The Flair Travel ITF Men’s Futures M-15 (Leg-1) tournament continued here at the PTF Tennis Complex on Monday. This tournament is being organised in memory of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, a former tennis player of the subcontinent, in recognition of his valuable contributions to the sport and his lasting legacy in regional tennis history.
A total of 70 men’s players from 23 countries are participating in this prestigious international event. The participating nations include Pakistan, Kuwait, Russia, Uzbekistan, Sweden, Austria, Malaysia, Great Britain, Italy, Lithuania, China, Turkey, Algeria, Canada, USA, Ireland, Poland, Hong Kong, Nepal, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Japan.
Top seed of the tournament is Leo Borg of Sweden, currently ranked ATP 483, while the second seed is Samir Hamza Reguig of Algeria, holding an ATP ranking of 844.
Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), stated that hosting back-to-back ITF Pro Tour tournaments in Islamabad is a remarkable achievement for Pakistan and reflects the Federation’s strong commitment to promoting international tennis.
He warmly welcomed all visiting players, officials, and support staff, assuring them of world-class facilities and outstanding hospitality throughout the event. He further emphasised that the participation of athletes from more than 20 countries highlights Pakistan’s growing reputation as a reliable and respected host on the international tennis circuit.
He also added that the tournament is being organised in memory of his grandfather, Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, a legendary figure in subcontinental tennis. He described the event as a meaningful tribute to his grandfather’s legacy, noting that it holds special emotional significance for him and his family.
Col. Zia-ud-din Tufail, Secretary General of the PTF, along with the PTF management, expressed appreciation for the impressive international participation, noting that it demonstrates the global tennis community’s confidence in Pakistan. He extended his best wishes to all players for a highly competitive, successful, and memorable tournament.
In the final qualifying Round, 3 Pakistani players ( Barkatullah, M. Abid Ali Akbar Khan, Ahmed Nael Qureshi) won their matches and qualified for the Maindraw. The main draw matches are scheduled to begin on April 28.
Mens Singles Qualifying Final Round: Ivan Iutkin (RUS) beat Ivan Matveev (RUS) 6-3, 6-1; Barkatullah (PAK) beat Adam Farag-Cao (CAN) 7-5, 2-0 (retd); Alexey Dubinin (RUS) beat Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) 6-1, 2-0 (retd); Mohammad Abid Ali Khan Akbar (PAK) beat Muyou Zou (CHN) 6-1, 6-1; Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) bt Arkhip Kozlov (RUS) 6-1, 6-3; Adam Bajurko (POL) beat Fedor Dorokhov (RUS) 6-2, 6-4; Abhishek Bastola (NEP) beat Egor Khotchenkov (RUS) 7-6(2), 6-2; Artem Bukin (RUS) beat Josh Roe Flannelly (IRL) 7-6(5). The main draw matches are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 10 am.