itf masters world
|

ITF Masters World Championship, Aisam-ul-Haq and Aqeel Khan reach semifinals

ByJustpaste.in

Pakistan’s veteran tennis stars Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan produced a dramatic comeback to reach the men’s 45+ doubles semifinals at the ITF Masters World Championship.

The Pakistani pair defeated Spain’s Francisco Xavier Martinez Vina and Pedro Nieto Oriana in a thrilling quarterfinal that went down to a deciding match tiebreak.

After losing the opening set 6-7, Aisam and Aqeel refused to let the match slip away. They raised their intensity in the second set, saving two match points before forcing the contest into a tiebreak.

The Pakistanis held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the second-set tiebreak 7-6 to level the contest and set up a decisive match tiebreak.

They then produced their best tennis of the match, racing to a commanding 10-2 victory in the deciding breaker to complete an impressive turnaround.

The result sends the experienced Pakistani duo into the semifinals, where they will face a Ukrainian pair for a place in the final.

The success also adds to an already impressive campaign for both players. Aisam and Aqeel have reached the semifinals in mixed doubles as well, although they are competing with different partners.

Aqeel has advanced alongside Germany’s Eline Aranas Roth, while Aisam has reached the mixed doubles semifinals with Austria’s Nina Hermann.

For Aisam, the tournament continues to underline his remarkable longevity in international tennis. The former Pakistan Davis Cup star remains a major presence in the Masters circuit, while Aqeel’s performances have further strengthened Pakistan’s challenge in Lisbon.

Their latest comeback will give the pair considerable confidence heading into the semifinals. After surviving two match points and overturning a first-set defeat, Aisam and Aqeel now stand just one victory away from reaching the championship final.

Pakistan will be hoping the experienced duo can carry their momentum into the next round and add another major achievement to their impressive Masters campaign.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Pakistan’s water is red line, PM Shehbaz warns I…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan will respond directly if India fails to change course, declaring that every drop of the country’s water is a “red line.” Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Victory Monument in Islamabad, the prime minister said Pakistan wanted peace rather than war, but its desire for peace should never be mistaken for weakness. He said the country was committed to pursuing peace with dignity while remaining prepared to protect its sovereignty and national interests. Shehbaz Sharif described the Victory Monument as a symbol of the courage, determination and professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces. He said the monument also paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the country and honoured the armed forces personnel who demonstrated exceptional bravery. The prime minister congratulated the nation on what he described as a historic victory in the May 2025 conflict and praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership. He said Pakistan’s response had strengthened the country’s standing and sent a clear message that any future challenge to its sovereignty or security would be met with a stronger response. Referring to India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, Shehbaz Sharif accused New Delhi of undermining regional peace. He warned that Pakistan’s water resources were a matter of national security and reiterated that the country would take direct action if India continued on its current course. The prime minister said the monument represented a milestone in Pakistan’s broader journey towards becoming a prosperous, stable and welfare-oriented state. He stressed the need to combine national defence with economic development, technological advancement and investment in human resources. Highlighting the growing importance of information technology and artificial intelligence, Shehbaz said Pakistan must prepare its younger generation for a rapidly changing global environment. He pledged that the government would provide maximum possible support for innovation, technology and skills development. On foreign policy, the prime minister said Pakistan wanted a region free from conflicts and supported resolving disputes through justice and the principles of the United Nations. He highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran and praised Field Marshal Asim Munir’s efforts towards promoting peace in the Middle East. Shehbaz also referred to the emerging trilateral defence cooperation involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as a positive development for regional stability and a message of peace for the wider Muslim world. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari jointly inaugurated the Victory Monument in Islamabad, attended by senior civil and military officials.

  • | |

    Munem Zafar accuses govt machinery of mishandling …

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Munem Zafar has accused government authorities of deliberately weakening the investigation into the Mir Raza Ali case, calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible. Speaking at a press conference at the Noor-e-Haq Institute, Zafar said the circumstances surrounding the case had raised serious questions. He pointed out that the incident was initially reported as a suicide, while findings that emerged following the exhumation presented a markedly different picture. Zafar said the government was responsible for ensuring a transparent investigation and bringing the people involved to justice. He alleged that the government machinery was instead being used to undermine the case. Turning to Karachi’s civic problems, the JI leader said a large part of the city was facing a severe water shortage. He accused the Water Corporation of becoming a centre of corruption and criticised the recent increase in water prices. Zafar also expressed concern over the city’s water supply from the Hub Canal, saying the situation had become evident to residents. He further criticised the disruption caused by the Red Line project, saying Karachi’s citizens were being subjected to considerable difficulties in the name of development.

