Sports Bulletin

SPORTS DESK ISLAMBAD (June 27, 2020):-Kosmos Tennis and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) have announced the 2020 Davis Cup by Rakuten Madrid Finals will be postponed until 2021. The Finals will now take place in Madrid in the week commencing 22 November 2021. The decision to postpone the event comes following a three-month review of the considerable logistical and regulatory challenges that have arisen as a result of the pandemic and all potential hosting scenarios with the health and safety of all involved of paramount importance. The Davis Cup Finals are the pinnacle of the largest men’s global team competition in tennis and were set to see the world’s best 18 national teams competing for the Davis Cup world championship title over one week in Madrid from 23 to 29 November 2020.  The event was due to host more than 90 athletes with significant support teams, as well as thousands of fans, officials, staff, partners and other stakeholders travelling from countries across the world, each at a different stage in dealing with the pandemic. The challenges in hosting a mass gathering of this size on an international scale at an indoor venue are considerable due to the pandemic, both in the current and the anticipated climate. Gerard Pique, Kosmos Tennis President said: “It’s a huge disappointment for all of us that the Davis Cup Finals will not be held in 2020. We don’t know how the situation will develop in each qualified nation, or if restrictions in Spain will remain sufficiently eased, as such it is impossible to predict the situation in November and guarantee the safety of those travelling to Madrid. This postponement has no long-term bearing on our collective ambitions for the Davis Cup. The ITF and Kosmos Tennis look forward to delivering an outstanding competition in 2021, when it is safe and feasible to do so.” David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “This is a tough decision to have to make, but delivering an international team event on this scale while guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved ultimately poses too great a risk. It is a complex undertaking and we have made the decision now to provide certainty for players, National Associations and fans. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Kosmos Tennis in order to deliver a fantastic competition next year”. Host partners, the City of Madrid and the Region of Madrid, have expressed their support for the decision to postpone until 2021. In addition, the ITF Board has announced that the 24 home-and-away World Group I and World Group II ties involving 48 national teams due to be played in September this year will be postponed until 2021, with ties to be played in either March or September. The 2020 regional Group III and IV events, in which 76 national teams are entered, are also postponed until 2021. The ITF will work with the hosts of these ties and events in order to ensure a safe environment in which they can be played next year. 

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (June 18, 2020):-The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced on Thursday that ITF World Tennis Tour would be resumed in August 2020, as the women’s events would kick off from August 3 while the men’s events from August 17. The both fixtures will include singles qualifying, main draw singles and doubles rounds. The announcements was made by the ATP, WTA, USTA and FFT regarding the resumption of the tours and the staging of the US Open and Roland Garros. ITF is currently finalizing a provisional calendar of ITF World Tennis Tour events. ITF officials are keen to see as many tournaments scheduled as possible in order to maximize playing opportunities for athletes around the world, we want to ensure the health and safety of the athletes. The decision for an event to be held will remain at the discretion of individual tournaments to determine if it is feasible for their event to go ahead, and with the appropriate health, safety and integrity infrastructure in place. Tournaments will be played without spectators, unless local or national government regulations explicitly permit fans to attend sporting events. As with the ATP and WTA provisional calendars, the ITF World Tennis Tour calendar is subject to change. The ITF expects that approximately 80 per cent of ITF World Tennis Tour events that would normally have been scheduled during the August-September period will be played this year and anticipates that more nations will apply to host tournaments as restrictions ease in those countries. Ranking points have been frozen since 16 March 2020. The ITF continues to discuss with the ATP and WTA Tours the most appropriate and fair reintroduction of ranking points across World Tennis Tour events. At this stage, the planned resumption of international competition relates only to the men’s and women’s ITF World Tennis Tour. The ITF is mindful that players competing on the junior tennis, senior tennis, wheelchair tennis and beach tennis tours want to resume international competition as soon as possible, and further updates will be provided regarding these tours in due course. David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for our sport and, while acknowledging that there will still be challenges ahead, we are pleased that international tour competition will be able to resume in August. Restoring earning opportunities for athletes at the earliest possible opportunity – in a manner which protects the health and safety of all involved – has been a priority throughout this period. “The sport has come together to support players financially during the pandemic and we will continue to work with our partners from across the tennis world – the tours, the Grand Slams and our 210 member  National Associations – as we aim to safely resume international competition.” Stuart Miller, ITF Senior Executive Director for Integrity & Development, added: “While tennis can be played in a socially-distanced fashion, it is important that tournaments resume with the correct health, safety and integrity infrastructure. We will work with the National Associations that are hosting events, in order to ensure that they have the correct measures in place.