Sports Bulletin

ITF Report RIO (October 12, 2021):-Hosts Brazil defeated Italy 2-0 in the final of ITF Beach Tennis World Cup 2021 after a nail and bite finish on Copacabana beach on other day. Brazil claimed the fourth World Cup title in front of a vocal home crowd, whose spirits were not dampened by Sunday's inclement weather conditions in Rio de Janeiro. Rafaella Miiller and Marcela Vita got the hosts off to the perfect start in the women's doubles by defeating the in-form team this year, Giulia Gasparri and Ninny Valentini, 6-3 6-3 in 59 minutes. Andre Baran and Vini Font then sealed victory with a closely contested encounter against Marco Garavini and Mattia Spoto. When Spoto hit a backhand long to give the Brazilian pair a 7-5 7-5 victory, the entire team poured onto Centre Court for an emotional celebration. "It is completely fantastic what I am feeling... hard to describe," admitted Font, who has been involved in all four of Brazil's World Cup triumphs - adding the 2021 crown to their victories in 2013, 2018 and 2019. "I've been playing in the World Cup since the first year in 2012. I did not imagine I could be here playing, probably only watching at home, but I won the final match - it is incredible. I am too happy." Font is hopeful that Brazil's triumph can deliver a significant boost to the growth of the sport - both in his home country and beyond. "I just want Beach Tennis to keep growing and hope the World Cup stays here for many years," he said. "Brazil is now the home of Beach Tennis!" The host's Italian-born captain Alex Mingozzi might be forgiven for experiencing mixed emotions after playing a part in denying his birth-country a fifth World Cup - and first since 2017 - but the Porto Alegre resident admits he is firmly Brazilian at heart. "It was a very difficult title. There was so much pressure all week, so much expectation," said Mingozzi. "We were not the best ranked team - Italy had a better-ranked women's doubles pair, so this is a huge title for us... enormous. "I feel very good despite beating Italian opponents, my brothers. When the anthem rises it is difficult for me since I represented the Italian team all my life, but now my heart is Brazilian, my family is Brazilian, and I want to win more titles with Brazil. We wrote another page in history." Miiller, who played an integral role in the hosts' triumph after she and Vita stunned the world's top-ranked pair, described their victory as something that "will be remembered for life", while Baran added that the team's closeness was a big part of the reason for their success.  "Our squad is very happy, we are very united and we showed it on the court," concluded Baran. "We are four time champions. Now is the time to celebrate!" Earlier in the day, Spain defeated 2016 champions, Russian Tennis Federation 2-0 to claim the bronze medal. Eva Palos and Sabrina Lopez overcame Daria Churakova and Liudmila Nikoian 6-3 7-6(3) before world No. 4 Antomi Ramos Viera and Saulo Tejada beat Nikita Burmakin and Nikolai Gurev 4-6 6-4 [10-2]. Ramos said: "We had a difficult match. Burmakin played unbelievable Gurev was playing so well, he's a lefty and didn't miss anything. We're very happy to win this bronze medal." There was some consolation for Team Italy as their junior team retained their title as world champions with a tense 2-1 victory over Brazil. The hosts started strongly with world No. 20 Vitoria Marchezini and Isadora Lourenco winning 6-0 6-2 against Elena Francesconi and Giulia Lorenzi. Niccolo Gasparri and Luca Andreolini got Italy back into the tie by defeating Giovanni Cariani and Daniel Mola 6-3 6-7(11) [10-5], despite the Brazilian pair saving two match points before clinching the second set and forcing a match tiebreak. In the mixed doubles, junior world No. 1 Damino Rosichini and Renzi  clinched a thrilling match against Cariani and Marchezini 6-2 2-6 [10-7]. "We are very proud and we came here to win it again," said Damino. "It was more difficult winning here in Brazil against the home country. This place is beautiful, there are many people."

