Aqeel, Samir move into next round of ITF Tennis

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Some scintillating display of tennis took place in overcast conditions in the main round of Begum Kulsum International Tennis Federation (ITF) Futures Tennis Tournament, 2017 here at PTF Complex on Wednesday.

Heavy rains had hampered play on the first two days of the event.

Pakistan number one Aqeel Khan, who is the Champion of Serena ITF Futures Tennis Tournament Doubles event, continued his good form to overpower his Indian counterpart Paramveer Singh Bajwa in three sets. Both players moved all over the court and played excellent tennis but Aqeel Khan manage to defeat his opponent 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 . Another Pakistani, Samir Iftikhar, who was impressive in the previous ITF tournament showed his class by crushing India’s Jatin Dahiya in straight sets 6-0, 6-0.

Top Seed Russian, Ivan Nedelko continued his excellent form as he edged passed his compatriot Anton Chekhov 6-3, 6-4.  Fourth seed Pere Riba from Spain also easily progressed into the next round by overwhelming his opponent Roy Hobbs of Singapore.

Results of Men’s Singles Main Draw: Ivan Nedelko (RUS) [1] beat Anton Chekhov (RUS): 6-3, 6-4; Aqeel Khan (PAK) beat Paramveer Singh Bajwa (IND): 6-3, 4-6, 6-3; Julian Onken (GER) [6] beat Ahmed Choudhry (PAK): 7-6 (5), 6-2; Pere Riba (ESP) [4] beat Roy Hobbs (SGP): 6-0, 6-1; Luka Pavlovic (FRA) beat Jayesh Punglia (IND)[8]: 6-2, 6-1; Samir Iftikhar (PAK) beat Jatin Dahiya (IND): 6-0, 6-0, Kelsey Stevenson (CAN) beat Heera Ashiq (PAK): 6-7 (3),7-6 (4), 6-1; Shalva Dzhanashia (RUS) [5] beat Muhammad Akbar (PAK): 6-0, 6-0.