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (May 17, 2020):-Ace national tennis player, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi has said that he would set-up an international standard tennis academy in the capital city Islamabad after saying goodbye to international tennis circuit While talking to this scribe at National Press Club (NPC) after a ceremony, he said that he wanted to produce a top player, who could fill his shoes after his retirement. “Yes, I am planning to start a tennis academy in the capital city that has international standard tennis facilities, aiming to give polish the talent a grass root level. Syed Dilawar Tennis Complex is good arena for tennis. I will coach teens and will try to produce a good player for the country, “he replied a question. To another question, Aisam-ul-Haq said that he was very disappointed when India had refused to visit Pakistan for Davis Cup Tie. “Pakistan has unique tennis facilities and on that time there was not as such security issue in the country and international sports events were going on in the county but they refused to play Davis Cup fixture at the soil of Pakistan. However, I am willing to resume the mutual ties in all sports including tennis, “he viewed. “In past, when Late Syed Dilawar Abbas was the head of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), the bilateral tennis series between both countries were arranged, as that was better for the upcoming players of the both nations. Now, a lot of politics has been involved in the sports of India and Pakistan and all sports events have been halted. However, as a player I wish to resume the sports again between the both countries, “he concluded.    

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 14, 2020):-President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Salim Saifullah Khan on Saturday announced cash award for the national tennis team that won the Davis Cup Tennis Tie against Slovenia 3-0 last week at the grass courts of Pakistan Sports Complex. According to an official of PTF, federation will be rewarding Aisam Qureshi with $5,000, Aqeel Khan $3,000, and $1,000 each to the other team members, Muzammil Murtaza, Mohammad Abid and Heera Ashiq, as well as the non-playing Captain, Mushaf Zia.   President PTF said, “With our international star Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, and nationally ranked number 1 player Aqeel Khan, having literally clinched the tie between them, with a singles win each, and pairing to be victorious in the doubles”. In his announcement message Salim further said: "It's a matter of great delight and pride for me, the PTF, and surely the whole nation, on the win and the manner in which Aisam and Aqeel snatched victory from players with much higher world rankings, “he said. Adding, he said "I must take this opportunity to remind the government to appreciate the huge importance of a victory against the European country, something that totally surprised the international tennis community. The government must urgently attend to the matter and give the team much deserved cash rewards.  Athletes that keep our flag flying high must be recognized at all levels, to keep their morale high and to continue their efforts to train even harder." In the draws held on Friday by the ITF, Pakistan will now host Japan, in another home tie, in September this year.        

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 6, 2020):-Owing to inclement weather in the capital city Islamabad, International Tennis Federation (ITF) Referee  Tom Kinloch has decided to call off Friday (today) matches of the World Group I Davis Cup Tennis Tie between Pakistan and Slovenia. According to scheduled the matches were being played at the grass courts of Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). However, the rain in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad did not allow organizers to stage the tie. It is pertinent to mention here that rain may hit the second day too, as the weather forecast is not in favour of game.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-Top seed Mohammad Shoaib annexed the Boys Singles Title of Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championship after beating Ayar Goklap from Turkay 2-1 in a thrilling well contested three sets match at S.Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Sunday. In the first set, Ayar built up the lead 3-1 by breaking 4th game of Shoaib in which he hit two double faults, as the Shoaib leveled the score 3-3all by breaking 7th game of Ayar. The score went up to 5-5 all as both the players hold their respective serves; at this stage Ayer hold his serve with the help of two aces and claimed the winning lead 6-5 and won the first set 7-5 by breaking last game of Shoaib at 0-40. Meanwhile, in the second set, Ayer kept the same pressure and got the winning lead 3-1 by breaking 2nd game of Shoaib. At this stage Shoaib change the game plan and start long rallies from the base line and level the score 3-3 all by breaking 5th game of Ayar and won the second set at 6-4 breaking 7th game of Ayar and level the match 1-1 set all. Shoaib was in excellent form in the final set and took the lead 4-0 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Ayar, at this moment Ayar reduced the lead 3-4 by breaking 8th game of Shaoib by changing the pace of game. Shoaib did not allow his opponent to change the pace and won the final set at 6-4. Both the players displayed excellent game of tennis which was appreciated and witnessed by tennis lovers. The