Aqeel struggles to win Master Cup match

ISLAMABAD: Aqeel Khan had to fight back to beat Yousaf Khalil 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 as the PTF-Serena Hotels Master Cup Tennis Championships commenced on Thursday at the Peshawar Services Club in Peshawar Cantt.

After losing the first set, Aqeel fought back brilliantly to win the match. The championship features the top eight men’s and women’s players, competing for the top honours. The ladies are participating in a tournament in Peshawar for the first time since 2018.

This competition is part of the Serena Hotels Master Series, a key initiative under the Serena Hotels Sports Diplomacy program. The series has been launched in Peshawar, with plans to expand to other cities across Pakistan in the near future, creating opportunities for the players nationwide.

Results: Men’s singles: Muhammad Shoaib bt Abdullah Adnan 6-1, 6-1; Muzammil Murtaza bt Shahzad Khan 6-4, 6-4; Muhammad Abid bt Barkatullah 6-4, 6-2; Aqeel Khan bt Yousaf Khalil 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Ladies’ singles: Meheq Khokhar bt Lalarukh Sajid 6-1, 6-1; Soha Ali bt Mahrukh Sajid 6-1, 6-1.