Benazir Tennis title for Russia’s Nedelko

ISLAMABAD: Russian top player Ivan Nedelko turned the tables on Enrique Lopez-Perez for his second Future title in a month as he won the Benazir Bhutto International men’s single at the Islamabad Club courts Sunday.

In front of good holiday crowd, Nedelko played hard and tough tennis avenge his last week defeat against Lopez Perez winning this time in straight sets 6-4, 7-6[7-3]. Unlike Begum Kulsoom Saifullah Tennis final where Lopez Perez was seen in ruthless form, this time around he was struggling to hold himself tight against some tight and professional exhibition of powerful shots. The Spaniard who spent all his Saturday on hiking in Margalla Hills found going a bit tough Sunday against Russian.

It all went to 4-4 in the first set with both players succeeded in holding on to their serves. Nedelko then broke his opponent serve with exceptional down the line sizzler and then held on to his own serve to win first set 6-4.

The second set turned out to be an exciting one with neither of the opponent was ready to budge. Nedelko broke Lopez Perez serve early to take 3-0 lead. The Spaniard bounced back and broke Russian serve with the help of some fast down the line winners. Both players then held on to their serves to take the second set in tie break where Russian emerged winner courtesy to rasping serves.

“I admit getting tired after spending all day Saturday in hiking. I started hiking after the doubles final yesterday and today my legs got tired. Still I believe that Nedelko played well this time. It was a sharp contrast to what he did in the last final which I won easily,” Lopez Perez. He admitted he would remember his stay and competition in Pakistan. “Though I lost the final here, I still believe, I have spent some best days of my life here.”

Nedelko was excited at winning the event saying that he took good measure of his opponent. “The moment I lost the final against Lopez Perez last week, I knew well that he was beatable. Today I did not commit mistakes that were there last week. I played my best game and have succeeded in winning the title.”

President Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifullah Khan was the guest of honour. He hailed historic occasion that brought back to back international events to Pakistan. He ensured working for tennis promotion in a big way in months to come. Patron in Chief of Benazir Bhutto International event Senator Taj Haider thanked all for supporting the event and making it a big success.

Result: men’s final: Ivan Nedelko (Rus) bt Enrique Lopez Perez (Esp) 6-4, 7-6[7-3] National event results (finals): Under-14: Hamid Israr bt Hashish Kumar 6-3, 0-6, 6-4. Under-18: Muhammad Shoaib bt Saqib Hayat 6-4, 3-1 (rtd). Under-10: Hamza Roman bt Abdullah Azhar 4-0, 4-0

Ladies: Sara Mansoor bt Sara Mehboob 7-6, 6-2. Veteran 45 plus doubles: Hameedul Haq and Rashid Malik bt Israr Gul and Jahanzaib Khan 6-1, 6-4. Veterans 60 singles: Musa Khan bt Gul Hameed 6-4, 7-5.