Abubakar and Nadir set up all-Pakistan final

ISLAMABAD: The Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial ITF Junior final is an all-Pakistan affair, with Nadir Mirza and Abubakar Talha confirming their places in the boys’ singles final following wins in the semi-finals here at the PTF/DA Complex Courts Friday.

In the first semi-final, Nadir Mirza beat Luke Jie Xi Ho (SGP) 6-3, 7-6(9) to make it to the final while in the 2nd semi-final, Abubakar Talha got the better of Takaya Ishi (JPN) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to make it an all-Pakistan final.

In the doubles’ final, Nadir Mirza & Mikaeel Ali Baig will play against Abubakar Talha & Luke Jie Xi Ho (Singapore) also today (Saturday).

In the girls’ singles final, Haniya Amna Minhas (KSA) beat Alissa Korolyova (KAZ) 6-1, 6-1 and won the singles’ title. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, president of the PTF, shared his delight, stating: “It is indeed a remarkable achievement that four of our boys have reached the finals. Competing against players from over a dozen countries, their performance highlights the rising standard of tennis in Pakistan. This is a moment of great pride for the entire nation.”

Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail, Secretary General of the PTF, also congratulated the young stars, adding: “Our players are delivering excellent performances on the international stage. The presence of four Pakistanis in the finals of an ITF tournament is a testament to their dedication.