KARACHI: The much-anticipated 21st version of the Westbury National Tennis Championship formally started on Thursday at the prestigious Karachi Club, drawing a huge pool of over 230 members from over Pakistan. Organized by the Sindh Tennis Affiliation under the support of the Pakistan Tennis Alliance (PTF), the competition aims to exhibit the country’s developing and built up ability over different age groups and formats.
Thursday checked the opening day of the week-long occasion, which highlights categories counting men’s and women’s singles, youngsters U-18 and U-14, veterans, and pairs occasions. On the primary day, the highlight was on men’s singles qualifying rounds, youngsters U-18 qualifying matches, and the opening round of the men’s singles fundamental draw.
The competition opened with a commanding execution from Arham Shahzad, who blanked Fawaz Ali Tejani 8-0, exhibiting his forceful pattern play and strategic control. Additionally, Jawed Khan dispatched Maula Madad with the same scoreline, stating dominance from beginning to finish.
Yasir Fazli awed with an 8-1 win over M. Fawaz, whereas M. Essa Jee appeared apt net play in his 8-2 triumph against Amaan Battalion. In one of the closer matches of the day, Farman Ali edged past M. Hamza Essa Jee in a tense 8-6 fight, keeping spectators locked in till the ultimate point.
In the junior boys’ U-18 category, Zayd Ali breezed past Khuzaima 8-0, whereas Ahsan Ali overwhelmed Hafiz Basit Ali 8-1 in another overwhelming show. Zain Nomi recorded a faultless 8-0 win over Ahmed Kath, and Yahya Canister Zain reflected the result with a persuading win over Hamza Essa Jee, also 8-0.
These early matches demonstrate solid competition ahead within the junior category, with a few players appearing the potential to progress profoundly into the tournament.
Action within the men’s singles fundamental draw started with Laraib Shamsi securing a comprehensive 8-2 triumph over Shahmeer Usman, utilizing effective serves and successful groundstrokes to control the pace of the match.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Tahseen awed with a solid execution, overcoming Zeeshan Army 8-2. Both champs showed consistency, wellness, and composureâqualities that will be imperative as the draw advances.
Tournament Executive Khalid Rehmani, who moreover serves as a senior official of the Sindh Tennis Affiliation, communicated fulfillment with the turnout. âWe are excited to see such tall cooperation over all age bunches. This not as it were reflects the developing ubiquity of tennis in Pakistan but moreover the devotion of our youthful athletes,â he said.
He included that the championship gives a pivotal stage for players to pick up competitive presentation and possibly qualify for national and universal occasions. The competition is additionally being utilized as a talent-scouting ground for Pakistan’s future Davis Container and Bolstered Container teams.
The coming days will see matches over a run of categories, including women’s singles, boys’ and girls’ U-14 and U-18, as well as the pairs draws. Seeded players are anticipated to require court from Friday onwards, powering the level of competition as the competition advances into the quarter-final and semi-final stages over the weekend.
The finals are planned for the taking after week and will be taken after by a prize conveyance ceremony attended by best authorities from the Pakistan Tennis League, nearby dignitaries, and sponsors.
With top-notch offices at Karachi Club and back from the tennis community, the 21st Westbury National Tennis Championship guarantees to be a turning point occasion in Pakistan’s tennis calendar fueling the dreams of youthful players and keeping the soul of the sport lively and flourishing.
