pakistan sweep usa
|

Pakistan sweep USA 3-0 in ITF Masters World Team Championship Opener

Pakistan made a dream start to the ITF Masters World Team Championship by defeating the United States 3-0 in their opening Group match in Lisbon, Portugal.

The convincing victory gives Pakistan an early boost in the prestigious men’s 45+ tournament, where more than 300 players from 30 countries are competing for top honours.

Led by an experienced squad, Pakistan dominated both the singles and doubles contests to complete a clean sweep against the American side.

Former Davis Cup star Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi set the tone with a composed performance in the opening singles match. The Pakistan Tennis Federation president defeated Wojtek Brytek in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, handing Pakistan a valuable early lead.

The second singles encounter proved to be the highlight of the tie. Pakistan’s top-ranked player Aqeel Khan battled through a tense three-set contest against John Chesworth. After dropping the opening set, Aqeel fought back with determination to claim a hard-earned 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory, sealing Pakistan’s overall triumph.

The doubles match added even more excitement. Pakistan’s Shehryar Salamat and Hadi Hussain lost the first set but responded brilliantly with an impressive comeback. The pair defeated Jevon West and Guillermo Cosen 1-6, 6-1, 10-6 in the deciding match tiebreak to complete a flawless 3-0 victory.

The emphatic win has given Pakistan valuable momentum ahead of the remaining round-robin fixtures. The team’s blend of experience and composure under pressure was evident throughout the contest, raising hopes of a deep run in the championship.

Pakistan will now face Canada in a crucial second group match. The winner will secure a place in the knockout stage of the tournament, making it one of the most important fixtures of the campaign.

With confidence high after an outstanding opening performance, Pakistan will be aiming to continue its winning run and strengthen its bid for the ITF Masters World Team Championship title. The victory over the United States has already sent a strong message that the Pakistani veterans are ready to challenge the world’s best.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Content creator killed in broad-daylight shooting …

    TAXILA: A female TikTok content creator was shot dead and her teenage sister critically wounded in a broad-daylight attack near the Taxila bypass on GT Road, police said. According to police sources, the sisters were travelling in their car when a motorcyclist intercepted them near the bypass and opened fire. Both sustained multiple bullet wounds, while their vehicle lost control and crashed into a dumper. The content creator died at the scene, while her critically injured sister was initially taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Taxila, before being shifted to Islamabad for further treatment. The victim’s brother told police that he had nominated two suspects in the case, alleging that a financial dispute between the woman and the accused had led to the targeted attack. Police registered a case and launched an investigation into the shooting. In a separate incident in Attock, police registered a target-killing case following the shooting deaths of two brothers in Malho village, within the jurisdiction of Rango Police Station in Hazro. Meanwhile, a 13-year-old boy drowned while swimming in a village pond in the Chappri area of Jand. Rescue 1122 officials recovered the boy’s body and shifted it to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital. Police registered a case and began an investigation into the incident.

