Aqeel top seeded for ITF Masters Cup in Pakistan
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

KARACHI: Pakistan's top ranked players Aqeel Khan Sunday was named as the top seed for International Tennis Federation (ITF) Masters Tennis Championship which explode in action at Karachi Gymkhana hard courts from Monday at 1.30 pm.

Karachi-born Aqeel Khan clinched the top ranking after winning two ITF Satellite events in Islamabad and Lahore. Host country's another player Nomi Qamar is seeded 7th in the week-long championship.

The draws of the tournament were taken out at KG and it was supervised by ITF Silver Badge referee from India Puneet Gupta.

Japan's Sakai Toshiaki is seeded two with Pehar Mirko (USA) third Sokeen Vivek (India) fourth, Sanna Tommmaso (India) fifth, Wellenfield Enrico (India) sixth, Nomi Qamar (Pakistan) seventh and Kim Chenong-Eui (South Korea) eigth.

All the eight seeded players have been given byes in the first round in 24-player singles championship.

Pakistan's other three unseeded players Shahzad Khan, Wasif Cheema and Asim Shafik will be in action in their first round matches. Wasif will be up against India Geevan while Shahzad Khan faces another Indian Varun Walia and Asim Shafik clash Dane Fernendez from Australia. Aqeel Khan's younger brother Jalil Khan had qualified for the doubles event. Eight pairs will be featuring in the doubles event.

In the meantime elaborate arrangements have been made for hosting this prestigious international event in the city.●