March 20, 2008	Thursday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 11, 1429

KARACHI, March 19: The reigning national champion Saleem Abbas and Sadia Falaksher, both from Wapda, claimed men’s and women’s singles titles in the PTTF Master’s Cup which concluded at the PSB Coaching centre on Wednesday.

Saleem disposed-off challenger Asim Qureshi 15-13, 11-3, 8-11, 11-7 in the all-Wapda final to pick a purse of Rs10,000 in addition to the winner’s trophy. Asim received Rs7,500 while Yasir Iqbal who secured third place earned Rs5,000.

Sadia, on the other hand, was stretched to limits by department-mate Ayesha Iqbal to triumph 3-2 with scores being 11-7, 12-10, 11-13, 8-11, 11-1. She got richer by Rs10,000 while the loser took home Rs7,500. Habib Bank’s Shama Hasan who settled for third got Rs5,000.

Formidable Wapda ‘A’ had earlier won the men’s team title beating Habib Bank ‘A’ 3-0. The women’s team title went to Habib Bank ‘A’.

Meanwhile, the national table tennis camp will resume this weekend under the supervision of North Korean coaches following a break to allow players to compete in the Master’s Cup.

Meanwhile, the second Master’s Cup will be held at Lahore next month under the aegis of Wapda.

“The PTTF plans to invite a men’s and women’s team from India for next month’s event to raise the level of competition,” a top official of the PTTF told Dawn.

Men’s singles final:

Saleem Abbas (Wapda) bt Asim Qureshi (Wapda) 3-1 (15-13, 11-3, 8-11, 11-7.

Women’s singles final: Sadia Falaksher (Wapda) bt Ayesha Iqbal (Wapda) 3-2 (11-7, 12-10, 11-13, 8-11, 11-1).