  • |

    Aiman Khan shares dreamy photos from Miral’s third birthday

    Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt recently marked a special milestone as they celebrated the third birthday of their second daughter, Miral, with a memorable family gathering during their vacation. The beloved Pakistani celebrity couple, admired for both their successful acting careers and heartwarming family moments, shared glimpses of the joyful occasion that quickly caught the attention of fans on social media. The celebration took place at a picturesque beach resort, providing the perfect backdrop for an intimate birthday event surrounded by close family members and friends. The scenic location, with its breathtaking seaside views and relaxed atmosphere, added a magical touch to the festivities. The birthday girl, Miral, looked adorable in a sea-green silk gown that featured elegant detailing. She completed her princess-inspired look with a sparkling silver crown, making her the center of attention throughout the celebration. Her cheerful smile and playful energy reflected the excitement of turning three, while the beautifully decorated venue created a charming atmosphere for the occasion. Aiman Khan chose a bright yellow two-piece outfit that perfectly suited the sunny beach setting. The actress looked effortlessly graceful as she celebrated alongside her family. Muneeb Butt embraced the vacation mood by wearing a white floral-printed shirt paired with casual beachwear, giving off a relaxed and stylish look that complemented the seaside celebration. The birthday party featured elegant decorations, a beautifully designed birthday cake, and plenty of family photo sessions. The couple shared several candid moments with their daughters, capturing laughter, hugs, and playful interactions that showcased the close bond they share as a family. Their eldest daughter, Amal, and youngest daughter, Naimal, were also seen enjoying the celebration, making it a memorable day for the entire family. Among the guests who attended the birthday festivities was actress Aroosa Siddiqui, who joined the family in celebrating Miral’s special day. The event remained intimate, with only close friends and loved ones in attendance. However, Aiman Khan’s twin sister, Minal Khan, was unable to participate in the celebration as she is currently traveling across Europe. Despite her absence, fans expressed their love and best wishes for Miral through social media, where the birthday pictures quickly gained widespread attention. The celebration came shortly after the family shared highlights from their recent Eid festivities and birthday celebrations, giving fans another glimpse into their happy family life. Known for regularly sharing personal milestones with their followers, Aiman and Muneeb continue to receive admiration for balancing their successful entertainment careers with their dedication to family. With millions of followers across social media platforms, the couple remains one of Pakistan’s most popular celebrity pairs. Their family photos often generate significant engagement, and Miral’s birthday celebration was no exception. Fans flooded the comments section with warm birthday wishes for the little one, praising the beautiful decorations, stylish outfits, and the loving family moments captured throughout the event. The beachside birthday celebration served as another reminder of the couple’s strong family values, leaving fans delighted to witness yet another cherished milestone in the lives of Aiman Khan, Muneeb Butt, and their three daughters.

  • | | |

    Salman Ali Agha backs Babar Azam’s return to rev…

      Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha has backed the return of Babar Azam, expressing confidence that the experienced batter can provide a much-needed boost to the team’s struggling batting lineup. His comments came after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against England in the opening Test at Headingley on Friday. England completely dominated the match and secured an innings-and-103-run victory, taking control of the Test series. Pakistan struggled throughout the game, particularly with the bat, as they were dismissed for just 171 runs in their first innings before being bowled out for 135 in the second. In contrast, England produced a strong batting performance, posting 409 runs in their first innings. Pakistan’s bowlers were unable to take full advantage of the helpful conditions, while England’s players maintained pressure throughout the match. Ollie Robinson was named Player of the Match after an impressive bowling display in which he claimed eight wickets. Speaking after the match, Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that England had been the superior team and admitted that Pakistan had made several costly mistakes. “England have outplayed us,” Salman said, emphasizing that the team’s inexperienced batting unit needed to become more consistent, especially when playing in challenging overseas conditions. The Pakistan captain also defended his fast bowlers despite their failure to capitalize on the moisture and overcast conditions at Headingley. He pointed out that the pace attack had performed well during Pakistan’s previous tour of the West Indies and believed the conditions in England should have suited them. According to Salman, Pakistan have bowlers capable of reaching speeds of around 140 kilometers per hour, but they were unable to produce their best performances in the first Test. He insisted that he continued to have faith in the bowling unit and said the team would work on correcting its mistakes before the next match. Despite the disappointing result, Salman praised the individual efforts of Ali Usman and Abdullah Shafique. He was particularly pleased with Usman’s bowling performance in difficult conditions and also highlighted Shafique’s determination with the bat. Looking ahead to the next Test, Salman believes the potential return of Babar Azam could significantly improve Pakistan’s batting. Babar’s experience and ability to perform under pressure could provide stability to a lineup that struggled against England’s bowling attack. “Hopefully Babar will come back in the next match and his presence will give a boost to our batting,” Salman said. Pakistan will now look to learn from their mistakes and make a strong comeback in the next Test. With Babar Azam potentially returning to the playing XI, the team will hope that his experience can help strengthen the batting order and give Pakistan a better chance of challenging England in the remainder of the series.

