LAHORE, Sept 13: National champion Wajid Ali and Zafar Tasnim cruised into the semifinals of the All Pakistan Ranking badminton tournament men’s singles event at the PHA Sports Complex, Samanabad Friday.

Wajid faced no difficulty in disposing of Mohammad Shafiq 15-4, 15-6. Powerful smashing was Wajid’s main weapon for this easy win. On other end, Shafiq committed unforced errors, allowing Wajid to take command of the match.

Tasnim fought hard to subdue third seed Waqas Ahmad after losing the first game. Tasnim was on the court for more than one hour to chalk out victory with the score 12-15, 15-3, 15-13.

In the ladies’ singles national champion Asma Butt her sister Uzma, Shamim Akhtar and Zahida Ali reached semifinals.

Asma brushed aside Aneela 11-4, 11-7. Uzma defeated Saadia 11-6, 11-5. Akhtar blasted Farzana 11-2, 11-7. Zahida faced some resistance before beating Shazia 11-8, 11-6.

In the mixed doubles, the duo national champions Wajid and Asma suffered shock defeat against Rizwan Rana and Zahida. It was the second reverse for. Earlier, in the team final, Wajid was beaten by Omer Zeeshan in the first singles.

Shabbar Hussain and Saira defeated Shafiq and Shazia 15-12, 10-15, 15-11. Haroon Kaleem and Aneela (ABL) walloped Akram Masih and Fauzia 15-6, 15-6.