  • | |

    George and Amal Clooney evacuate beloved French ho…

    ByJustpaste.in

    George and Amal Clooney have been forced to leave their picturesque home in southeastern France after fast-moving wildfires swept through the region, placing thousands of residents at risk. The Hollywood couple, who live in Brignoles with their nine-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, confirmed their evacuation as emergency crews battled the devastating blazes.  The Clooneys revealed the news in a heartfelt letter addressed to Brignoles Mayor Didier Brémond. In the message, the couple admitted they had no way of knowing whether their cherished home would survive the disaster. Despite the uncertainty, they expressed hope for the safety of their neighbors and pledged to stand by the local community during the recovery effort.  “At this point we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment,” the couple wrote. They also stressed that, regardless of what happens to their property, they remain committed to helping Brignoles rebuild. “We love Brignoles and our friends who live there,” the letter added.  The wildfires have spread rapidly across several parts of southern Europe, including France, Spain, Italy and Greece, fueled by extreme heat and dry weather. French authorities have carried out thousands of evacuations as firefighters continue working around the clock to contain the flames. Reports indicate that some of the fires have grown to cover an area several times larger than Paris, highlighting the scale of the crisis.  George and Amal made France their primary family home in recent years, choosing the quieter lifestyle of Brignoles over the constant attention of Hollywood. The couple has previously spoken about wanting their children to enjoy a more private upbringing, away from the spotlight. George has often described life in the French countryside as peaceful and ideal for family life.  Although the family has temporarily left the area, their message made it clear that they remain emotionally connected to the town they now call home. Their promise to help with recovery efforts has been widely praised by local residents and supporters, who have applauded the couple’s commitment during a difficult time.  As firefighters continue battling the blazes, the fate of the Clooneys’ home remains uncertain. However, the couple’s focus appears to be on the safety of their community rather than their own property. Their response serves as a reminder that natural disasters affect everyone, regardless of fame, while also highlighting the importance of standing together in times of crisis. 

  • |

    Salman Ali Agha breaks silence after Pakistan’s England defeat

    ByJustpaste.in

    LEEDS: Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha has admitted that England exposed weaknesses across the board after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in the opening Test, while expressing hope that Babar Azam will return for the next match. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Salman acknowledged that Pakistan were outplayed by England and failed to maintain the consistency required at international level. “England outclassed us in every department,” Salman said, adding that the team repeatedly failed to execute its plans when it mattered most. The defeat has raised fresh questions about Pakistan’s preparations for the challenging England conditions. Salman said the team had arrived only about a week before the start of the series, leaving limited time for players to adjust to the unfamiliar conditions. “We always face tough challenges in England,” he said, stressing that adapting to local conditions requires time and experience. Pakistan’s problems were particularly visible with the bat. After being dismissed for 171 in their first innings, the visitors managed only 135 in the second, allowing England to complete a comprehensive innings victory. Salman also admitted that several senior players are struggling for form. He pointed to his own performance, as well as those of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, saying the lack of runs from key batters has become a major concern for the side. The captain nevertheless insisted that Pakistan have enough talent to improve. “We are going through a difficult rebuilding phase,” Salman said, describing the current team as a side being prepared with an eye on the future. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s bowling attack is relatively young and inexperienced but argued that the experience gained during difficult overseas tours could prove valuable in the long term. The captain’s comments come as Pakistan attempt to recover from a disappointing start to their three-Test series against England. The visitors will need a significant improvement in both batting and execution if they are to challenge the hosts in the remaining matches. One potential boost could come from the return of Babar Azam. Salman expressed hope that the former Pakistan captain would be fully fit and available for the next Test. Babar’s return could provide Pakistan with much-needed experience and stability in the batting order at a crucial stage of the series. Pakistan’s recent struggles have highlighted the difficulty of competing overseas, particularly when a team is undergoing transition. For Salman, however, the priority is clear: Pakistan must learn quickly and raise their standards. The stand-in captain stressed that the current level of performance is not acceptable and urged the team to improve its execution in foreign conditions. With two Tests still remaining, Pakistan have an opportunity to respond on the field. But after a one-sided opening defeat, the pressure will be firmly on the visitors to show that their rebuilding project can deliver results as well as promise.