  • | |

    Congo tightens grip on mineral exports with ban on…

    The Democratic Republic of Congo has prohibited exports of copper concentrate and cobalt concentrate, according to a government order reviewed on Thursday, marking the latest step in an ongoing push to force more mineral processing to happen inside the country and capture a larger share of the value generated by its mining sector. News of the ban sent benchmark three month copper prices on the London Metal Exchange up by as much as 1.8 percent to $14,369.50 a metric ton, the highest level since January 29, when the metal touched an all time peak of $14,527.50. Prices stood at $14,300 as of 0930 GMT following the report. Congo holds the position of the world’s largest cobalt supplier and ranks among the top sources of copper and other minerals critical to the global energy transition. The government is using that leverage to encourage the build out of domestic processing capacity rather than allowing raw or partially processed materials to leave the country. The order, dated June 29 and signed jointly by Mines Minister Louis Kabamba Watum, Foreign Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya and Economy Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba, states plainly that exporting copper and cobalt concentrates is now prohibited. The prohibition took effect immediately, though the order allows for one year export waivers to be granted under unspecified strategic circumstances. The same order also establishes a new tax structure covering economically significant mining by products, with a three month transition period built in before the new rules take full effect. Officials said the export ban aims to push mining companies toward marketing or exporting higher value processed mineral products rather than raw concentrate. This marks the fourth time Congo has restricted concentrate exports, following similar bans imposed in 2013, 2019 and 2023, each of which included waivers in cases where domestic smelting capacity could not keep pace with output. The new order formally repeals the 2023 measure and its associated exemptions, replacing it with a broader regulatory framework governing both mineral exports and taxation of significant by products recovered during processing. Congo already exports the vast majority of its copper in refined form. During the first quarter of 2026, the country shipped 696,725 tons of copper cathodes, compared with just 53,926 tons of copper concentrate containing roughly 18,863 tons of copper metal, according to official figures. Over the same period, Congo exported 51,940 tons of cobalt hydroxide containing about 17,054 tons of cobalt metal. Christian Geraud Neema, a mining analyst with the nonprofit China Global South Project, said the new ban is unlikely to significantly disrupt most mining operators since the bulk of Congo’s copper and cobalt already undergoes domestic refining before export. He said the operation most likely to feel the impact is the Kamoa Kakula venture, jointly owned by Ivanhoe Mines, China’s Zijin Mining and the Congolese government, which still exports some volume of concentrate under existing exemptions. Neither Ivanhoe nor Zijin responded immediately to requests for comment, and the Congolese chamber of mines also did not respond. The newly introduced tax regime applies broadly across mineral categories, extending to trace and ultra trace minerals recovered during the refining process. These by products will be taxed using a 55 percent valuation coefficient, with royalties applied alongside those already charged on the primary mineral being extracted. The policy fits into a broader pattern across resource rich African nations seeking to move beyond raw material exports and capture more manufacturing and processing value domestically, a shift that has gained momentum as global demand for energy transition minerals like copper and cobalt continues to grow.

  • |

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spark fresh marriage speculation

