Semis line-up decided in National Ranking Tennis

ISLAMABAD: Semi-finals line-up has been decided in the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships underway here at the PTF-SDA Tennis Complex.

Second seed Aqeel Khan had to dig deep to overcome a strong challenge from rising talent Ahmad Nael Qureshi, eventually winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in a gripping quarter-final clash at the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships.

In the decisive set, Aqeel drew on his vast experience and regained full control, using precise placement and superior court coverage to dominate. He denied Qureshi any room to regroup, cruising through the final set 6-1 to book his place in the semi-finals.

Top seed Muhammad Shoaib, along with Yousaf Khalil and Muzammil Murtaza, advanced to the semi-finals. Muhammad Shoaib showcased his top form against the talented Barkatullah, securing a solid win with consistent baseline play and strategic shot placement. Yousaf Khalil displayed control and composure as he overpowered Talha Khan in an entertaining encounter.

In ladies’ singles, unseeded Noor Malik pulled off a major upset defeating 3rd seed Soha Ali 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals. In the first semi-final, unseeded Mehak Khokhar upset top seed Shiza Sajid in a well-fought encounter. Khokhar dominated the opening set 6-0 with aggressive baseline play and sharp returns. The second set was more competitive, but Khokhar held her nerves in key moments to clinch it 7-5 and secure her place in the final.

While in the second semi-final, Noor Malik continued her giant-killing run by overpowering 2nd seed Mahrukh Sajid. Noor displayed supreme control and confidence throughout, winning 6-3, 6-0 in a commanding performance that left no doubt about her form heading into the final.

Results: Men’s singles (quarter-finals): Muhammad Shoaib bt Barkatulllah 6-2, 6-1; Yousaf Khalil bt M.Talha Khan 6-2, 6-4; Muzammil Murtaza bt Sami Zeb Khan 6-1, 6-0; Aqeel Khan bt Ahmad Nael Qureshi 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Ladies’ singles (quarter-finals) unfinished: Noor Malik bt Soha Ali 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Ladies’ singles (semi-finals): Mehak Khokhar bt Shiza Sajid 6-0, 7-5; Noor Malik bt Mahrukh Sajid 6-3, 6-0.