LAHORE - Wapda’s Muhammad Abid clinched the New Khan Punjab Open Tennis Championship title and also won the 70CC motorbike after defeating Muzamil Murtaza in the final played here at the PLTA Courts on Thursday.
The men’s singles final proved to be a thrilling encounter as both Abid and Muzamil gave each other tough time before it was 6-all. After playing so well, Muzamil ran out of gas and Abid got full benefit of the situation and took the set 7-6. Abid continued his good show in the second set and exhibited great skills and stamina to win it 3-0 (Muzamil retired hurt).
With this title victory, Abid also earned the 70CC motorbike. Expressing his feelings after winning the title and motorbike, Abid of Wapda said: “I am grateful to Rokhri Family for sponsoring this event and thanked chief guest Adil Khan Rokhri for announcing such lucrative prizes for the winners. Other corporate giants should also come forward and announce more worthy prizes for winning players, who, in return, will earn international laurels for Pakistan.” The men’s doubles title was claimed by Muzamil Murtaza and Mudassar Murtaza, who beat Muhammad Abid/Heera Ashiq 4-6, 6-3, 10-7.
Asad Zaman of McDonalds continued to shine in national tournaments as he clinched triple crowns by winning boys U-18 and U-14 singles and U-14 doubles title. In the boys U-18 final, Asad routed Ahtesham Arif 7-6, 6-2. He doubled his crowns by outclassing Nabeel Ali Qayum 4-0, 4-1 in boys U-14 final while he completed the hat-trick of crowns when he, partnering with Zohaib Afzal Malik, overwhelmed Sohaan Noor and Abubakar Khalil 8-1 in the boys U-14 doubles final.
Talking to The Nation after winning triple crowns, Asad thanked his coach Rashid Malik (ZTBL), whose able guidance and training, efforts and continuous support helped him emerge as a national champion. “I am also grateful to McDonalds for their all-out support to achieve my set goals gradually as my ultimate goal is to become national No 1 player and also to represent my country in Davis Cup and international events. I am also thankful to Mr. Tariq Zaman for his generous support.”
Amna Ali Qayum continued her title winning spree as she secured the girls U-18 title by thrashing Tooba Khan 6-0, 6-0. Nabeel Ali Qayum also played superbly and clinched the boys/girls U-12 title by routing Abdul Basit 8-5 in the final. The boys/girls U-10 title was won by Abdur Rehman of AAA Associates, who thumped Hajra 8-2. The boys/girls U-8 gold was lifted by Ahsan Bari while Daniyal Afzal Malik claimed silver. The boys/girls U-6 gold medal was won by Daniyal Afzal Malik while Mamnoon Bari earned silver and Hafsa bronze medal.
New Khan CEO Adil Khan Rokhri graced the concluding ceremony as chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners. The chief guest lauded the efforts of PLTA Secretary Rashid Malik and assured him of his all-out support.