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL Islamabad (October 1, 2021):-Asad Zaman got rid of Athesham Humayun in straight sets 2-0 in the final of Midcourt ATF Under-14 Tennis Championships 2021 at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Friday. The final score-line was 6-2 and 7-6. Earlier, in the morning session, Haniya Minhas thrashed Amna Qayum 2-0 in the Girls’ Singles final ats same venue. She finished the match at 6-1 and 6-0. Salim Saifullah Khan President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) graced the occasion as chief guest at the closing ceremony. He welcomed all the players, parents as well as their coaches, who participated in the championships. He appreciated Zaira Ahmad Zaka (founder Midcourt) for her continued efforts and interest in organizing the Midcourt ATF Under-14 Championships 2021 in collaboration with PTF. President PTF praised the hard work and efforts of the PTF nominated ITF Referee Arif Qureshi for ensuring the smooth organization of the event in close coordination with PTF Officials. On this eve, Zaira Ahmad Zaka (Tournament Director) thanked Salim Saifullah Khan for gracing the occasion, also PTF management for provision of all possible support. Results are as under: Boys Singles Final: Asad Zaman beat Athesham Humayun (SNGPL): 6-2, 7-6(4) Girl’s Singles Final: Haniya Minhas beat Amna Qayum 6-1, 6-0

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL Islamabad (September 30, 2021):-Asad Zaman pairing with Ahtesham Humayun have won the Boys’ Doubles title of the Midcourt ATF Under-14 Tennis Championships 2021 after beating Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan and Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan 2-1 at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex Islamabad on Thursday. The final score-line was 6-1, 3-6, (16-14), as match was decided on tie-break set. Both teams displayed top quality game by playing beautiful strokes. The winners claimed first set after conceding only a single game 6-1, as they lost second game at 3-6. However, tie-break set was a close contest and no one was ready to succumb, at the end Haider and Hussnain lost the set at 16-14. Earlier, in the Girls Doubles final, Haniya Minhas and Amna Qayum toyed Soha Ali and Zainab Ali Raja in a single sided affair. Both girls did not allow their opponents to take a sigh of breath in both sets. They won the match without conceding a solitary game at 6-0 and 6-0. Meanwhile, in Boys Singles, Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) and Asad Zaman qualified for the final.  Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) outplayed Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan 6-1, 7-5 and Asad Zaman got rid of Hamza Roman 2-1 at 6-1, 4-6 and 6-2. Results: Boys Doubles Final:  Asad Zaman / Ahtesham Humayun beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan / Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan: 6-1, 3-6 (16-14) Girls Doubles Final: Haniya Minhas / Amna Qayum beat Soha Ali / Zainab Ali Raja: 6-0, 6-0 Boys Singles (Semi-Finals): Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan: 6-1 ,7-4 Asad Zaman beat Hamza Roman: 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 Boys Singles (Positions 9-12): Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan beat Amir Mazari: 1-6, 6-1 (10-8) Shehryar Anees beat Ismail Aftab: 6-0, 6-1 Boys Singles (Positions 5-8): Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan beat Zohaib Afzal Malik: 6-3, 6-1 Ali Zain beat Abdur Rehman: 6-1, 6-0 Boys Singles (Positions 13-16): Nabeel Qayum beat Hammad Kashif: 6-0, 6-0 Haziq Aasim beat Syed Aalay Bukhari: 6-0, 6-0 Boys Singles (Positions 17-20): Mohammad Ibarheem Ashraf beat Eesa Fahd: 6-0, 6-0 Girls Singles (Positions 5-6): Soha Ali beat Lalarukh Sajid: 6-2, 6-0 Girls Singles (Positions 3-4): Fatima Ali Raja beat Zainab Ali Raja: 4-6, 6-3 (10-6) Girls Singles (Positions 7-8): Mahrukh Sajid beat Mahnoor Farooqui: 6-3, 6-2 Boys Singles and Girls Singles Finals will be played on 1st October 2021 Girls Singles Final: 10:00 am Boys Singles Final: 3:30 Pm      

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL Islamabad (September 29, 2021):-Hamza Roman brushed-a-side to second seed Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan in straight sets 2-0 in the quarterfinal of ongoing Midcourt ATF Under-14 Championships at Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF)-Syed Dilawar Abbas (SDA) Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Wednesday. In the Boys’ Singles event, Hamza Roman (SNGPL) showed his classed and ousted second seed Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan with the score-line of 6-4 and 6-1 while in the Girls’ Singles Haniya Minhas and Amna Ali Qayum qualified for the final. Results: Boys’ Singles (Quarter-Final): Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan beat Abdur Rehman 6-0, 6-0 Hamza Roman (SNGPL) beat  Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan 6-4, 6-1 Ahtesham Humayun (SNGPL) beat Ali Zain 6-1, 6-0 Asad Zaman beat Zohaib Afzal Malik 6-1, 6-2 Boys’ Singles (Positions-9-16): Amir Mazari beat Nabeel Qayum 6-1, 6-4 Shehryar Aneees beat Haziq Aasim 6-2, 6-0 Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan beat Hammad Kashif 6-0, 6-0 Ismail Aftab beat Syed Aalay Bukhari 6-1, 6-1 Boys’ Doubles (Semiffinals) Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan / Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan beat Mohammad Ibrahim Ashraf / Amir Mazari 6-2, 6-4 Asad Zaman / Ahtesham Humayun(SNGPL) beat Ali Zain / Haziq Aasim 6-2, 6-2 Girls’ Singles (Semifinal) Haniya Minhas beat Fatima Ali Raja 6-0, 6-0 Amna Qayum beat Zainab Ali Raja 6-0, 6-1 Girls’ Singles (Positions-5-8) Soha Ali beat Mahrukh Sajid 6-0, 6-1 Lalarukh Sajid beat Mahnoor Farooqui: 6-0, 6-1 Girls’ Doubles (Semi-Final): Soha Ali / Zainab Ali Raja beat Zara Khan / Fatima Ali Raja 6-4, 6-4 Haniya Aman / Amna Qayum beat Lalarukh Sajid/ Mahrukh Sajid 6-0, 6-0

