ISLAMABAD: A new chapter in Pakistan’s tennis history was written at the PTF Complex Centre Court on Wednesday as Muzammil Murtaza finally drew the curtain on Aqeel Khan’s decades-long dominance of the national circuit, clinching the men’s singles title of the Kulsum Saifullah Tennis Championship in emphatic fashion.
Muzammil displayed nerves of steel and youthful authority to overcome the seasoned Aqeel 7-6 (2), 6-2, signaling what many believe could be a long-awaited changing of the guard in Pakistan tennis.
The contest lived up to its billing in the opening set, where Aqeel, a multiple-time national champion and the undisputed king of the domestic circuit for years, produced a resolute display. He broke Muzammil’s serve to seize the early initiative, threatening to stamp his authority once again. However, Muzammil responded with remarkable composure, breaking back immediately to level the score at 4-4 and shifting the momentum in his favour.
With neither player willing to concede ground, the set headed into a tie-break. It was here that Muzammil rose to the occasion, unleashing a series of sizzling aces and aggressive baseline play to dominate the breaker 7-2, clinching the crucial first set and visibly rattling the veteran.
The second set turned into a one-sided affair as Muzammil tightened his grip on the match. Exploiting Aqeel’s uncharacteristic errors and fatigue, he broke serve twice and raced to a commanding lead. With confidence flowing through his strokes, Muzammil closed out the set 6-2, sealing a landmark victory and lifting the prestigious title amid applause from the stands.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Federal Minister for Housing and Works, as chief guest, while Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, Patron PTF, attended as guest of honour.
Results
Men’s singles final:
Muzammil Murtaza bt Aqeel Khan 7-6(2), 6-2
Boys under-18 singles final:
Hamza Roman bt Abubakar Talha 6-4, 7-6(4)
Boys under-14 singles final:
Muhammad Junaid bt Muhammad Muaz 6-1, 6-4
Boys under-12 singles final:
M. Ayan bt M. Daniyal 4-1, 4-1.
