PAF end Wapda’s dominance

ISLAMABAD: Talented youngsters Muhammad Shoaib and Yousuf Khalil enabled the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to end the decades-old reign of Wapda as the former won the inaugural edition of the PTF Inter-Department Tennis Trophy here at the PTF Complex on Tuesday.

With an unprecedented 2-0 result, Wapda lost the top position and their supremacy spanning 42 years, during which they clinched numerous titles of the national tennis circuit.

The highlight of the final day was Shoaib’s outstanding performance in the second singles match when he upset veteran national champion Aqeel Khan, 44. The 23-year-old won the match 7-5, 6-4 that lasted two hours and 20 minutes.

Earlier, Yousuf in the day’s opening singles clash eliminated Wapda’s Mohammad Abid 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 29 minutes.

Meanwhile, SNGPL blanked Pakistan Navy 2-0 in a last-round tie.

In the first singles, SNGPL’S Ahmed Babar outclassed Faizan Fayyaz Khan of Navy 6-2, 6-3 while in the second singles, Saqib Hayat beat Asad Zaman 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to steer SNGPL to the victory. The match lasted two hours and 10 minutes.

The winning team received Rs150,000, the runner-up side got Rs100,000, while the third-position holders pocketed Rs50,000.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2024

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