SPORTS REPORTER Islamabad (September 28, 2021):-As many as 16 matches were played on the second day of the Midcourt ATF Under-14 Championships 2021 Leg 2 continued at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Tuesday. In girls singles, Haniya Minhas continued her fine form and dispatched Lalarukh Sajid 6-0a and,6-0 and in boys singles, Ahtesham Humayun upset third seed Amir Mazari at 6-2 and 7-5. Results: Boy’s Singles (Second Round): Hamza Roman bt Shehryar Anees: 6-4,6-4;Ahtesham Humayun bt Amir Mazari: 6-2,7-5; Zohaib Afzal Malik bt Mohammad Aalay Bukhari: 6-0,6-0; Asad Zaman bt Ismail Aftab: 6-1,6-1; Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan bt Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan: 6-2,6-3;Ali Zain bt Nabeel Qayum: 6-2,6-0; Abdur Rehman bt Hammad Kashif: 6-2,6-0; Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan bt Haziq Aasim: 6-1,6-0; Girl’s Singles (Quarterfinal); Haniya Minhas bt Lalarukh Sajid: 6-0,6-0; Amna Qayum bt Mahrukh Sajid: 6-0,6-0; Fatima Ali Raja bt Mahnoor Farooqui: 6-1,6-1; Zainab Ali Raja bt Soha Ali: 1-6,6-4,7-6(3) Boy's Doubles (Quarter-Final)Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan / Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan bt Shehryar Anees/ Hamza Roman: 6-2,6-2;Asad Zaman / Ahtesham Humayun bt Zohaib Afzal Malik/ Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan: 6-2,6-2; Ali Zain / Haziq Aasim bt Ismail Aftab / Abubakar: 6-0,6-3;Mohammad Ibrahim Ashraf/ Amir Mazari bt Abdur Rehman / Nabeel Qayum: 6-4,6-3

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD 9September 27, 2021):-The second Leg of Midcourt ATF Under-14 Championships started on Monday at Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) and Syed Dilawar Abbas (SDA) Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue Islamabad. The championships include Boy's Singles, Boy's Doubles, Girl's Singles and Girl's Doubles events. The juniors’ tennis fixtures are sponsored by Midcourt, Zem Builders and Nestle Pakistan. A total number of four matches were played on the first day. Results: Boys Singles (First Round): Asad Zaman beat Mohammad Ibrahim Ashraf 6-2, 6-1 Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan beat Abubakar 6-0, 6-0 Mohammad Haziq Aasim beat Eesa Fahd 6-0, 6-0 Boys Doubles (First Round): Zohaib Afzal Malik / Hamza Ali Rizwan beat Eesa Fahd/ Hammad Kashif 6-1, 6-2 Girls Singles (First Round) Lalarukh Sajid  bt Zara Khan 6-2, 7-6(4)      

