After Round 1 yesterday, the 6th Hassan Tariq Rahim National Ranking Tennis Tournament continued and generated considerable tennis playing activity at the hard courts of Lahore Gymkhana, with the notable ones successfully prevailing over their tender foot opponents and intently made headway to the next round.
Luminosity and sparkle was added to the occasion by the presence of Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, the country’s top player who has led Pakistan’s Davis Cup campaigns and in Doubles Events reached the quarter finals of Australian Open and Wimbledon, semi finals of French Open and finals of US Open.
A remarkable attribute that was noticeable was his focus and know how about how to get out of trouble at the same time remaining consistent. Ahmed Kamal and Hamid Israr felt vanquished and overpowered against Aisam and partner Aqeel Khan, another accomplished one of the national tennis scene. Even though one sided, the Mens Singles matches produced potent and forceful hitting and while Yousaf Khalil, Heera Ashiq, Muzzamil Murtuza, Semi Zeb, Ahmed Chaudry and Mudassar Murtaza hastened through their games with adroitness and dexterity, a few matches did go the full stretch.
Ijaz Khan found the going tough against Asadullah and needed a tenacious effort to surface as the winner. He finally beat Asad with scores of 6-2, 2-6 and 7-5. A good match that kept the audience on their feet.
Another contest between Mahatir Muhammed and Hasheesh Kumar was ferociously fought out and success was acquired by Mahatir after a resolute effort.As for the contest between Ahmed Babar and Waqas Malik the flow of the game was even keeled but Ahmed Babar achieved subjugation of his opponent by authoritative play in the third game, final scores being 6-7, 7-5 and 6-3 in Ahmed’s favour.
Boys under 18 years had an exceptional outing at the Gymkhana Tennis Courts and at least three boys Ahmed Nael Qureshi, Hassan Ali and Faizan Fayyaz made a huge impact by winning their matches with assurance of caliber loaded young ones.
The third round matches on Wednesday, 1st December will hopefully as spirited as the first two rounds.
