duo of Mohammad Bhatti and A. Sarwar beat Afghanistan’s Elyas Ghaman and Sabawoon Gulzad 21-17, 21-14.

Earlier on Thursday, the event featuring male and female players from 12 countries was inaugurated by secretary for Inter-provincial Coordination Akbar Durrani.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2019