This was Sarah's 53rd national title and her career's 29th in the ladies category. Prior to making her name in ladies, she had pocketed 24 national juniors' titles. -Photo by APP

KARACHI Pakistan's top-ranked player Sarah Mahboob added yet another feather to her cap when she brushed aside second seed Saba Aziz in straight sets to retain the singles crown in the Subh-e-Nau Ladies National Tennis championship at the Modern Club courts on Saturday.

 

The final, organised hurriedly in the morning in the aftermath of Friday's twin bomb blasts, fell short of expectations contrary to their last meeting, as Sarah was home 6-0, 6-2.

The triumph also enabled her to earn a double crown as she together with Sara Mansoor had carved out a 6-4, 7-5 victory over the combination of Saba Aziz and Mehak Khokhar in the doubles final on Friday evening.

This was Sarah's 53rd national title and her career's 29th in the ladies category. Prior to making her name in ladies, she had pocketed 24 national juniors' titles.

Pakistan No 2 Saba Aziz is the only player in the circuit who has beaten Sarah Mahboob in the pre-final of the National Clay Court championship held at Islamabad last year. Saba won the three-set agonising match 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (8-6).

Sarah earned a winning purse of Rs70,000 and an additional Rs6,500 for the doubles victory. Saba fetched runner-up prize of Rs40,000 and Rs3,500, respectively.

Mehak Khokhar received Rs15,000 for her victory in under-17 while Maheen Dada earned the runner-up prize of Rs6,000.

The event carried prize money of Rs200,000.

Result

Singles final

Sarah Mahboob (Islamabad) bt Saba Aziz (Lahore) 6-0, 6-2.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...