match lasted 1 hour 53 minutes and was chaired by Husnain Mehmood. Islamabad Tennis Association organized the two ITF J5 Pakistan World Ranking Tennis tournament back to back and the second tournament was in the memory of Late Senator Syed Dilawar Abbas, who played vital role for the promotion of game of tennis in the country. He remained President/Patron of PTF, Lifetime Sr. Vice President of Asian Tennis Federation, and Hon. Lifetime Patron Islamabad Tennis Association, he was also member of ITF Constitutional Committee. As many as 27 boys and 15 girls from 18 countries Greece, Hong Kong, Austria, Russia, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, Great Britain, Romania, Nepal,  China, Iran, Tunaisa, Kazakhstan, USA, Malaysia , Korea, Sri Lanka and host Pakistan participated in the  Championships. Akber Durrani Secretary Information and Broadcasting graced the occasion as chief guest and distributed the trophies among the winner and runner-up of boys singles. Salim Saifullah Khan President Pakistan Tennis Federation, Col. Gul Rehman Secretary PTF also enjoyed the Singles final.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 1, 2020):-The Slovenian tennis team arrived here on Sunday for Davis Cup Tie fixture against hosts Pakistan. According to Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Slovenian Davis Cup Team arrived in Islamabad today (1st March, 2020). The Slovenian Team was received by the PTF Secretary Col. Gul Rehman(R) and Liaison Officer Imran Sheikh at the Islamabad Airport and was provided the entire protocol and security umbrella. The Serena Hotel Management also received them with traditional hospitality and courtesies. The Slovenian team visited the venue of Davis Cup tie at Pakistan Sports Complex.  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-An unseeded, Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) won the Girls Single crown of Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships by eliminating top seed Ren Ke in a entertaining three sets match at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Thursday. In the First set, both players broke serve of each other and the score went up to 6-6 all and set decided on tie break, which won by Leyla with a score of 8-6 by hitting the winner down the line. In the second set, the quality tennis was witnessed and the score went up to 4-4 all as both the players hold their respective serves; top seed Ren Ke won the second set at 6-4 by breaking last game of Leyla at 15-40. The final set was marked with aces, long rallies and combination of back hand, forehand drives and the score went up to 4-4 all. Leyla won the final set by breaking 9th game of Ren Ke and clinched the Girls Singles title; the match lasted 2 hours 28 minutes which was officiated by Asif Ali. Leyla Elmas (TUR) obtained 30 ITF World Ranking points whereas Ren Ke (CHN) got 18 points. Ayar Goklap (TUR)/ Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) won the Boys Doubles title by eliminating Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) in straight sets with the score of 6-2, 6-3. Top seed Mohammad Shaoib of Pakistan and second seed Ayar Goklap (TUR) moved into the Boys Singles final by beating their respective opponents in straight sets. In the first semi final Top seed Shoaib won the first set 6-4 by breaking 9th game of Aryan Giri (NEP); he kept the same pressure in the second set and build up the winning lead 4-0 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Aryan and won the second set at 6-1 by breaking last game of Aryan after 3 duce. In the second semi final Ayar Goklap (TUR) proved too good for Kerem Ozlale (TUR) and won in straight sets with the score of 6-3, 6-1. Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Togdulkdmir (TUR) won the Girls Doubles Title by beating Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) in a exciting three set match; Neyla / Mina won the first set at 7-5 by breaking 11th game of Neyara; Bista & Neyara leveled the match 1 set all by wining the second set at 6-2 by breaking 4t5h and 6th game of Leyla and Mina. In the final set match tie played which won by Leyla / Mina at 11-9 after saving 3 match points. Salim Saifullah Khan President Pakistan Tennis Federation witnessed the Girls Doubles final and distributed the shields and trophies amongst the winner and runner-ups; as these players are leaving today for the their home land. Col. Gul Rehman Secretary PTF and other tennis lovers were also witnessed the final and present on the occasion.  Results: Boys Singles Semi Final Mohammad Shaoib beat Aryan Giri (NEP) 6-4, 6-1; Gokalp Ayar (TUR) beat Kerem Ozlale (TUR) 6-3, 6-1 Girls Singles Final Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Ren Ke (CHN) 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 Boys Doubles Final Gokalp Ayar (TUR) / Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) beat Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) 6-2, 6-3 Girls Doubles Final Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat  Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) 7-5, 2-6, 11-9.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 26, 2020):-Salim Saifullah Khan, President PTF visited Aisam ul Haq Pavilion at Pakistan Sports Complex to witness the training session of the Pakistan Davis Cup team, which is in progress for preparation of the Davis Cup tie Pakistan against Slovenia. The President showed satisfaction about the training session and the hard work, which is being displayed by the players under their Captain/Coach Mushaf Zia. He also interacted with the players and motivated them to perform better. The President also inspected the venue of the event and was briefed by Khawar Hyat, SEVP and Saeed Ahmed Khan SVP, members of the Management Committee of PTF, about the progress of the work. He was satisfied with the overall preparatory arrangements.    

