Pakistan's Aqeel grabs double crown in Masters Tennis
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

KARACHI: Pakistan's awesome Aqeel Khan maintained his domination in ITF Pak Satellite Masters circuit when he routed Tommaso Sanna in straight sets to win his third singles crown and complete the double at Karachi Gymkhana hard courts Friday.

Pakistan's top tennis star Aqeel was in a ruthless touch as he took mere 69 minutes to overpower Italian Tommaso Sanna 6-3, 6-4 after winning satellite circuit titles at Islamabad and Lahore last month.

It was for the first time that Italian Sanna, ranked 750 in the world was featuring in the final as previous three finals of the circuit were contested between Toshaiki Sakai and Aqeel Khan.

Consistent Aqeel won the first and third leg in Lahore while Sakai clinched the middle singles title in Lahore. Against expectation, the final turned out to be one sided affair and Aqeel kept Sanna under pressure with his powerful services and allround ground strokes to emerge winner.

Aqeel Khan, who also won the doubles final in company with Indian Vijay Kannan on Thursday completed the double crown with his triumph in the singles final.

President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), Senator Dilawar Abbas, who was the chief guest, presented the glittering silver trophy and cash prize of US dollar 800 to Aqeel Khan in front of jam-pack court arena.

Runner-up Tommaso Sanna collected runner-up trophy and US dollar 600 in USD 6250 prize money event.

"Participation in India and Pakistan satellite circuit has given me a lot of exposure and confidence" beaming Aqeel said after winning the final. I had raised my game to almost 15 to 20 percent," he said adding that "Top fitness is key in these events."

"My target is to reach among the top 200 in the world and qualify for ITF Grand Prix circuit" Aqeel maintained. He said his recent performance in India and Pakistan circuit had given him 36 points and he was expected to raise his ranking from 500.

27-year-old Aqeel, product of United Bank got off to confident start easily take the first three game twice breaking Italians service and holding his own serve.

Sanna took the fourth game to make it 3-1 but Aqeel the next to forge 4-1 ahead. Sanna took another two games but Aqeel, enjoying upper hand pocketed the first set 6-3. Aqeel came from behind in the second set after Tommaso Sanna snatched the first game. Pakistani took next three games to turn his deficit into 3-1 advantage.

Italian came close to Aqeel at 3-4 and took another game but Aqeel settled the issue by winning the next two games to wrap-up the final.

PTF forgive Aisam for his past mistakes

Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Chief Senator Dilawar Abbas said Friday that they have forgiven tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi for his past mistakes and looking ahead for his accomplishments in coming Davis Cup tie against New Zealand.

“What Aisam had done at international circuit was his personal thing and PTF can not interfere in it,” he told reporters after the third leg of ITF Satellite circuit at Karachi Gymkhana.

He said Aisam pairing with Amir Hadad of Israel in doubles event of Wimbeldon 2002 was his personal decision.

However, he made it clear Aisam will not be allowed to behave like that when playing for Pakistan in Davis Cup and other events.

Dilawar Abbas said Aisam also could not play for Pakistan in the past because of fitness problems. He denied that Aisam demanded big money from PTF for playing in the Davis Cup.

Responding to a question, regarding recommending Aisam’s name for Pride of Performance despite his refusal to play for Pakistan in Davis Cup and demanding appearance money.

He said players are asset for the country and he does not want to deny their due rights.

Dilawar Abbas admitted that he being PTF head recommended the name of Aisam-ul-Haq for President’s Pride of Performance to the then Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.●