ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Shoaib delivered a commanding performance in the second round of the ITF M-15 Islamabad, thrilling the home crowd on his way to reach the quarter-finals of the international event.
Shoaib outplayed Matas Vasiliauskas (LTU) 6-0, 4-1 (rtd) at the PTF Complex to make a big statement in the company of international players, Shoaib stormed through the opening set 6-0, displaying precision, power, and confidence that left his opponent with little chance to respond. Carrying the same momentum into the second set, Shoaib raced to a 4-1 lead before Matsas was forced to retire, sealing Shoaib’s emphatic victory.
With this win, Shoaib has qualified for the quarterfinals, a significant milestone, not just for him but for Pakistan tennis as a whole. In the doubles quarterfinal, experienced campaigner Aqeel Khan partnered with emerging player Barkatullah to put up a composed performance. The Pakistani duo overcame the pair of Adam Farag-Cao of Canada and Carl Holder of Great Britain in a competitive encounter. After dominating the first set 6-1, Aqeel and Barkatullah faced resistance in the second set, which they narrowly lost 4-6. However, showing great composure and teamwork, they bounced back in the match tie-break to seal the victory 10-5.
With this impressive win, Aqeel Khan and Barkatullah have successfully qualified for the semifinals, continuing Pakistan’s promising run in the doubles event.
Results:
Men’s singles pre-quarterfinals: Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) bt Matas Vasiliauskas (LTU) 6-0, 4-1 (Retd); Mert Naci Türker (TUR) bt Abubakar Talha (PAK) 6-3, 6-4; Nikita Ianin (RUS) bt Barkatullah (PAK) 6-2, 6-0; Fanming Meng (CHN) bt Essa Qabazard (KUW) 6-4, 6-3; Arvid Nordquist (SWE) bt Darrshan Suresh (MAS) 6-3, 6-3; Samir Hamza Reguig (ALG) bt Alexey Dubinin (RUS) 6-0, 6-3; Leo Borg (SWE) bt M. Abid Ali Akbar Khan (PAK) 6-4, 6-4; Kere Yilmaz (TUR) bt Dmitrii Shiroki 3-6, 7-5, 7-5
Men’s doubles quarterfinals: Aqeel Khan / Barkat Khan (PAK) bt Adam Farag-Cao (CAN) / Carl Holder (GBR) 6-1, 4-6, (10-5); Ivan Iutkin / Alexey Dubinin (RUS) bt Abubakar Talha / Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) 4-6, 6-3, 10-5
