KARACHI Pakistan's No 1 Sarah Mahboob is likely to come into spotlight and may also face stiff opposition from contemporaries when she starts the defence of her ladies' singles crown in the Rs200,000 sixth HBL Subh-e-Nau Ladies National Tennis championship at the Modern Club courts here on Wednesday.

Though Sara Mahboob has claimed three national ranking titles last year thwarting opponents — Sara Mansoor, Ushna Sohail and Saba Aziz — she has to produce her best to start New Year on a winning note.

She has been seeded one and got a first round bye in the ladies singles draw of 32. She is followed by Saba Aziz, Sara Mansoor and Mehak Khokhar.

Islamabad's Anoosha Aslam is also likely to catch the eye for her appearance after a layoff. She is studying medicine in Australia and availed the opportunity to feature in the contest during her holidays.

Apart from the top four seeds, the event has attracted five more participants from the upcountry including Subh-e-Nau chairperson Shahida Farooq.

The organisers have received 12 entries for ladies singles from the city. Prominent among them are former national hard court champion, Seher Khawaja, Sara Ahmed, Eman Malik, Maheen Dada and Urooj Iltifat.

Apart from ladies' singles, a ladies' doubles event will also take place. As far as the girls' under-17 singles is concerned, the organisers have received only four entries by Tuesday evening and its inclusion is subject to more entries, an official said.

The ladies singles winner will fetch Rs70,000 while the runner-up will receive Rs40,000