Sport Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 26, 2020):-Mohammad Shoaib (PAK), Gokalp Ayar (TUR), Aryan Giri (NEP) and Kerem Ozlale (TUR) qualified for the Boys Singles Semi finals of Syed Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships by eliminating their respective opponents in straight sets at S.Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad. Top seed Mohammad Shoaib was in excellent form and won the first set at 6-2 by breaking 1st and 3rd game of Tuna and he kept the same pressure in the second set and did not allow his opponent to settle down with his powerful winner down the line and cross court. He won the second set at 6-1 by breaking 1st, 3rd and 5th game. Unseeded Kerem Ozlale of Turkey continue his winning streak and won his encounter against Birtan Duran (TUR) without any resistance with a score of 6-0, 6-2. The third quarter final 2nd seed Gokalp Ayar (TUR) beat Iustin Belea of Romania in a well contested two set match 6-4, 6-3 and will face Kerem Ozlale in the semi final tomorrow at 10:00 AM. In the last quarterfinal Aryan Giri (NEP) proved too good for Stylianos Poutis (GRE) and won his encounter in straight set with a score of 6-2, 6-4 and moved into the semi final and will face top seed Muhammad Shaoib of Pakistan at 10:00 AM. In the girls singles semi finals; unseeded Lyela Nilufer Elmas (TUR) made the major upset in the tournament by beating 2nd seed Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) in best encounter of the day. Leyla won the first set at 6-4 by breaking 10th game of Dorsa in which she hit one double fault and lost the game love-40. The tough fight was seen in the second set and score went up to 6-6all as both the players hold their respective serve and match decided on tie break which won by Lyela at 7-1 by playing some excellent shorts at the crucial stage and qualify for the Girls Final. In the second semi final Top seed Ren Ke (CHN) won her encounter against unseeded Zhansaya Bakytzhan  (KAZ) in straight set at 7-5, 6-0. The Girls will be played at 10:00 AM. In the Girls Doubles event; unseeded BAbhilasha Bista (NEP) and Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) made the major upset by beating top seed Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) and Billur Gonlusen (TUR) in a thrilling and exciting three sets match. Abhilsha and Neyara won the match tie break set at 12-10 after saving two match points. In the second semi final Lyela Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir won their encounter in another three set good match of the day 6-3, 6-7(5) 10-7, Final of Girls Doubles will be played tomorrow at 2:00 PM. In the Boys Doubles semi finals Gokalp Ayar (TUR) and Mustafa Sancakliogu (TUR) caused major upsent in the event when he eliminated top seed Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) and Ahmed Kamil (PAK) in hard fight semi final. In the other semi final 2nd seed Iustin Belea (ROU) and Qwyn Quittner (AUS) struggle hard to win to beat Agha Raahim (GBR) and Stulianos Poutis (GRE) in another exciting match of the day. Boys & Girls Doubles Finals will be played tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Following are the results: Boys Singles Quarter Finals Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Tuna Nergizoglu (TUR) 6-2, 6-1; Gokalp Ayar (TUR) beat Iustin Belea (ROU) 6-4, 6-3; Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Stylianos Poutis (GRE) 6-2, 6-4; Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Birtan Duran (TUR) 6-0, 6-2. Girls Singles Semi Finals Ren Ke (CHN) beat Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 7-5, 6-0; Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) 6-4, 7-6(1). Boys Doubles Semi Finals Gokalp Ayar (TUR) / Mustafa Sancaklioglu (TUR) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) 1-6, 6-1, 10-7; Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) beat Raahim Agha (GBR) / Stylianos Poutis (GRE) 1-6, 6-4, 10-6; Girls Doubles Semi Finals Abhilasha Bista (NEP) / Neyara Weerawansa (SRI) beat Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) / Billur Gonlusen (TUR) 5-7, 7-6(5) 12-10; Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) / Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Sei-Ding Chai (MAS) / Ren Ke (CHN) 6-3, 6-7(5), 10-7