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL Islamabad (September 25, 2021):-Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan has clinched the Boy’s Singles title of Midcourt ATF Championships Under-14 Leg 1 after beating Hamza Roman in a three match at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Saturday. The final score-line was 6-3, 3-6 and 6-1. In the Girls doubles final, Haniya Minhas / Amna Qayum (Pak) beat Zara Khan / Fatima Ali Raja (Pak) at 6-0 and 6-0 in a single sided affair.  Azam Jamil, Senior Consultant at TEVTA & Franklin Covey, graced the occasion as chief guest at the closing ceremony. He welcomed all the players, parents as well as their coaches who participated in the championships. He appreciated the efforts of Salim Saifullah Khan President -PTF and PTF Management for organizing such events in the country for the promotion of tennis. He also appreciated Zaira Ahmad Zaka (founder Midcourt) for her continued efforts and interest in organizing the Midcourt ATF Championships Under-14 in collaboration with PTF. He also praised the hard work and efforts of the PTF nominated ITF Referee Arif Qureshi for ensuring the smooth organization of the event in close coordination with PTF Officials. Zaira Ahmad Zaka (Tournament Director) thanked the Print Media for extending excellent coverage to the event with the joint effort of PTF media cell. Salim Saifullah Khan President-PTF, through his message also lauded the efforts of the event organizer, the sponsors and the media for their wholehearted support to make this event highly beneficial for the young players. He also conveyed his message of thanks to the parents for ensuring the participation of their children’s. The Players earned valuable ATF Points in their Singles & Doubles matches. Boys & Girls Singles Winner: 200 Runners Up: 133 Semifinalist: 100 Quarterfinalist: 80 Boys & Girls Doubles Winner: 200 Runners Up: 120 Semifinalist: 80 Quarterfinalist: 40

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Islamabad (September 24, 2021):-Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan pairing with Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan have won the title of Under-14 Midcourt ATF Championships after beating Ahtesham Humayun and Asad Zaman 2-0 at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Friday. A total number of 09 matches were played on the 5th day of the Championships. Rashid Malik - Secretary-PLTA and former Davis Cupper visited PTF Complex and witnessed some of the matches. He appreciated the efforts of Salim Saifullah Khan President -PTF and PTF Management for their continued efforts for promotion of tennis in the country. He was highly impressed with the professional conduct and organization of events one after the other. He was also full of praise for Zaira Ahmad Zaka (founder of Midcourt ) for her personal interest in organizing the Midcourt ATF Championships. Results: Boys Singles Positions (3-4): Asad Zaman (Pak) bt Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan (Pak): 6-1, 6-0 Boys Singles Positions (5-6): Ahtesham Humayun (Pak) bt Darsheel Shrestha (NEP):6-1, 6-0 Boys Singles Positions (7-8):  Shehryar Anees (Pak) bt Boris Adhikarari (NEP): 6-1, 6-0 Boys Singles Positions (9-10):  Omar Jawad Malik (Pak) bt Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan 7-6(5),4-6,10-3 Boys Singles Positions (11-12): Ali Zain (Pak) bt Nishad Joshi (NEP): 6-0, 6-0 Boys Singles Positions (13-14):  Amir Mazari (Pak) bt Nabeel Qayum (Pak): 6-4, 6-1 Girls Doubles (Semifinals): Haniya Minhas / Amna Qayum (Pak) bt Soha Ali (Pak) bt Zainab Ali Raja (Pak): 6-0, 6-0; Fatima Ali Raja / Zara Khan (Pak) bt Lalarukh / Mahrukh (Pak): 7-6(2),6-4    

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Islamabad (September 23, 2021):-Hamza Roman claimed an upset after beating top seed Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan in the first semifinal of Boys’ Single fixture of the Midcourt ATF Championships Under-14 Leg 1 at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Thursday.  As many as 14 matches were played on the 4th day of the Championships.  In the Girls singles final, Haniya Minhas comfortably beat Amna Qayum 6-0, 6-0 and won the ATF 14 & under title. Haniya was in superb form throughout the tournament and won the title without losing a single game. In the Boys Singles Semifinals, Hamza Roman upset 1st seed Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan. In another Semifinals Haider Ali Rizwan easily dispatched Asad Zaman. The Boys Singles final will be played on Saturday 25th September 2021. Results: Boys Singles (Semifinals): Hamza Roman (Pak) bt Mohammad Hamza Ali Rizwan (Pak): 7-5,6-2; Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (Pak)bt Asad Zaman (Pak): 6-2,6-2 Boys Singles Positions (5-8): Ahtesham Humayun (Pak) bt Shehryar Anees (Pak): 6-0, 7-5; Darsheel Shrestha (NEP) bt Boris Adhikari (NEP): 7-6(4), 7-6(6) Boys Singles Positions (13-16): Nabeel Qayum (Pak) bt Zohaib Afzal Malik(Pak): 6-1,6-1 Boys Singles Positions (9-12): Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan (Pak) bt Nishad Joshi (NEP): 6-1, 6-0; Omar Jawad Malik (Pak) bt Ali Zain (Pak):6-3, 6-4 Boys Singles Positions (13-16): Amir Mazari (Pak) w/o Abu Bakar (Pak) Boys Singles Positions (17-18): Ibrahim Ashraf (Pak) bt Abdur Rehman (Pak): 7-5, 6-2 Boys Singles Positions (21-22): Mohammad Haziq Aasim (Pak) bt Razik Sultan (Pak): 6-0, 6-2 Boys Singles Positions (19-20): Hammad Kashif (GBR) bt Eesa Fahd (Pak): 6-2, 7-5 Boys Doubles (Quarter-Finals): Asad Zaman / Ahtesham Humayun (Pak) bt Nabeel Qayum (Pak) / Abdur Rehman(Pak): 6-1, 6-3; Omar Jawad Malik / Amir Mazari (Pak) bt Boris Adhikarari (NEP) / Ibrahim Ashraf (Pak): 3-6. 6-1(10-7) Girls Singles (Final): Haniya Minhas (Pak) bt Amna Ali Qayum(Pak): 6-0, 6-0 Girls Singles Positions (3-4): Soha Ali (Pak) bt Zainab Ali Raja (Pak): 5-7, 6-0(10-7) Girls Singles Positions (5-6): Fatima Ali Raja (Pak) bt Mahrukh Sajid(Pak): 6-0, 6-1

