Shoaib scoops singles title in Federal Cup tennis

ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Shoaib prevailed over Muzammil Murtaza in three sets to win the men’s singles in the 37th OGDCL Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships that concluded here at the PTF Complex Courts

Shoaib won with the scores of 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4. Due to a thunderstorm and rain in the capital city, the men’s singles started late in the evening.

In a thrilling showdown, 23-year-old top seed Shoaib of PAF successfully defended his title against Muzammil in an exhilarating three-set battle that lasted over 2 hours and 58 minutes. Muzammil started strong, breaking Shoaib early and taking a 3-0 lead. However, Shoaib quickly adjusted his strategy, breaking back in the fifth game and forcing a tiebreak after both the players held serve. In the tiebreak, Shoaib’s early mini-break and consistent pressure earned him a hard-fought 8-6 win in the first set.

The second set saw Muzammil bounce back with renewed focus, breaking Shoaib’s serve in the 4th and 6th games to level the match with a 6-2 win. In the deciding set, both the players showcased exceptional baseline rallies and strategic cross-court shots, reaching 4-4. Shoaib then delivered a clinical performance, breaking Muzammil’s serve in the ninth game with powerful down-the-line winners.

He maintained his composure while serving for the match, forcing unforced errors from his opponent and sealing the final set 6-4. The enthralling final was officiated by ITF White Badge Umpire Husnain Mehmood, ensuring a high standard of officiating.

Earlier in the day, in the Junior 18 & Under singles, Muhammad Salar emerged as the champion, defeating promising Islamabad youngster Hazik Aasim in a competitive straight-sets match.

Air Blue Director (Commercial) Muhammad Shafik, Majid Bashir, President of the Islamabad Tennis Association, and Mr. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), attended as the guests of honour and distributed trophies and prizes amongst the winners and runners-up.

Results: Men’s singles: Muhammad Shoaib bt Muzammil Murtaza 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4. Junior 18 & Under singles final: Muhammad Salar beat Hazik Aasim 7-5, 6-3.