KARACHI, July 18: Malik Hamza captured his maiden men’s singles crown of the Sindh Tennis Association (STA) circuit by overcoming second seed Hassan Siddiqui in the fully stretched final of the SSB Development Series ranking tennis championship at the Union Club on Wednesday.

Playing in the absence of regular senior players, Hamza overcame some anxious moments to prevail over his opponent in thrilling three-set battle 3-6, 6-3, 10-5 to land the crown.

It is pertinent to mention that Hamza had beaten top seed Fahim Ramzan in the semi-final the other day.

Contrary to the men’s final, the ladies final turned out to be a one-sided affair as Hania Naveed registered a crushing 6-1, 6-0 victory over Neha Khan to win honours.

The under-15 title went to young Nazif Ahmed who prevailed over Marib Malik 8-5 while M. Yayha picked up under-9 title by getting the better of Marzia 8-3 in the final.

Secretary Youth Affairs, Sindh, Shoaib Siddiqui, who graced the finals, gave away the prizes.

Final results: Men’s singles: Malik Hamza bt Hassan Siddiqui 3-6, 6-3, 10-5. Ladies singles: Hania Naveed bt Neha Khan 6-1, 6-0. Boys and girls under-15 singles: Nazif Ahmed bt Marib Malik 8-5. Boys’ under-9 singles: M. Yayha bt Marzia 8-3.—Sports Correspondent