Khan to lock horns with Shouqat

KARACHI: Fifth-seed Imran Shouqat sent Basit Gabol packing in straight sets to make his way through to the quarter-finals of the sixth Pizza Hut Open tennis championship. Shouqat, who faced only a few problems in overcoming his opponent, winning with identical margins of 6-2 in the two sets, has now booked a showdown with Pakistan’s topseed Aqeel Khan.

Khan bagged the prime spot due to Aisamul Haq Qureshi’s absence in this tournament and won his second round match against Faraz Meer by 6-3, 6-0. Wapda’s Shouqat, who is looking forward to facing Khan in his next match is intent on making the most of the opportunity and said, “I will give him a tough time. It is a big tournament for me because it will help convince the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) to provide me with coaches in Lahore.” Shouqat told The Express Tribune.

Meanwhile, 94th-seed Nomi Qamer beat unseeded Shahbaz Khosa 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the final eight as well. In two other second round matches, thirdseed Yasir Khan won against Asadullah Khan 6-2, 6-1 while seventh-seed Saif Noor Qamar beat Noman Farid 6-3, 6-0 to book their places in the quarterfinals as well.