Press Release:
Re: Serena Hotels Asian Tennis Tour 2016
Islamabad December 18, 2016:
Aqeel Khan Pakistan No.1 tennis player maintained his supper massy and won the title of Serena Hotels Asian Tour 2016 by beating Muzammil Murtaza in the final at S. Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad.
In the first set Aqeel Khan took the lead 1-0 by breaking first game of Muzammil, Muzammil level the score 1 all by breaking 2nd game of Aqeel Khan. Aqeel took lead again 4-3 by breaking 7th game of Muzammil. Muzammil again level the score 4 all by breaking 8th game of Aqeel Khan. The score went up to 6 all as both the players held their respective services. The set decided at tie break which won by Aqeel Khan at 7-4 by playing powerful winners at the crucial stage. Both the players displayed world class tennis and hit number of winners during the first set. The set lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes. In the second set Aqeel Khan was in full command and did not allowed Muzammil to settle down by his powerful forehand / backhand drives and won the second set without conceding a single game at score 6-0 by breaking 2nd, 4th and 6th game of Muzammil. The second set lasted 30 minutes. Aqeel Khan has always exhibited and played verity of storks to outwit his opponent and it was a treat to watch him playing. This is the third title for Aqeel Khan of Asian Tour 2016. Muzammil Murtaza the young and energetic player is in the making of a class player and has a lot of potential for further growth.
Aqeel khan awarded cash award US$900 along with trophy while Muzammil Murtaza pocketed US$600.
Sara Mansoor won the title of ladies singles by defeating upcoming Mahin Aftab of Islamabad in a well contested three set match 0-6, 6-2, 6-4. Though Sara Mansoor won the title but Mahin Aftab has folate has shown tremendous improvement in her game and she is a very good find.
Dr. Tariq Fazal Choudhary Minister of State for CAD grace the occasion as Chief Guest and distributed the prizes amongst the winner and runner-up of the Serena Hotels Asian Tennis Tour 2016.
President PTF Mr. Salim Saifullah Khan Welcome the chief guest and uploaded the Government resolve and efforts by creating conducive environment in the country which resulted in the revival of Davis Cup in Pakistan after 12 years. He also appreciated the role of Serena Hotels for promotion of sports in Pakistan and specially tennis. He also announced that Serena Hotels as official partner with PTF. Mr. Aziz Boolani also highlighted the efforts in promotion of sports by initiating and exploring new sports venues.
Dr. Tariq Fazal Choudhary Minister for CAD congratulated PTF and Serena Hotels for hosting and organizing such a International event which will go long way in the promotion of sports in Pakistan. He also assured the support of the government for encouraging such sports activities with the resolve to attract foreign players.
At the end President PTF appreciated the role of print and electronic media in promotion and projection of sports in Pakistan.
ATT Tour – Main Draw Men’s Singles final
Aqeel Khan Muzammil Murtaza 7-6(4), 6-0
Ladies Singles Final
Sara Mansoor beat Mahin Aftab 0-6, 6-2, 6-4
Boys Under 18 Singles Final
Muzammil Murtaz beat Aman Atiq 6-1, 6-2