Tennis
Young tennis player, Zainab Ali Naqvi passes away in Islamabad
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Young tennis girl Zainab Ali Naqvi (17) from Karachi passed away on Tuesday, who was here to participate in the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 at PTF SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue Islamabad, at a local Guest House due to cardiac arrest.According to an official of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Zainab Ali Naqvi- a young tennis player who had come to Islamabad from Karachi to participate in the ITF Juniors Tournaments, passed away last night on 12th February 2024 in Islamabad.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi President-PTF, Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Ex-President-PTF, PTF Council members, and the tennis fraternity at large offer their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah bless the departed soul with eternal peace in Jannah-ul-Firdaus, Aameen.The matches of the ITF Juniors were postponed as a mark of respect in memory of Miss Zainab and will be played on Wednesday with the same schedule. A Joint DUA was offered and one minute silence was observed by all the foreign and Pakistani players, parents, coaches, and the PTF Officials and staff.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 12 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The main draw of the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 commenced here at PTF SDA Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue on Monday.As many as 45 boys and girls from Kazakhstan, Turkey, USA, Hongkong, China, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Romania, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are participating in the Championships while 27 local boys, and girls are also participating in the Championships.Results (Day-1):Papangkorn Bunyarit (THA) beat Mohammad Kashan Tariq (PAK) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) beat Ye Chan Choi (KOR) 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4Zhe Jiang (CHN) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-2Ivan Makarov (Belarus) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim 6-4, 5-7, 6-4Shijie Chen (CHN) beat Ege Avci (TUR) 7-5, 6-1Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Daniil Varaksa (RUS) 6-1, 6-1Hamza Roman (PAK) beat Par Chandragholica (THA) 6-0, 6-0Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Doruk Elbirlik (TUR) 6-2, 6-1Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-1, 6-2Ju Hun Choo (KOR) beat Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1Akmal Arabdjanov (UZB) beat Kaigaoge (CHN) 6-0, 6-2Ilya Kryukov (RUS) beat Asad Zaman (PAK) 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (3)Howard Chan (HKG) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) beat Shehryar Anees (PAK) 6-1, 6-0Hamid Israr (PAK) beat Narathip Rueangsri (THA) 6-2, 4-6, 6-0
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 11 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The main round of the ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 will start here at PTF SDA Tennis Complex on Monday. The matches will roll into action at 10:00 am.According to an official of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), as many as 45 male and female players from Kazakhstan, Turkey, United States of America (USA), Hong Kong, China, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Romania, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and Thailand will participate in the championships. 27 Pakistani players will take part in the competitions.Results (Qualifying Round):Lin Kieran (USA) beat Hamza Rehmat (PAK) 6-0, 6-1Kang Kaigaoge (CHN) beat Park Joel (USA) 6-2, 6-3Daniil Varaksa (Balarus) beat Cetinkaya (TUR) 6-4, 4-6 (11-9)Ivan Makarov (RUS) beat Dalbusin Ulad (Balarus) 6-1, 6-4
Davis Cup Tennis Tie: India outclass Pakistan 4-0
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: India beat hosts Pakistan 4-0 in the Davis Cup World Group I Play-off Tie after winning all four matches at the grass courts of Pakistan Sports Complex. On Sunday, Pakistan lost Doubles and a reverse single match.The Indian duo of Saketh Myneni and Yuki Myneni outplayed Aqeel Khan and Muzammil in straight sets 2-0 with the score-line of 6-3, and 7-6. Later on, in singles, India's Niki Poonacha defeated Mohammad Shoaib in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to extend his country's lead to 4-0.
Davis Cup Tennis Tie: India earn 2-0 lead against hosts Pakistan
Ramkumar overcomes Aisam 2-1 in a thrilling three sets contest at grass courtsAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Indian tennis team earned a 2-0 lead against Pakistan in the Davis Cup Tennis Tie World Group 1 play-off, which started at the grass courts of Aisam Tennis Arena, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Saturday. Ramkumar Ramanathen, and Sriram Balaji claimed victories for India. The Doubles’ and two reverse singles will be played on Sunday (February 4, 2024) at the same venue.In the first singles, Ramkumar Ramanathen won the toss and decided to serve first, as he hit the first serve in the net, however, the Indian guy played an aggressive game and won the first game without conceding a solitary point. Both players exhibited top-class tennis in the first set and maintained their respective serves till 6-6. Aisam won the first set on tie-break at 7-3 by smashing a couple of aces.After losing the first set, Ramkumar changed his strategy and broke the first game of Aisam without conceding a single point. He maintained the same pace in the second game and finished in a similar style without losing any points and made the score 2-0. Aisam bounced back in the set by breaking the 4th game of his challenger to square the set point 2-2. Both players retained serves in the rest of the eight games. The score was one again level at 6-6. This time Ramkumar won the set on a tie-break to level the match at 2-2.In the decisive set, Aisam did not feel well owing to his injury and during the set, he got three minutes of a medical break. Ramkumar finished the third set 6-0. The final score-line of the match was 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (7-4), 6-0. In the second match, Sriram Balaji defeated Aqeel Khan in straight sets 2-0 at the same venue. The final score-line was 7-5, and 6-3.
