LAHORE - Asad Zaman and Zohaib Afzal Malik (SA Gardens) clinched two titles each and both are still eyeing the third titles as both will feature in U-14 and U-12 finals respectively in the 10th Essa Lab National Seniors & Juniors Tennis Championship that will conclude today (Friday) at Modern Club Karachi.
According to M Khalid Rehmani, in the U-16 singles final, Asad Zaman beat Nadir Mirza 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Earlier in the semifinals, Asad Zaman beat Raahim Veqar 6-3, 6-2 while Nadir Mirza beat Ahsan Ahmed 6-1, 6-2. In U-14 singles semifinals, Asad Zaman beat Sameer Zaman 2-4, 4-0, 4-0 while Nadir Mirza beat Ahsan Ahmed 4-1, 5-3. Asad will now face Nadir in the U-14 singles final, eyeing his third title of the event. In U-14 doubles final, Asad Zaman and Zohaib Afzal Malik (SA Gardens) beat Nadir Mirza and Nael Mirza 4-2, 2-4, 4-1.
Zohaib also completed his second title of the event, when partnering with Samir Zaman, he won the U-12 doubles final 4-2, 4-1. Zohaib will also play for the third title when he will vie against Sameer Zaman in the U-12 singles finals. Earlier in the U-12 singles semifinals, Zohaib beat Ali 4-0, 4-1 and Sameer Zaman beat Ahmed Shaikh 6-4, 6-2.
While talking to The Nation, Asad Zaman thanked his hitting partner Mustafa Burney saying due to his guidance and all-out support and cooperation, he managed to win two crowns in this prestigious event. “The way Mr. Mustafa Burney, my hitting partner and a fine tennis player, helped me a lot to prepare well for my finals while I am further working hard to complete a hat-trick of titles as I am going to play U-14 final against Nadir Mirza today (Friday).
“I am also grateful to my mentor and coach Rashid Malik (ZTBL), who has trained me well and transformed me into a top U-16 player. I am also thankful to Mr. Tariq Zaman, CEO Ali Embroidery, for his generous support which is helping me excel in national tennis events and now under his patronage, I am planning to represent my country in ATF and ITF events abroad. I am keen to serve my country and want to win international laurels for it,” he added.
Meanwhile sharing his views, talented Zohaib Malik (SA Gardens), who is a brilliant student of LGS Phase 5, said that he is thankful to Almighty Allah and will try his best to win the third title as well InshaAllah. He also thanked his coach Muhammad Khalid and his physical trainer Muhammad Arshad Javed, who coach and train him so well.
Former Pakistan ranked player Omer Shahid, who was living in USA for studies, played superb match against top seed Farhan Altaf in the men’s singles semifinals and won the encounter 6-0, 6-3 while Vinod Das beat Ahsan Siddiq 6-4, 6-2 to book berth in the final, where he will take on Omer Shahid. The finals of the event and closing ceremony will be held today (Friday) at 4pm. M Faiz Kidwai, Director Elect Rotary International, will grace the occasion as chief guest.