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Islamabad (September 22, 2021):-Pakistani boys displayed excellent tennis on Wednesday in the Midcourt ATF Championships after claiming victories at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex, Islamabad. A total number of seventeen matches were played on the third day. In boys singles, Asad Zaman (Pak) beat Shehryar Anees(Pak)  after a marathon 3 hours match. In another match, Hamza Roman (Pak) upset third seed Boris Adhikari of Nepal.In girls singles, Haniya Minhas and Amna Ali Qayum qualify for the final. Haniya continues her fine form and beat Zainab Ali Raja 6-0, 6-0. It is pertinent to mention that during the ATF event, covid-19 SOPs will be strictly observed as per government of Pakistan and ITF protocols and guidelines, and no spectators or non-essential persons will be allowed inside the tournament venue. Results: Boys’ Singles (Quarter Finals): Asad Zaman (Pak) bt Shehryar Anees (Pak): 5-7,7-6(4),6-4;Hamza Roman (Pak) bt Boris Adhikarai (Nep):6-1,6-2;M. Haider Ali Rizwan (Pak) bt  Ahtesham Humayun (Pak): 6-2,6-2; Hamza Ali Rizwan (Pak) bt Darsheel Shrestha (Nep): 6-1,6-3; Boys’ Singles Positions 9/16:  Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan (Pak) bt Amir Mazari (Pak): 6-1,6-2;Ali Zain (Pak) bt Zohaib Afzal Malik (Pak): 6-2,6-2;Omar Jawad Ali Malik (Pak) bt Nabeel Qayum (Pak): 6-2,7-6(2);Nishad Joshi (Nep) bt Abu Bakar (Pak): 6-3,6-0 Boys’ Singles Positions 21/24:  Mohammad Haziq Aasim (Pak) bt Syed Mohammad Aalay (Pak) : 6-0,6-0 Boys’ Singles Positions 17/20:  Abdur Rehman (Pak) bt Eesa Fahd (Pak): 6-0, 6-0; Hammad Kashif (GBR) bt Mohammad Ibrahim Ashraf(Pak):6-0,6-0 Boys’ Singles Positions 17/32:  Abdur Rehman (Pak) bt Razik Sultan (Pak): 6-2,6-4(11-9) Boys’ Doubles (Quarter Finals): Mohammad Haider Rizwan / Mohammad Hussnain Ali Rizwan (Pak) bt Nishad Joshi / darsheel Shreshta (NEP): 6-0,6-1; Hamza Roman / Shehryar Anees (Pak) bt Ali Zain / Haziq Aasim (Pak): 6-1,6-3 Boys’ Doubles (1st Round): Boris Adhikarai (Nep) / Mohammad Ibrahim Ashraf (Pak) bt Hammad Kashif (GBR) / Abu bakar(Pak): 6-1,6-4 Girls’ Singles (Semifinals):  Amna Ali Qayum (Pak) bt Soha Ali (Pak) : 6-3,6-4; Haniya Minhas (Pak) bt Zainab Ali Raja (Pak): 6-0,6-0 Girls’ Singles Positions 5/8:   Mahrukh Sajid (Pak) bt Mahnoor Farooqui (Pak): 6-1, 6-3; Fatima Ali Raja (Pak) w/o  Zara Khan (Pak)