The 6th Hassan Tariq Rahim National Ranking Tennis Championship was indeed a joy to have professional tennis at Lahore Gymkhana tennis courts and the ongoing tennis event which has brought to the fore some astute and buoyant young ones who look skillful, talented and gifted and are likely to become an agreeable batch of tennis professionals speedily.
The presence of tennis international Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and champions like Aqeel Khan, M. Abid, Muhammed Shoaib and Yousaf Khalil has generated a lot of intensity that will leave behind not only memories of the exalted and illustrious Hassan Tariq Rahim but championship related recollections that tennis enthusiasts will never forget.
The tennis activity on Friday was Boys centered and through exhibition of flair oriented diligent play the boys remained under spotlight during the course of their quarter final contests and semi final encounters. Leading lustrous ones turned out to be Abdullah Adnan and Sami Zeb who qualified to face each other in the final after meritorious ascendancy over their adversaries.
In the semi final Abdullah Adnan beat Hasheesh Kumar 3-6, 6-4 and 6-3 and what cheers he received from the ardent ones of tennis. As for Sami Zeb he too played steadfastly and unwaveringly and looking compact and sturdy he beat Hamid Israr 6-0, 6-2.
In the Men’s Doubles Aisam ul Haq and Aqeel Khan made their way to the final and will be up against the pair of Muhammed Abid and Waqas Malik. Once again Aisam delighted the tennis fans with his adroitness, ability and prowess. Pace of play was mercurial.
Wholesome recreation was served in the Battle of Sexes Match between 53 years old Khurram Imtiaz and Pakistan number one lady player Sarah Mehboob who prevailed over the seasoned Khurram, which sent a wave of ecstasy among tennis playing mates of Khurram.
The Men’s Singles semi finals will be contested on Saturday, 4th December.
