The 6th Hassan Tariq Rahim National Ranking Tennis Championship moves into the final phase after arduous and effortful tennis playing activity at Lahore Gymkhana tennis courts.
And the finalists in Men’s Singles are two adolescents, Muhammed Shoaib of Peshawar and Muzamil Murtaza of Multan and who is associated with tennis at Islamabad Tennis Courts. Ladies final is between Sarah Mehboob and Ushna Sohail.
The outstanding pair that made it to the finals in Men’s doubles is that of our pride Aisam ul Qureshi and Aqeel Khan and to cope with their potency and strength will be M. Abid and Waqas Malik.
In the Men’s singles semifinals, Muhammed Shoaib a twenty years old, masterly toppled the Aqeel Khan giant killer Yousaf Khalil by playing a high caliber and remarkable game and not letting Yousaf settle down. His forehand and back hand ground strokes were perfect in rhythm and he was flawless from the net. The fact that they play together in Peshawar and know each others strengths and weaknesses well turned out to be an enabler for M. Shoaib who remained unshakeable while his opponent rankled under pressure. Shoaib achieved victory through the score line that reads 6-2, 6-3.
As for the other semi final, Muzamil Murtaza another young one prevailed over M. Abid 6-2, 6-2 and the winner appeared in full command against an opponent who was not at his playing best.
The Ladies singles finalists are Sarah Mehboob and Ushana Sohail and moved into the final with imposing victories over their opponents. Sarah beat Noor Malik 6-1, 7-5 and Ushna beat Esha Jawad 6-0, 6-1. And while Sara is the number one ranked player, Ushna has to her credit 37 titles on the national tennis circuit besides the fact that she has enjoyed international rankings that no other tennis playing lady of Pakistan has savored. This final between two merited ones will be action packed and gripping.
The Boys final was played yesterday and the triumphant one is Sami Zeb who beat Abdullah Adnan 6-4, 6-2. The premier moments of tennis activity on Saturday were witnessed when the mixed doubles exhibition match allying Aisam ul Haq and Ushna Sohail versus Aqeel Khan and Sarah Mehboob took centre court. Pace of play from Aisam and partner was splendid and the tennis enthusiasts admired and whole heartedly cheered every point. Aisam and Ushna won 8-2.
The championship concludes on Sunday with Ladies final to be played at 9.30 am, Men’s Singles at 11 am and Men’s Doubles at 1.30 pm.
