LAHORE: Murad Ali of National Bank of Pakistan and Mahoor Shahzad of Wapda emerged as men’s and women’s champions by winning their respective finals in straight sets in the 55th National Badminton Championships here on Thursday.

Murad outclassed Irfan Saeed of Wapda in great style with scores of 21-13, 21-18, the contest lasting just 40 minutes on court.

It was a clash between the two experienced players both having good international exposure. But the way Murad dominated the court was worth seeing. Murad’s serve and powerful smashing helped to earn many points after short rallies as he led throughout the match to finally wrap up the game and win the title.

Similarly, Mahoor was also in sharp form as she toppled an experienced Palwasha Bashir, who preferred to leave the court after losing the first set 21-13. But later she developed fitness problems which forced her not to come back on the court to resume the final.

Irfan was satisfied with a gold medal in the men’s doubles when pairing with Azeem Sarwar (Wapda) clinched the final. They fought hard to defeat the pair of Atique Chowdhury and Raja Hasnain of Wapda 21-14, 21-23, 25-23.

Though Irfan and Azeem completed a straight three-set victory, in the second and third set, Attique and Raja Hasnain restricted them well.

Palwasha and Sara Mohmand of NBP scooped up the Women’s doubles final defeating the pair of Ghazala Siddique and Zubaira of SNGPL in straight sets with scores of 21-16, 21-9.

Irfan and Ghazala of SNGPL also won the mixed doubles’ title defeating Rizwan Azam and Sara Mohmand 21-17, 21-14.

Cash prizes worth Rs 200,000 were distributed among the toppers of each event. President Pakistan Olympic Association Lt. Gen. (retd) Arif Hasan was the chief guest.

Results:

Men’s singles final: Murad Ali beat Irfan Saeed 21-13, 21-18.

Women’s singles final: Mahoor beat Palwasha 21-13. The latter retired hurt after the first set.

Men’s doubles:

Irfan Saeed-Azeem Sarwar (Wapda) beat Attique Chowdhury-Raja Hasnain (Wapda) 21-14, 21-23, 25-23.

Women doubles final:

Palwasha Bashir-Sara Mohmand (NBP) beat Ghazala Siddique-Zubaira (SNGPL) by 21-16, 21-9.

Mixed doubles final:

Irfan Saeed (Wapda)-Ghazala (SNGPL) beat Rizwan Azam-Sara Mohmand (NBP) 21-17, 21-14.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2018