  • |

    US and Asian chip stocks fall after report of Chinese semiconductor breakthrough

    ByJustpaste.in

    Shares of major semiconductor companies dropped sharply on Monday after a report suggested that a Chinese firm has made significant progress in developing advanced chipmaking equipment. The news raised concerns among investors that China could reduce its reliance on foreign technology and strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry. The market reaction followed a report by The Information, which said Shanghai Yuliangsheng is producing immersion deep ultraviolet lithography machines. These machines use ultraviolet light to carve extremely small circuits onto silicon wafers, a key step in manufacturing modern computer chips. Neither Shanghai Yuliangsheng nor related companies SiCarrier and Huawei responded immediately to requests for comment. However, the report was enough to unsettle investors, who fear that China’s progress in chip manufacturing could reshape competition in the technology sector. If the reported breakthrough proves successful, China could reduce its dependence on Dutch company ASML, the world’s leading supplier of advanced lithography equipment. ASML’s exports are subject to strict restrictions, limiting China’s access to some of the most advanced chipmaking technology. Developing its own DUV lithography machines would allow China to expand domestic chip production and accelerate the development of more powerful processors. Industry analysts believe this could help Chinese technology companies narrow the gap with leading American semiconductor manufacturers. The development is also seen as important for China’s artificial intelligence industry. Improved access to advanced chips would strengthen the country’s AI capabilities and help Chinese companies compete more closely with leading US firms developing cutting edge AI models. The report triggered heavy selling across the US technology sector. Shares of AMD fell by as much as eight percent during trading, while Nvidia dropped nearly five percent. Micron Technology also lost around five percent, and Intel declined about 3.7 percent as investors reassessed the competitive outlook for the semiconductor industry. The decline spread quickly to Asian markets on Tuesday. South Korea’s stock market suffered steep losses as concerns over the future of the AI industry combined with the reported Chinese breakthrough. The Kospi index plunged more than 10 percent to its lowest level since April. Major South Korean chipmakers were among the hardest hit. Shares of SK hynix and Samsung Electronics each fell by around 12 percent as investors worried that stronger competition from China could affect future earnings and market share. Japan’s technology sector also came under pressure. The Nikkei 225 index dropped more than four percent, while leading technology companies including Advantest, Kioxia and Tokyo Electron each lost more than 10 percent during trading. The sharp decline across global markets highlights how closely investors are watching developments in the semiconductor industry. As countries compete to secure leadership in chip production and artificial intelligence, even reports of technological advances can have an immediate impact on stock markets and reshape expectations for the future of the global technology sector.

  • |

    Infantino’s FIFA gamble hits major roadblock

    ByJustpaste.in

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to bring private investors into the commercial management of the FIFA World Cup has suffered another major setback after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) formally rejected the plan. In a statement issued on Friday, the AFC announced that it stands alongside the European and North, Central American, and Caribbean football confederations in opposing the proposal. The confederation said the plan lacks the broad international support needed to move forward and warned that it could weaken the unity of global football. The AFC stressed that the FIFA World Cup belongs to the entire football community and should remain a competition shaped collectively by all member associations and confederations. It argued that decisions involving the future of the tournament should only be made after meaningful consultation with all stakeholders. The Asian governing body also criticized FIFA’s decision-making process, saying major proposals were introduced before proper discussions with confederations and member associations. It claimed the approach left many football authorities feeling excluded from an issue of global importance. The latest opposition significantly reduces the chances of the proposal being approved if it is presented for a vote. FIFA has 211 member associations, and a simple majority would be required for the plan to pass. With Europe, Asia, and Concacaf already opposed, the proposal faces strong resistance. Earlier, UEFA warned it could boycott future FIFA World Cups if the proposal moves ahead. Concacaf also rejected the plan, arguing that football’s biggest tournament should not become a commercial investment asset. Despite the growing backlash, FIFA has defended its proposal. The organization insists that it is not selling football but instead seeking new ways to strengthen the financial future of the game. FIFA says the planned reforms would attract investment, increase tournament revenues, and provide larger financial distributions to its member associations in the coming years. Under the proposal, FIFA would establish a new commercial subsidiary to manage its major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non-controlling stakes in the new company while FIFA retains overall control. According to the governing body, the investment model would help expand football development programs, generate new business opportunities, and improve long-term financial sustainability. However, critics remain unconvinced. They argue that introducing private investors into the commercial structure of the World Cup risks prioritizing profits over the interests of players, supporters, and national associations. Opponents also say the process has lacked transparency and adequate consultation. The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has not yet announced its position on the proposal, while the African (CAF) and Oceania (OFC) confederations are expected to discuss the matter in the coming weeks.

Leave a Reply

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