ISLAMABAD  -   Pakistan’s longest serving number 1 tennis player, Aqeel Khan, once again prove that he is still untouchable and can still carry forward nation’s hopes as he hammered Abid Ali Akbar in straight sets in the men’s singles final of the 32nd Federal Cup National Ranking Tennis Championships-2018, played here at Senator Dilawar Abbas PTf Complex on Friday.

It was simply no contest at all as a truly magnificent Aqeel was simply toying with high-flying Davis Cupper Abid, who enjoyed huge reputation and had played tennis in the USA. But Aqeel was on a mission and a point to prove to not only to federation but to his critics as well who long ago had counted him out and always described him as aged and veteran.

Aqeel was in excellent touch and did not allow his opponent Abid to settle down and won the first set 6-1 by breaking 3rd, 5th and 7th games of Abid. He kept the same pressure in the second set and build up the winning lead of 3-0 by breaking 1st and 3rd games of Abid and won the second set 6-2. The final lasted for one hour and 14 minutes. Shahzad Akhtar Alvi, ITF White Badge referee officiated the final. Aqeel pocketed Rs 80,000 along with winning shield while Abid Ali got Rs 45,000 and runners-up shield.

In ladies singles title, top seed Sara Mansoor eliminated 2nd seed Sarah Mahboob in a well contested entertaining three sets final. Sara won 5-7, 6-2 and 6-1. The final lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Muhammad Shoaib took the boys’ U-18 singles title by beating Abdullah Adnan in a one-sided affair, winning 6-3 and 6-0 while Uzair Khan claimed boy’s U-14 title as he was very lucky to beat Hamid Israr who was 1 set up and was 1-5 down, when back injury forced him to concede the title.

Hamza Roman won the boy’s U-10 title by thrashing Ali Zain from Wah 4-0, 4-0.

Islamabad Tennis Association hosted the prestigious event for the last 32 years and also committed to continue this pace of development of tennis in the regions and country.

MNA Sadaqat Ali Abbasi was the chief guest, but he had to leave early due to a meeting and prize distribution was conducted by Tariq Mehmood Murtaza, President Islamabad Tennis Association along with Khawar Hyat Khan, SEVP PTF, Saeed Khan SVP, and Col (R) Gul Rehman, Secretary PTF.