ISLAMABAD - Russian Ivan Nedelko won the men's singles title of the 3rd Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Tennis Championship 2017 after defeating Spain’s Lopez Perez in straight sets in the final played here at Islamabad Tennis Complex on Sunday.
A great number of locals and foreigners were present to witness the final. The management of Islamabad Tennis Complex, led by Managing Director Fazl-e-Subhan, did a fantastic job by providing top class facilities and the spectators were provided with make-shift chairs, while juices and drinking water was also available for them.
It was electrifying final, as both the players played out their hearts and provided spectators something to cheer about. Nedelko won the first set 6-4, after breaking 6th game of Lopez in 45 minutes. He went onto take the second and decisive set 7-6 (3) on tie-break. Soon after winning the final, the Russian bowed down. The crowd gave standing ovation to both players. Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Salim Saifullah Khan was the chief guest at the final and distributed cash prizes and trophies among the players.
It was quite strange that neither Asifa Bhutto arrived the inaugural ceremony, nor Bilawal Bhutto graced the closing ceremony as chief guest. Even no big name of PPP bothered to reach the event, which was named after their great leader Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, which was quite disappointing.
