Mehaq scoops ladies’ singles title in ranking tennis

ISLAMABAD: Mehaq Khokhar edged out Noor Malik to win the ladies’ singles title in the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships here at the PTF-SDA Friday.

In a closely-contested final, 3rd seed Mehaq Khokhar overcame Noor Malik in a gripping three-set marathon match 6-3, 5-7, 7-5. Mehaq quickly gained 4-1 lead in the opening set by breaking Noor’s serve in the 2nd and 4th games, eventually sealing the set 6-3. The second set saw Noor rallying back to a 3-1 lead.

Although Mehaq broke back to level the score at 4-4, Noor held her nerves, breaking Mehaq in the 11th game and serving out the set to take it 7-5. The decisive third set turned into a battle of will, with both the players exchanging breaks until the score reached 5-5. In a dramatic 12th game, Mehaq displayed exceptional control at the net and secured the match by breaking Noor’s serve after an error at 30-40. The thrilling contest lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes.

In the Boys’ 14 and Under singles final, Junaid Khan (Peshawar) beat Shayaan Afridi 4-1, 4-1 to win the title. Muhammad Shoaib and Muzammil Murtaza claimed the men’s doubles title in style, defeating 2nd seeds Barkatullah and Yousaf Khan in straight sets 6-3, 6-1.

Muhammad Salar Khan battled past Abdul Basit in a comeback victory 1-6, 6-0, 6-1 in the Boys 18 & under singles semi-finals. Hazik Aasim (Islamabad) upset the 2nd seed Muhammad Yahya in straight sets: 6-1, 7-5 to book his place in the final.

The junior 18 & Under singles final will be played at 9am whereas men’s singles final will be played at 4pm. Results: Ladies singles final: Mehaq Khakhor bt Noor Malik 6-3, 5-7, 7-5. Men’s doubles final: Muhammad Shoaib & Muzammil Murtaza beat Barkatullah & Yousaf Khan 6-3, 6-1.

Junior 18 & Under singles semi-finals: Muhammad Salar bt Abdul Basit 1-6, 6-0, 6-1; Hazik Aasim bt Muhammad Yahya 6-1, 7-5. Boys 14 & Under singles final: Junaid Khan bt Shayaan Afridi 4-1, 4-1.