Aqeel, Samir advance as Kulsum Int’l Tennis begins

ISLAMABAD: Following couple of days of heavy rain and uncertain situation, the $ 15000 Begum Kulsum ITF Future International Tennis got under way with Pakistan top player Aqeel Khan making immediate impact beating Indian opponent in hard fought three-set match at the PTF Complex courts Wednesday.

Just when couple of clay courts got ready for play, Aqeel was seen moving into the second round with 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win over Paramveer Singh Bajwa (India). The Pakistan top player who had a tough draw in the first Future, this time got his perfect match and successfully made it to the second round courtesy to some exciting tennis display. Both players moved all over the court and played excellent tennis skills during the match.

Another Pakistani Samir Iftikhar who was impressive in the Future I showed class by crushing his Indian opponent Jatin Dahiya in straight sets without conceding a single game 6-0, 6-0. He was in excellent form and displayed quality, passion and perseverance to outclass his opponent with some exciting and calculated game.

Some scintillating display of tennis was on display in overcast conditions featuring Pakistani and foreign players. The overcast conditions and heavy rainfall since Sunday night had made playing conditions difficult but the players showed resolve and displayed skills impress sizeable crowd present on the occasion.

Top seed Russian Ivan Nedelko continued his excellent form and fourth seed Pere Riba from Spain easily progressed into the next round by overwhelming their respective opponents. Both are favourites to meet in the semi-finals this time. Salim Saifullah Khan, President PTF, while witnessing the matches expressed his pleasure at the continuity of the matches and hoped for a clear weather in the coming days.

Results: Ivan Nedelko (RUS) bt Anton Chekhov (RUS) 6-3, 6-4; Aqeel Khan (PAK) bt Paramveer Singh Bajwa (IND) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3; Julian Onken (GER) bt Ahmed Choudhry (PAK) 7-6, 6-2; Pere Riba (ESP) bt Roy Hobbs (SGP) 6-0, 6-1; Luka Pavlovic (FRA) bt Jayesh Punglia (IND) 6-2, 6-1; Samir Iftikhar (PAK) bt Jatin Dahiya (IND): 6-0, 6-0, Kelsey Stevenson (CAN) beat Heera Ashiq (PAK): 6-7 (3),7-6 (4), 6-1; Shalva Dzhanashia (RUS) [5] bt Muhammad Akbar (PAK): 6-0, 6-0.