WAPDA clinch men’s, women’s singles table tennis titles

KARACHI: Veteran international Saleem Abbas of WAPDA and Ayesha Sharjeel of WAPDA were crowned champions of men’s and women’s singles events of the 53rd National Table Tennis Championship at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Friday.

Saleem beat his teammate Mohammad Rameez 4-2 after the former came from 3-0 down in an epic battle.

Swat-born emerging Rameez, who is gaining strength as the time is progressing, created a stir when he grabbed the first three sets 12-10, 13-11, 5-11 to brighten his victory chances. But at this stage, Saleem showed his mettle despite his old age and won the next four sets to set up a sensational victory.

Saleem won the sets 12-8, 12-10, 12-8, 11-7 to add to his titles.

In the women’s singles final, which was also an all-WAPDA affair, Ayesha Sharjeel defeated Ghazala Basit 4-2 to capture the crown. The set score was 5-11, 11-3, 7-11, 11-5, 1-5, 11-8.