KARACHI, Feb 2: Akber Pataudi, a highly talented junior from Karachi, sprang a big surprise in the Men’s Singles of the Open Tennis Championship, when he upset highly experienced Jalil Khan 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 at the Modern Club on Sunday evening.

After losing the first set 6-4, Akber got his act together by engaging his opponent in big rallies from the baseline, occasionally being drawn towards the net with fine forehand smashes which caught his baffled opponent on the wrong foot.

Taking the second set 6-4 to tie the proceedings, Akber continued where he had left off in the second set and continuing to draw applause from the knowledgeable crowd, finally scored the winning shot after being on court for one hour and 50 minutes.

Rashid Shan was the chief guest on the occasion and presented the trophies.

The Secretary of the STA, Khalid Rehmani, announced that he planned to hold two tournaments in April.