Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (December 10, 2021):-Top seed Aqeel Khan and 3rd Seed Mohammad Shoaib set to meet in the Men's Singles final of J7 Group – 34th Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships, after winning their respective semifinals against Yousaf Khalil 2-0 and Mohammad Abid 2-1 at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Friday. The final will be played on Saturday at same venue.
In the first semi final, top seed Aqeel Khan was in fine touch and prevailed over Yousaf Khalil and built up the winning lead 4-0 by breaking 7th and 4th game of Yousaf by hitting a number of winners down the line. He won the first set at 6-2. In the second set, he kept the same pressure and won set at score of 6-3 by breaking 6th and 9th game of Yousaf and took the revenge of the Lahore defeat.
In the second semi final, 20 years old Mohammad Shoaib toppled the 2nd seed Mohammad Abid by playing high caliber and remarkable tennis. His forehand and back hand ground strokes were perfect in rhythm and he was flawless from the net out played 2nd seed Mohammad Abid in a thrilling and entertaining three set match. Mohammad Abid won the first set at 6-3 by breaking 8th game of Shoaib. Whereas Mohammad Shaib bounced back and won the second set in the same trend at 6-3. In the final set, Shaoib was very steady from the base line and long rallies were witnessed during the final set which was at 6-2 by breaking 3rd and 7th game of Abid and caused the major upset of the tournament. The match lasted 2 hours.
In the Ladies singles final, top seed Sarah Mahboob and 2nd Seed Ushna Sohail moved into final with imposing victories over their opponents. Sarah beat Esha Jawad 6-0 and 6-2 while Ushna defeated Noor Malik 6-2 and 6-2.
Maqbool Hussain Chairman J7 Group witnessed the Men's Doubles final and earlier met the participating players and officials, appreciated the organization and they ensued their group will support the healthy activity for the development of tennis in the youth and country. Maqbool Hussain Chairman J7 Group also cut the cake on the occasion in the presences of players and sports journalists in view of the solidarity with the sports activities in the area.
Tariq Mehmood Murtaza Chairman Rawalpindi Development Authority and President Islamabad Tennis Association will grace the occasion on Men's Singles final as chief guest to distribute the prizes amongst the winners and runner-up.
Results:
Men's Singles (Semi Finals)
Aqeel Khan beat Yousaf Khalil 6-2, 6-3
Mohammad Shoaib beat Mohammad Abid 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Ladies Singles (Semi Finals)
Sarah Mahboob beat Esha Jawad 6-0, 6-2
Ushna Sohail beat Noor Malik 6-2, 6-2