Davis Cup Tennis Tie between Pakistan and India to start on Saturday
Aisam to face Ramkumar in the opening fixture of the World Group 1 Play-offAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Davis Cup Tennis Tie World Group 1 play-off between traditional rivals nations Pakistan and India will get underway here at the grass courts Aisam Tennis Arena of the Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday, as ace national tennis player, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi will face Ramkumar Ramanathen in the opening fixture.Referee Javier Moreno Perez announced the Draws on Friday at a local hotel. Pakistani tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq will take on Ramkumar Ramanathen of visiting team in the first single of the Davis Cup Tennis Tie while Pakistan number one Aqeel Khan will meet Shriram Balaji in the second encounter of the day.On the second day, the duo of local tennis lads, Muzammil Murtaza pairing with Barkatullah will lock horns with Indian pair Yuki Bhambri, and Saketh Myneni in the Doubles fixture. Reverse Singles will also be played on Sunday at the same venue.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi said: “We are well prepared to encounter high-ranked Indian tennis players in the Davis Cup competitions. I have played against all visiting team’s lads in different tennis events abroad. This time we do not have the grass court advantage because Indian players also play on grass courts but will have a plus point of a home ground and home crowd advantage and people should come and support the national players. We will play a positive game to produce a notable performance against India”. Indian coach Zeeshan Ali said: “We came here to play the Davis Cup Tennis Tie, which is very important for us. We will try our best to win the vital tie. Our players are confident to give maximum against the host side that has world-class players but we are focused on our game and I hope my boys will do well in the Davis Cup Tennis Tie, as our team is visiting Pakistan after 64 years. We had won the previous tie 4-0. Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) provided us with international standard facilities here during the last four days”. Match Officials: Javier Moreno Perez (Referee), Emanuel Joseph (Chair Umpire), Nicholas Stellabotte (Chair Umpire), Shahzad Akhter Alvi (Chief of Umpires)Schedule: Davis Cup Tennis Tie (Pakistan vs India)First Singles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi vs Ramkumar RamanathanSecond Singles: Aqeel Khan vs Shriram BalajiDoubles: Muzammil Murtaza, Barkatullah vs Yuki Bhambri, Saketh MyneniReverse Singles-1: Aqeel Khan vs Ramkumar RamanathanReverse Singles-2: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi vs Shriram BalajiIndia officials: Rohit Rajpal (Non-playing Captain), Zeeshan Ali (Coach), Debashish Das, and Anand Kumar (Physios), Anil Dhupar (Manager), Sunil Yajaman (Coordinator)Pakistan Official: Mohammad Abid (Non-playing captain).
PTF announces a five-man team for Davis Cup Tie against India
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) on Monday announced a five-member team for The Davis Cup Tennis Tie, which will be played against traditional foes India on February 3 and 4, 2024 here at Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Complex.Names of Pakistani players: Muzammil Murtaza, Aisam ul Haq Qureshi, Aqeel Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, BarkatullahOfficials: Mohammad Abid (non-playing captain).Names of Indian players: Regards, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Shriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni, Niki Poonacha, S D Prajwal Dev (reserve)Officials: Rohit Rajpal (Captain), Zeeshan Ali (Coach), Debashish Das & Anand Kumar (Physios), Anil Dhupar (Manager), Sunil Yajaman (Coordinator).
PTF names 3-boy team for Boys’ Under-16 Juniors Davis Cup
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Three teenager tennis players, Hamza Roman, Mikaeel Biag, Abubakar Talha, have been selected for the Pakistan Under-16 Boys’ team for the Pre-Qualifying Event of the Aisa /Oceana Davis Cup Under-16 Junior fixture, which will be played from February 19 to 24, 2024 in Sri Lanka.According to an official of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), the players have been picked-up after conducting trials at SDA-PTF Tennis Complex. Hamza Roman, Mikaeel Biag, and Abubakar Talha produced acceptable performance during the trials.
Federal Cup: Mohammad Shoaib beats Aqeel Khan 2-0 in final
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Top seed, Mohammad Shoaib thrashed second seed Aqeel Khan in straight sets 2-0 in the Men’s Singles final of the 36th Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships that concluded here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex on Sunday. The final score-line was 6-2, 6-4.In the Men’s Singles final, 22-year-old top seed Mohammad Shoaib of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) outclassed Aqeel Khan 2-0 after the lasted 1 hour 18 minutes on the court. Shoaib got off to a flying start, taking a 4-2 lead by breaking the first game of Aqeel Khan and kept the same pressure to win the first set at 6-2.In the second set, Aqeel fought back but young Shoaib did not allow Aqeel to settle down and exhibited excellent tennis from the base-line and broke the 7th game of Aqeel to build up the winning streak 4-3 in which Aqeel hit a double fault. Shaoib continued the same pressure and in the 10th game, he hit strong serve game and won the set by hitting ace and clinched the Men’s Singles title at 6-2 6-4.Earlier in the day, the Ladies’ Singles Sarah Mahboob clinched the title by eliminating up-comping youngster Amna Ali Qayum from Islamabad in a well-fought straight sets final. Sarah won the toss and chose to serve. Both the players exhibited excellent game of tennis down the line and cross-court, Sarah took the lead 5-4 and broke the 10th game of Amna and won the set at 6-4.In the second set both the players again played the marvelous game of tennis with the combination of excellent cross-court and down the lines. Sarah took the lead of 5-3 by breaking the 8th game of Aman, but Aman fought back bravely and managed to level the score 5 games all by breaking the 9th game of Sarah. In the 11th game, Sarah took the serve advance and again developed the winning lead 6-5. In the 12th game, Aman was unable to maintain her confidence and hit two double faults. Sarah took the advantage and comfortably broke the game and won the set and match at 6-4 7-5. Sayyed Mubasshar Tauqir Shah Addl. Secretary, Information and Managing Director PTV unable to come to witness the final due to an emergent official engagement at Ministry. Usama Azhar Director Sport PTV and Majid Bashir Senior Executive Vice President of Islamabad Tennis Association graced the occasion as guest of honor and distributed the prizes amongst the winners and runners-up.Results (finals):Men’s Singles: Mohammad Shoaib beat Aqeel Khan 6-2, 6-4Ladies’ Singles: Sarah Mahboob Khan beat Amna Ali Qayum 6-4, 7-5Boys & Girls U10 Singles: Mohammad Arsh beat Mohammad Faizan 4-2, 4-1Men’s Doubles: Mohammad Shoaib / Muzammil Murtaza beat Yousaf Khalil / Barkatullah 4-6, 7-6 (2), 10-6.Boys’ U18 Singles: Hamza Roman beat Hamid Israr 7-5, 6-3Boys’ U14 Singles: Mohammad Hassan Usmani beat Zohaib Afzal Malik 7-6 (3), 6-2.
Federal Cup: Mohammad Shoaib, Muzammil claim Doubles’ title
Sarah and Aman reach in Ladies final, Mohammad Shoaib to face Aqeel in Men’s finalSports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan top national tennis lad Mohammad Shoaib pairing with Muzammil Murtaza clinched the Men’s Double title of the 36th Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships after beating Yousaf Khalil, and Barkatullah in a three set thrilling final here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex Garden Avenue on Saturday. The final score-line was 4-6, 7-6 (2), and 10-6. Seed Hamza won U18 title.Top seed Mohammad Shoaib will face 2nd Seed Aqeel Khan in the Men’s Singles final on Sunday afternoon at the same venue. Top seed Sarah Mahboob Khan and Aman Ali Qayum qualified for the Ladies’ final after beating their respective opponents in well-contested semifinals.In the first semifinal, top seed Sarah Mahboob Khan struggled hard to win her match against upcoming Natalia Zaman from Karachi in a three-set match. Talented Natalia Zaman proved her worth against Sarah Mahboob and won the first set at 6-4 by breaking the 5th game of Sarah and taking the lead 1-0.In the 2nd set, Sarah bounced back aggressively and gained his strength according to experience and leveled the match 1-1 set all. In the final set Sarah Khan kept the same pressure and did not allow her opponent to settle down and won the set without conceding a single game and match at score line of 4-6, 6-2, and 6-3. The match lasted 1 hour 45 minutes. The best encounter of the day was played in Men’s Doubles Final when 2nd seed Mohammad Shoaib paring with Muzammil Murtaza struggled hard to win the title against top seed Yousaf Khalil parting with Barkatullah with score of 4-6, 7-6 (2), 10-6.Results (Saturday)Men’s Singles (Semifinals):Aqeel Khan beat Mudassar Murtaza 6-1, 6-1Mohammad Shaoib beat Muzammil Murtaza 6-1, 6-0Men’s Doubles (Final):Mohammad Shoaib / Muzammil Murtaza beat Yousaf Khalil / Barkatullah 4-6, 7-6 (2), 10-6.Ladies’ Singles (Semifinals):Sarah Mahboob Khan beat Natalia Zaman 4-6, 6-3, 6-0Amna Ali Qayum beat Sheeza Sajid 6-3, 6-1.Boys’ U18 Singles (Final):Hamza Roman beat Hamid Israr 7-5, 6-3Boys’ U14 Singles (Final):Mohammad Hassan Usmani beat Zohaib Afzal Malik 7-6 (3), 6-2.Boys’ U14 Singles (Semifinals):Mohammad Arsh beat Mohammad Ibrahim Hussain Gill 4-2, 4-2Amir Masood beat Mohammad Faizan 4-0, 4-0.
