Pakistan clinch silver medal in tennis

Islamic Games in Baku

KARACHI: Pakistan added to its medal tally as its men’s tennis team clinched silver when it went 0-2 down against Turkey in the final of the Islamic Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday.

In the one-sided fixture, Altung Celibilek of Turkey whacked Pakistan’s senior player Aqeel Khan 6-3, 6-2 to provide lead to his side.

In the second game, Aneel Yuksel prevailed over Mohammad Abid 6-0, 7-6 to seal a comfortable win.

Muzammil Murtaza was the other player in Pakistan’s squad.

Pakistan are currently at the 15th spot with two silver and as many bronze medals.

In the third place fixture, Uzbekistan beat Qatar 2-1 to win bronze medal.

Shooting: It was a disappointing day for national shooters. In the men’s 50m pistol qualification phase, Pakistan’s Mohammad Akhtar Shahzad finished ninth out of 22 contestants. Three did not start. Akhtar’s score was 537-5x. The round score remained 89, 91, 92, 92, 87, 86.

In the same event, Pakistan’s Uzair Ahmed ended 18th with 520-5x.

Kaleemullah finished 22nd with a total score of 510-5x.

Boxing: In boxing too, Pakistan’s miserable run continued as Mohibullah lost to Hussain Almasri of Syria in the 49 kg quarter-finals through a unanimous decision. The five judges gave 30-27 break-up in favour of the Syrian. Mohibullah had beaten Dayanch Annaseyidov of Turkmenistan in the pre-quarter-finals the other day.

In the 69kg quarter-final, Pakistan faced another casualty when its experienced pugilist Arshad Hussain went 0-5 down to Kazakhstan’s Ochkin Ilya.

Volleyball: Pakistan once again failed to live up to the expectations and were virtually put out of the event as Turkey beat them 3-2 after a sensational fight.

After losing the first set 17-25, Pakistan fought back strongly by taking the second set 25-23.

In the third set, Turkey showed great resolve and won it 26-24. Pakistan staged a great fight-back and snatched a 25-22 victory in the fourth set to make it 2-2.

In the decisive set, Turkey kept their nerves and secured a 15-11 victory.

Pakistan had lost to hosts Azerbaijan 0-3 in their first meeting the other day.

Pakistan will face Palestine on May 17 and Turkmenistan on May 19 in their last pool matches. Weightlifting: Pakistan’s Abu Sufyan failed to impress in the 69kg competitions. He finished tenth out of 14 contestants with a total of 291kg, 129kg in snatch and 162kg in clean and jerk.

Athletics contests will start on Tuesday (today).  Pakistan have claimed silver in karate and a bronze each in swimming and shooting.  Pakistan are featuring in 15 disciplines.