LAHORE: Pakistan’s Abubakar Talha and Russia’s Varvara Rubtsova claimed the boys’ and girls’ U18 singles and doubles titles respectively as the ITF J-30 Lahore Ali Embroidery Mills International Junior Tennis Championship 2026 concluded at Aitchison College, marking the return of international junior tennis to the city after a gap of 25 years.
In an all-Pakistan boys’ singles final, Abubakar overcame compatriot Hassan Usmani 7-6(7-5), 6-0, recovering from a closely contested opening set to dominate the second and secure the title. Hassan, meanwhile, reached his first international junior final, underlining the progress of Pakistan’s emerging tennis talent. Abubakar added the boys’ doubles trophy to his collection, partnering Hamza Roman to defeat Ahtesham Humayun and Amir Mazari 6-3, 6-2.
Russia's Rubtsova secured the girls’ singles crown with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory over fellow Russian Stefaniila Vasilevskaia, completing an impressive campaign in Lahore. In the girls’ doubles final, Rubtsova completed the brace of titles as she, partnering with Evelina Dzepa, defeated Daixi Hu and Bismel Zia 6-0, 6-0.
Ali Embroidery Mills Chief Executive Officer Tariq Zaman attended the concluding ceremony as chief guest. Among the distinguished guests were Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, former Punjab sports secretary Fazal-ur-Rehman, Col (R) Asif Dar, Aitchison College Director of Sports Sajjad Rasool, Haider Ismail from USA, Naseem Ahmed, and Said Hassan, along with players, officials and members of the tennis fraternity. (Sports Reporter)