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again become the subject of public discussion following renewed reports about their relationship, with claims suggesting the couple may be leading increasingly separate lives. According to recent media reports, an unnamed source alleged that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been spending significantly less time together in recent months. The source claimed that while the couple remain committed to their family and professional responsibilities, their daily routines and personal priorities have gradually shifted in different directions. The report suggested that the changes are not limited to their busy work schedules. Instead, it claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have developed separate focuses, resulting in fewer shared public appearances and less time spent together compared to previous years. Observers have noted that the couple have attended several events independently in recent months, fueling speculation about the state of their marriage. However, no official statement has been issued by either Prince Harry or Meghan Markle regarding the claims, and the reports remain unverified. One example highlighted in the report was Prince Harry’s solo trip to the United Kingdom in connection with preparations for the 2027 Invictus Games. The Duke has remained closely involved with the international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans since its launch, and his recent visit was linked to planning activities for the upcoming edition. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle has reportedly been focusing on expanding her business ventures and lifestyle projects in the United States. She has continued to pursue various entrepreneurial initiatives while also balancing family life with the couple’s two children. The latest claims have reignited widespread discussion across social media, where royal watchers continue to debate the couple’s relationship. Similar rumors have surfaced on several occasions since Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in 2020. Despite recurring speculation, the couple have previously presented a united front during interviews and public appearances. Relationship rumors involving high-profile public figures often attract significant attention, particularly when the individuals involved maintain busy and separate professional commitments. However, independent confirmation of such reports is frequently unavailable, making it difficult to determine the accuracy of anonymous claims. As of now, there is no official confirmation that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are experiencing marital difficulties or living separately. The latest reports are based solely on unnamed sources and have not been substantiated by representatives for the couple. Until either Prince Harry or Meghan Markle publicly addresses the speculation, the claims should be viewed as unverified reports rather than established fact. Their supporters and royal commentators alike will likely continue to monitor the couple’s public appearances and future engagements for any indication of their current relationship status.

  • | | |

    Kot Addu canal tragedy leaves 12 dead, three missi…

    KOT ADDU: A devastating tragedy unfolded in Kot Addu after a loader rickshaw carrying members of a wedding procession fell into the Muzaffargarh Canal, leaving at least 12 people dead and three others missing. The incident has plunged several families into mourning. Children and women are among those who lost their lives in the accident. Rescue 1122 teams from Kot Addu and Muzaffargarh reached the site soon after receiving information about the incident. A search and rescue operation was launched in the canal. Rescuers used boats, scuba-diving equipment and other available resources to search for the victims. Several bodies were recovered during the operation, bringing the death toll to 12. Three people remain missing. Rescue officials said divers are continuing to search different sections of the canal. Rescue boats are also being used to cover wider areas. According to a list provided by Rescue 1122, those who died included 14-year-old Dalaur, seven-year-old Muneeb, 58-year-old Sakina Bibi, 15-year-old Sameera Bibi, nine-year-old Raju, seven-year-old Muhammad Sibtain, 11-year-old Zareef, 35-year-old Iqbal Bibi, 13-year-old Kaleemullah, 12-year-old Muhammad Jalal, five-year-old Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Saeem. The large number of children among the victims has added to the grief surrounding the tragedy. Families who had set out to attend a wedding were suddenly confronted with an unimaginable loss. Homes that were preparing for celebrations are now filled with mourning. The families of the three missing people are facing severe distress. Relatives have gathered near the site and are waiting for information about their loved ones. Minute Mirror observed that Bashir Mashori, an elderly uncle and relative of the affected family, was deeply grieved over the situation. As the senior family member, Mashori expressed profound sorrow and called for assistance for the victim’s family during this difficult time. Residents have expressed concern over the scale of the tragedy and called for a coordinated rescue effort involving all relevant departments. Local residents and affected families have urged the Punjab government to take immediate notice of the incident and ensure that every available resource is used to locate the missing people. They have called for additional divers, modern search equipment and more rescue resources to be sent to the site. Residents have also demanded the involvement of the police, district administration, irrigation authorities, Provincial Disaster Management Authority and other relevant departments in the search operation. They said a tragedy involving the loss of 12 lives requires a coordinated response beyond routine district-level efforts. The affected families have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and senior provincial officials to ensure that the search for the three missing people continues without interruption. They have also called for an investigation into the circumstances that led to the rickshaw falling into the canal. The families and residents said determining the cause of the accident is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. Instead of helping the victims, some people were seen making videos and TikTok content at the scene. Such behaviour has drawn criticism and was described as deeply shameful and insensitive toward those affected. Rescue 1122 teams continue to search different sections of the Muzaffargarh Canal using divers, boats and other available equipment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *